He wandered about for two or three hours, weary and feeling great need of sleep, but afraid to yield to the impulse. Suppose he should lose consciousness, and sleep till morning: the first man who found him asleep would rob him of the precious nugget, and then he would be back again where he had been the day before, and for years back. The dream of his life had been fulfilled, and he was in no position to enjoy it. Oftentimes God grants our wishes only to show us how little they add to our happiness.
At last he saw before him a cabin—deserted, apparently. It would afford him a place to obtain needed repose, and there would be some means of hiding his rich treasure.
He peered timidly into the cabin and found it empty. On the floor in the corner was a pallet. He put the nugget under the upper part, thus raising it and supplying the place of a pillow. It was hard enough, as the reader will imagine, but it was better than nothing, and appeared to combine safety with a chance to rest.
The thief fell asleep, and slept soundly. When he awoke it was bright, and the morning was evidently well advanced. In an instant consciousness came, and with anxious thought he felt for the nugget. It was still there, as he realised joyfully. He was on the point of examining the nugget, when a step was heard. He looked up startled, and saw a man entering the cabin. This man was such another as himself—an adventurer—and the tramp remembered to have seen him about the camp.
“Halloa!” the new arrival said, gazing with a little surprise at the prostrate man.
“Halloa!” returned the other, surveying the new arrival with apprehension.
“Is this your crib?”
“No, I’m only passing the night here.”
“Haven’t I seen you at the mines?”
“Yes, I have been there.”