"A nugget! Great Jehoshaphat! Let me see it!"
The thief drew the bundle—still wrapped in Obed's red bandanna—from underneath the pallet, while his companion in intense excitement bent over to catch a glimpse of the treasure.
CHAPTER XXVII. — BAFFLED CUPIDITY.
An expression of surprise and dismay, almost ludicrous, appeared on the faces of the two adventurers as the contents of the handkerchief were revealed.
"Why, it's nothing but a rock!" exclaimed the new-comer, with an oath.
The thief stared at him in helpless consternation, and was unable to utter a word.
"What does all this mean?" asked the new-comer sternly. "If you are humbugging me, I'll——" and he finished the sentence with an oath.
"I don't know what it means," answered the thief in a disconsolate tone. "I'm just as much surprised as you are."