Page 151 - In A New World

"Yes; that is, I kept them in sight. They entered their cabin, and I waited,
perhaps three-quarters of an hour, till they had time to fall asleep."

"Were you near the cabin all the time?"

"No; I didn't dare to be too near for fear I should be observed. I wanted the
nugget, but I didn't want to run any risk."

"I have no doubt you were very prudent," said the second, with an

unpleasant sneer. Doubtless he would have done the same, but his
disappointment was so great that he could not resist the temptation of
indulging in this fling at the man who had unintentionally contributed to it.

"Of course I was," said the first, with some indignation. "Would you have

had me enter the cabin while they were all awake, and carry it off under
their very eyes? That would be mighty sensible."

"At any rate, then you would have got the genuine nugget."

"What do you mean? Do you think there was a nugget?"

"Of course I do. It's as plain as the nose on your face, and that's plain

enough, in all conscience. They've played a trick on you."

"What trick?"

"It appears to me you are mighty stupid, my friend. They hid away the real

nugget, and put this in its place. That Yankee is a good deal sharper than
you are, and he wasn't going to run no risks."

"Do you believe this?" asked the thief, his jaw falling.

"There's no doubt of it. They've had a fine laugh at your expense before
this, I'll be bound."