"Perhaps not. However, you must make allowances for my natural disappointment. You led me into it, you know."
"If it comes to that, I have done you no harm. Even if the nugget wasn't real, you had no claim to it."
"You excited my hopes, and that's enough to rile any man—that is, when disappointment follows. However, there's no use crying over spilt milk. I have an idea that may lead to something."
"What is it?" asked the thief with some eagerness.
"I will tell you—after breakfast. My ideas don't flow freely when I am hungry. Come, my friend, get up, and lead the way to Joe's. I have an aching void within, which needs filling up. Your appetite may come too—after a walk."
Somehow this man, cool and cynical as he was, impressed his fellow adventurer, and he rose obediently, and led the way out of the cabin.
"I wish I knew what was your idea," he said.
"Well, I don't mind telling you. I believe the Yankee did find a nugget."
"Well?"
"You haven't got it, but you may get it—that is, we may get it."