"I reckon it was because they loved them," said Hercules.
"They should have given us notice," said Wiggins.
"We have lost three men from our company," said Pate.
"Did my little brothers belong to your company?" asked Hercules.
"They did," said Pate.
"And have left us without giving notice," said Wiggins.
"Will you take me in their places?" said Hercules. "I can dig more gold than they could."
"Will you join our company?" asked Pate.
"Yes, if you will give me as much gold as my three little brothers were to get. I can do more digging than all three of them."
"So he can," said Wiggins.