“Because I saw you sitting by the fire last night, tying your money up in your handkerchief,” replied Chase.
“Ah! I—eh? Yes; certainly you did, and that very move was what has ruined me. Money, handkerchief and all are gone.”
Chase looked sharply at his companion. There was something about the business that did not look just right. Brown didn’t act sorry enough.
“I say it is gone,” said the latter, as if Chase had disputed the point. “What is to be done now? You’ll have to support us both, Hank.”
“But fifteen dollars will not buy us food until we reach Cheyenne,” replied Chase.
“I know it; but it will have to last us as long as we can make it, and then we must go to work. If we can find nothing to do, the only thing left for us is to separate and let each fellow take care of himself.”
Again Chase looked closely at his friend. This was a new doctrine for the latter to advocate. Heretofore, especially since he learned that Chase expected assistance from home, Brown had laid great stress on the fact that they were to remain together until they reached the States, no matter what might happen; and if good fortune befell either of them, the other was to share it. Chase had been glad to agree to it. As matters stood when they left Independence, Brown had the advantage, for not having been obliged to purchase any clothes or bedding, he had been able to save every cent of his month’s wages, except what he had expended for food. If the superintendent had mailed that letter, then Chase would have carried the heavier purse, and he never would have thought of deserting his companion.
“I never saw the like of this,” said Brown, looking down at the ground and shaking his head.
“We’ll not give it up without trying to find it,” said Chase. “Let’s go back.”
With a great show of eagerness Brown caught up his bundle and hurried down the road, followed by Chase, who, however, did not make any effort to find the money. He had found it already. He could have put his hand upon it without stepping out of his tracks. The moment Brown turned his back to him, he saw something sticking out from under the collar of his shirt. It was the corner of a blue cotton handkerchief—the same one in which Chase had seen him tying up his money the night before. The gold was slung around Brown’s neck, under his shirt. Of that much Chase was certain; but he was not quite so certain that he understood the motive the man had in view in hiding it.