Hogan next tried Mr. Bickford, but with like result.
“I ain’t quite such a fool, Hogan,” said the plain-spoken Joshua.
About this time a stroke of good luck fell to Joe. About three o’clock one afternoon he unearthed a nugget which, at a rough estimate, might be worth five hundred dollars.
Instantly all was excitement in the mining-camp, not alone for what he had obtained, but for the promise of richer deposits. Experienced miners decided that he had struck upon what is popularly called a “pocket,” and some of these are immensely remunerative.
“Shake hands, Joe,” said Bickford. “You’re in luck.”
“So are you, Mr. Bickford. We are partners, you know.”
In less than an hour the two partners received an offer of eight thousand dollars for their united claim, and the offer was accepted.
Joe was the hero of the camp. All were rejoiced at his good fortune except one. That one was Hogan, who from a little distance, jealous and gloomy, surveyed the excited crowd.
CHAPTER XXXVI
HOGAN’S DISCONTENT
“Why don’t luck come to me?” muttered Hogan to himself. “That green country boy has made a fortune, while I, an experienced man of the world, have to live from hand to mouth. It’s an outrage!”