"Didn't you find that nugget rather heavy?" asked Obed slyly.
Colson didn't answer, but frowned, for the subject was a sore one.
"How many miles did you carry it, if I may be so bold?"
"I don't care to discuss the subject."
"I shouldn't if I were you. It makes me laugh when I think how you must have looked when you found out it was nothing but common rock."
"How much does it weigh?" inquired Colson, in a tone of curiosity.
"Somewhere between fifty and five hundred pounds. Are you thinking of attacking the guard? I wouldn't if I were you. They are prepared for gentlemen of your kind. You'd be more likely to carry off lead than gold."
"Confound the fellow!" thought Colson. "He looks as if he had the best of me—I must worry him a little."
"Do you know that you are in a very ticklish position?" he asked.
"I can't say it's a position I fancy much. Did you put our friends here on the track?"