“I’ll see that you get stock enough to entitle you to a representation,” said the prospector. “It will be fixed so that we four hold the controlling interest. Of course, I will have a great deal the biggest share; but I’ll arrange matters so that if anything happens to me you lads will step into my shoes, for I haven’t kith nor kin in the world.”
“I’m going to turn in,” said Jack, with a yawn.
“Same here,” put in Charlie Fox.
“Und I dink I’ll yust go py mine ped also likevise,” said Meyer, sleepily.
“You boys couldn’t do better,” acquiesced Prawle. “You are not used to roughing it yet. By the time the flatboat is loaded you will begin to feel hardened.”
Prawle showed the Mongolian where he could curl himself up for the night, and then, after making a tour of inspection around the immediate vicinity, he entered his tent.
Meyer was snoring loudly in his blankets.
The prospector picked up his Winchester rifle and assured himself that it was ready for action if wanted.
Then he pulled off his boots and lay down on his blanket without wrapping it about him.
A profound stillness reigned outside.