There had been a cowardly attempt to rob them of their miserable treasure.

He had met it and frustrated it in almost as brutal a fashion: the gold was already tarnished with blood.
To his surprise, yet relief, he found his partners unconscious of the outrage, still sleeping with the physical immobility of over-excited and tired men.

Should he awaken them?
No! He should have to awaken also their suspicions and desire for revenge.

There was no danger of a further attack; there was no fear that the culprit would disclose himself, and to-morrow they would be far away.

Let oblivion rest upon that night's stain on the honor of Heavy Tree Hill.
He rolled a small barrel before the opening, smoothed the dislodged earth, replaced the pan with its treasure, and trusted that in the bustle of the early morning departure his partners might not notice any change.