“It would take two hours to go back. I believe that phrase ‘the seeming is not always the true’ means something. Those things were not put in there for nothing. And it isn’t likely that such a treasure as this was hidden where it could ever be found by accident.”
He had stripped off his coat and stood waiting impatiently for Stubbs. The latter delayed.
“I’ll be damned if you go down there,” he said finally. “If anyone goes, it’s me. In these sorter hills ye can’t tell how deep a hole is.”
“I wouldn’t drop any farther than you.”
“Maybe not. But if anyone gits foolish round here, it’s me.” He added, looking Wilson squarely in the eyes, “There ain’t no one waiting fer me to come back.”
But Wilson refused to listen.
“In the first place, I’m the lighter man, Stubbs; and in the second, I’m the younger. This isn’t a 249 matter for sentiment, but bull strength. I’m in earnest, Stubbs; I’m going.”
For a moment Stubbs considered the advisability of attempting to knock him down. It seemed foolish for the boy to risk his life to save a matter of two hours. But when he met again the stubborn eyes and the jaw which was locked upon the resolution, he recognized the futility of further protest. He took off his coat and they tied the two sleeves together.
“Once more afore ye start, boy,––won’t ye consider?”
“Stubbs, this isn’t like you. There is no danger. Get a good brace with your feet. You won’t have to bear the full weight because I can climb a little.”