Page 165 - In A New World

"'Round here," he answered vaguely.

"You look as if you had been taking a long walk."

"You are very observing," said Colson, not over pleased.

"I always was. It pays a man--sometimes."

"I hear you've struck it rich," said Colson, not caring to take notice of the

other's significant tone.

"Found a nugget, they tell me," interpolated Ropes. "How big was it?"

"Weighs about seventy-five pounds!"

"That is luck!" said Colson, with a sickly smile. He could scarcely help
groaning as he thought of his loss.

"Well, yes, it is tolerable hefty. I reckon me and the boys will be able to

take it easy for a few years. But we came near losin' it, after all."

"How's that?" Colson asked, but he did not venture to meet Obed's glance.

"Some skunk saw us bringin' back the nugget, and prowled round till he

thought we was all asleep. Then he got into the cabin and carried it off.
That is, he thought he did, but we was a little too sharp for him. We tied up
a big rock in my handkerchief, and I guess he had a sweet time carryin' it

off."

"Ha, ha! A good joke!" said Colson, but his laughter was mirthless.

"I thought you'd enjoy the joke, squire," said Obed. "How I pity the poor

fellow! His arms must ache with luggin' the old rock. The best of it is we
know the fellow that took it."

"You do?" ejaculated Colson, his jaw dropping.