“You’ll have to work your brain a bit,” Croyden added. “The letter’s not all that’s needed, thank Heaven! You’ve stolen the one, but you can’t steal the other.”
The men, after consulting together, went to the buggy, took out two picks and shovels, and, returning to the place, fell to work.
“Did you ever see such fools?” said Macloud. “Dig! damn you, dig!” 139
After a short while, Bald-head threw down his pick and hoisted himself out of the hole. An animated discussion followed.
“He’s got a glimmer of intelligence, at last,” Croyden muttered.
The discussion grew more animated, they waved their arms toward the Bay, and toward the Severn, and toward the land. Hook-nose slammed his pick up and down to emphasize his argument. Bald-head did likewise.
“They’ll be doing the war dance, next!” laughed Macloud.
“‘When thieves fall out, honest men come by their own,’” Croyden quoted.
“More honest men, you mean—the comparative degree.”
“Life is made up of comparatives,” said Croyden. “What’s the matter now?” as Bald-head faced about and stalked back to the buggy. “Has he quit work so soon?”