Page 147 - In A New World

would rob him of the precious nugget, and then he would be back again
where he had been the day before, and for years back. The dream of his life

had been fulfilled, and he was in no position to enjoy it. Oftentimes God
grants our wishes only to show us how little they add to our happiness.

It was no light burden--this heavy nugget which he was forced to carry with
him, and, drowsy as he was, more than once he stumbled with it and came

near falling. But at last he saw before him a cabin--deserted,
apparently--and his heart was filled with joy. It would afford him a place to

obtain needed repose, and there would be some means of hiding his rich
treasure.

He peered timidly into the cabin and found it empty. On the floor in the
corner was a pallet. He put the nugget under the upper part, thus raising it

and supplying the place of a pillow. It was hard enough, as the reader will
imagine, but it was better than nothing; and appeared to combine safety
with a chance to rest.

The thief fell asleep, and slept soundly. When he awoke it was bright, and

the morning was evidently well advanced. In an instant consciousness
came, and with anxious thought he felt for the nugget. It was still there, as
he realized joyfully. He was on the point of examining it, when a step was

heard. He looked up startled, and saw a man entering the cabin. This man
was such another as himself--an adventurer--and the tramp remembered to

have seen him about the camp. He was an ill-favored man, poorly dressed,
and might have passed for a brother of the first comer so far as his moral
qualities and general appearance were concerned.

"Halloa!" the new arrival said, gazing with a little surprise at the prostrate

man.

"Halloa," returned the other, surveying the new arrival with apprehension.

"Is this your crib?"

"No, I'm only passing the night here."