Page 140 - In A New World

CHAPTER XXV.

THE MIDNIGHT ROBBERY.

The thief had little difficulty in entering the cabin. No one in the mining
settlement thought of locking the outer door or closing the windows. In

many cases the doors were left ajar; in some cases there were none. It was
not necessary, therefore, to become a housebreaker. Entrance then was the

least difficulty.

The tramp, however, was not quite easy in his mind. He didn't care for the

two boys, but he glanced with apprehension at the reclining figure of the
tall gaunt Yankee, who was thin but wiry, and possessed of more than

ordinary physical strength.

"If he should tackle me," thought the midnight visitor with a shudder, "it

would be all up with me. He could shake the life out of me."

But the stake was a valuable one--it would in all probability make him
comfortable for life, if judiciously husbanded--and Obed's slumber seemed
so profound that there appeared to be no risk. Nevertheless the tramp

trembled, and his heart was in his mouth as he stealthily got in through the
open window, and moved toward the nugget, or what he supposed to be

such. He had one eye on Obed as he reached for the bundle. It was with
difficulty that he could lift it, so heavy was it, but this only encouraged him,
and made his eyes sparkle covetously. The heavier it was, the more

valuable it must be. Were it twice as heavy, he would be willing to carry it
ten miles, enduring cheerfully all the fatigue it might entail. No thought of

the rightful owners or of their disappointment disturbed him. That greed of
gain which hardens the heart and banishes all scruples, held firm dominion
over him.

He lifted the bundle, and as noiselessly as he entered he made his egress

through the window.

He thought he was unobserved, but he was mistaken.