The lengthy conversation had greatly wearied Old Stony but, when Jack and Mr. Livingston started to leave, with a feeble gesture of his hand the prospector waved them back.
“Just one thing more,” he said, his voice husky. “The gold—Craig Warner’s share—you’ll find it—”
A nurse had come to the bedside. With a quick glance at the patient, she told the two visitors they had to leave at once.
Old Stony summoned all his failing strength. Gazing steadily at Jack and Hap, he said clearly: “The bag of pinto beans. The bag of beans. You understand?”
To satisfy the dying old man, the two visitors nodded. Stony fell back on the pillow, a smile on his thin lips.
“I’ve said my piece,” he whispered. “Now I’m ready for the long trip over the range. God be with you.”
Chapter 5
THE SEARCH
The nurse motioned for Jack and Mr. Livingston to leave.
“Goodbye, Stony,” Jack said, reaching out to grasp the gnarled hand in a last farewell.
The old man’s lips twitched slightly, but his closed eyes did not open. Jack and Mr. Livingston quietly departed.