CHAPTER XII

THE VILLAINY OF MR. CHRISTOPHER SKEIN The little colony of gold-seekers in the valley below were, one and all, early risers. Just as the downward-glancing rays of the sun smote the waters of the Blue River for the first time, gleaming like silver in the deep pools, and at the miniature waterfalls, they commenced to troop out of their shanties, filling the quiet morning air with their gruff salutations and badinage. On the whole, they were a sociable lot, with—for the time and the country—a strong element of respect…