Page 141 - In A New World

Harry Vane was usually a heavy sleeper. He had slept through many a
thunder-storm at home, and under ordinary circumstances he would have

slept through this entire night. But the thought of the nugget, even in his
sleeping hours, weighed upon him and entered into his dreams. Singularly,

he was dreaming at this very moment that it was being stolen, and in the
intensity of his excitement all at once he became broad awake, just as the
thief was disappearing through the window. With a startled look he glanced

toward the place where the false nugget had been placed.

It was gone!

Evidently the thief had been taken in, and the thought amused him so much

that he almost unconsciously laughed aloud. The sound fell on the ears of
the receding thief, and filled his heart with apprehension, though he fancied

it was a sound emitted in sleep. Still, it might precede awakening.

Once out of the window he did not stand upon the order of his going, but

fled with a speed remarkable considering the weight of the bundle he
carried.

Harry rose from his bed, and though he felt sure the thief had been
deceived, he still, in order to make sure, opened the trunk and felt for the

lump of gold. With a thrill of joy he found it still there. Then he could give
way to his sense of amusement, and laughed long and loud. He did not,

however, arouse Jack and Obed, who, like himself, were sound sleepers. He
didn't like, however, to have all the amusement to himself, so he shook the
Yankee till he awoke.

"What's the matter?" asked Obed, in a drowsy tone.

"We've been robbed," answered Harry.

"What!" exclaimed Mr. Stackpole in dismay, bounding from his pallet, now
thoroughly awake. "What is that you say?"

"The nugget is gone!" said Harry.