Vermont. What have you struck, Tom?
Tom. What for ten long years has been to us a legend,—the lost mine of Nevada. See! here's the very pick he left in the hole. Detective, I cover your offer, and take your man.
Jerden. Not with stolen gold.
Tom (comes down L.). Stolen?
Jerden. Ay, stolen. You have jumped another man's claim. For proof, you bring his pick left in the mine. Its owner still lives.
Tom. Yes; and here he is (Nevada comes down run slowly), the richest miner in all Nevada.
Nevada (on platform). That's me, boys, that's me; but it's all locked up. Ah! if I could only find the key. You should dig no more, boys. You should live in palaces, dine off gold. Ah, gold, gold! Shall I—(Sees gold on stage.) What's that?
Tom. That's fruit,—golden fruit, dug right out of your garden, Nevada. Your mine is found.
Nevada. No, no: I've been up the ravine three miles—
Tom. So have I.