“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.

“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.”

“I don’t see how. He will be on his guard now.”

“Of course he will. I don’t mean that we should repeat the blunder of last night. You may be sure he won’t keep it in his cabin another night.”

“Then how are we to get it?”