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To The West, a novel by George Manville Fenn |
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Chapter 54. We Make A Fresh Start |
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_ CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR. WE MAKE A FRESH START The wounded prisoners were not got rid of for quite a fortnight, during which time matters settled down again into the regular routine, one of my principal tasks being helping Mr Gunson to take little walks, then longer and longer ones, after which we used to go and have a chat with Grey, who made very light of his wounds. One day I asked leave of Mr Raydon to go and have a look at the valley where we had had so narrow an escape. He gave me leave freely enough; and as Mr Gunson did not care to accompany me, saying he had no taste for works in charcoal, I asked leave for Esau to come; and in due time we stood at the mouth of the valley gazing up. "'Nuff to make a fellow sit down and cry," said Esau, as I recalled our escape. "Pitiful!" I said sadly. "Ah, that ain't half strong enough," he said, as we tramped on amongst the ashes and charred wood, with the tall stumps of the great pines standing burned for the most part to sharp points, and looking like landmarks to show the terrible devastation in the once lovely wooded vale. "I only feel as if I could not use words strong enough," I replied, as we slowly tramped on, with the charred wood cracking under our feet, and the only thing that redeemed the burned region being the beautiful stream which rushed and leaped and sparkled, just as it had been wont before the fire scorched the whole place into a desert. "Why, it'll take hundreds of years for the trees to grow up again, if they ever do, for it strikes me the fire's spoiled even the ground." "It may," I said sadly. "Well, it's too hot to go on any further," said Esau. "Let's go back. Ugh! see how black we're getting. I say, look! I can't see a single green thing. Everything's burnt!" "Yes," I said; "and this was to have been our home." "What!" cried Esau, giving such a start that he raised a little puff of black dust. "This valley, with its pleasant meadows and the park-like entrance, was to have been our home. Mr Raydon had chosen it for Mr and Mrs John." "Well," cried Esau; "then it is too bad. It was bad enough before for such a glorious place to be burned up; but as it was to have been ours-- Oh, I hope they'll transport those fellows for life." We tramped back, having seen enough of the desolation to make our hearts ache, and stayed for a couple of hours in the lower part catching trout to take back with us before starting homeward, and passing two parties of gold-diggers from the coast on their way to the Golden Valley. They asked us eagerly to direct them, and I showed them the way with a curious feeling of dissatisfaction. But that was of little use, for if I had not pointed out the way some one else would, for the news had spread far and wide, and the gold-washing was going on more vigorously every day. Crowds of people were flocking up the valleys, some to gain fortunes, but the greater part nothing but ill-health and disappointment. The constant accessions of strangers made it the more difficult for Gunson's claim to be held; but, in spite of all opposition and complaint, this was done, the four men, or others in their place, being always kept on guard. At last came the day when, in spite of Mr Raydon's advice to stay longer, Gunson declared himself quite strong and well. "I am anxious to get back," he said, "and the more so that I am keeping your men there." "I have not complained," said Mr Raydon. "No; and you puzzle me," replied Gunson. "I should have thought you would have tried all you could to keep me back." "Why should I? What difference does one make?" "Then one more or less is of no consequence?" said Gunson, laughing. "Well, I am not going to repeat all I have said before as to being grateful." "I beg you will not," said Mr Raydon. "We had our duty to do to a sick man, and we have done it." "Nobly," said Gunson, warmly. "And you intend to start?" "To-morrow morning, eagerly but unwillingly, for I am loth to leave the society of the tender friends who have nursed me back to life." He looked at Mrs John and then at Mr John, ending by beckoning to me to come out with him into the enclosure, where Mr Raydon joined us, to begin talking about the stores he meant Gunson to have. "But really, I cannot be putting myself under fresh obligations," said Gunson. "Very well then," said Mr Raydon, rather bitterly; "pay me, and be independent." Then facing round and looking at me, and at Esau, who was some little distance away, he said sharply-- "You will take these two lads to help you, of course?" "Yes," said Gunson, as the blood flushed to my temples, "of course. I could not do without them." I saw Mr Raydon frown, but no more was said, and we spent the rest of the day making preparations for our start, Mrs Dean helping, with the tears trickling down her cheeks as she worked, and bringing forth appeal after appeal from Esau not "to do that." Those few hours seemed to run away, so that it was night long before I expected it, and at last I went to Mr Raydon's quarters to say good-bye. "There is no need," said Mr John, sadly. "The morning will do." "But we start directly after daylight," I said. "Yes, I know; but we shall be up to see you off." I went away to my own quarters sadly dispirited; and my feelings were not brightened by the scene going on between Esau and his mother; and I gladly went out into the cool dark night to try and grow composed, when a high-pitched voice saluted me. "Allee leady," it said. "Plenty tea, plenty flou, plenty bacon. Quong velly glad to go." I could not say the same, and I passed a very poor night, gladly rising at Gunson's call, and dressing in the half-darkness, so eager was I to get the painful farewells over and make a start. Mr and Mrs John had kept their words, and Mrs Dean was waiting to kiss me and say good-bye, and beg me to take care of Esau. "For he is so rash," she whimpered. "Do keep him out of danger, my dear." I promised, and it was understood that we all parted the best of friends, Mr Raydon inviting us all to come over and see them when we chose, and offering to take charge of any gold Gunson might feel disposed to bring over to the Fort. Then we were off, all well laden, and with two of the men and their Indian wives to carry stores. The way chosen was through the forest, and away over the mountain ridge, so as to avoid passing all the little camps; and in due time we reached the claim, dismissed the bearers, and once more settled down to our work. "We must try hard to make up for lost time, my lads," said Gunson. "Why, Gordon, you don't seem to relish the task." "Oh, yes," I said, "only I feel a little dull at leaving the Fort." _ |
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