“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 XIV
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.”
“Where did you get it? How came you to make such a fool of yourself?” demanded the new-comer, frowning heavily.