At this there was a general laugh.
“Mr. Percival,” said the doctor, “I venture to say that you and Tom are hungry.”
“I am famished,” said the banker.
“I am glad you are hungry, for I am cook this week, and hungry men are not fastidious.”
“I will help you, doctor,” said Peter Brush.
“Out of regard for our guest I will accept your offer,” said Dr. Spooner. “I am sorry I haven’t a few pounds of Tom’s grizzly to cook.”
“I am content that he didn’t make a meal of me,” said the banker, shrugging his shoulders.
Supper was enjoyed, and the four who partook of it were unusually jovial.
After the meal was finished Robert Percival’s business instinct led him to inquire of his hosts how well they had succeeded in their mining. He was surprised to learn how much gold dust they had accumulated.