CHAPTER VIII.
THE KNIFE In every community, be it never so small, there are undesirable citizens; and, while the little party was still at breakfast on the following morning, three such members of society came around the cabin and let fall their packs, greeting the occupants boisterously.
"Well, well!" said Lee, coming to the door.

"You're travellin' kind of early, ain't you ?" "Yes--early and late," one of them laughed, while the other two sprawled about as if to rest.
"How far are you goin' ?" "Not far," the spokesman answered.
Now in the North there is one formality that must be observed with friend or enemy, and, though Lee knew these men for what they were, he said: "Better have some breakfast, anyhow." "We just ate." There was an uncomfortable pause, then the speaker continued: "Look here.

It's no use to flush around.

We want a piece of this creek." "What are you goin' to do with it ?" "Cut that out, Lee.

We're on." "Who wised you up to this ?" inquired the miner, angrily, for he had other friends besides those present whom he wished to profit by this strike, and he had hoped to keep out this scum.
"Never mind who put us Jerry.