The man called Brown clasped his hands and lifted his eyes to Heaven, "Oh, merciful Providence!" he cried, "we have waited Thy good pleasure, hopefully, for we knew Thy unfailing justice.
"It has pleased Thee to smile upon us, and the innocent may now be restored to the happiness of which guilt and chicanery have deprived them."
The three men worked till the moon rose high above their heads. They had struck upon a vein of gold, and their labors were amply rewarded.
They returned home laden with the dull yellow metal, which is the master key of all earthly power, the magic influence which can make all men slaves.
They returned the next day to the same spot, and worked again, and continued to do so till they were rich beyond their wildest hopes.
Then they packed their wealth in such a manner as to escape suspicion from any unscrupulous travelers they might encounter, and still followed by their faithful follower, Sambo, set out for San Francisco.
"When we once more set foot in the United States," said Brown, as they turned their backs on the dilapidated log-hut, "I will tell you my past history, the secret of my life, and the purpose I have to achieve in the future. In the meantime let us remain as we have been before, ignorant of all concerning each other, save that we are both honest men who trust in Providence. Shall it be so?"
"Yes," answered Smith; "friend, brother, it shall be as you say. Heaven shield those we go to save."
"And Heaven help those we go to punish."
"I say, Massa Smith, Massa Brown, Nigger Sambo is a big old fool; nebber say Friday bery unlucky day again."