‘I can’t say you did for certain, of course,’ interrupted Ben. ‘But you have been out of camp till midnight ever since, and where have you been all the time? Anyhow, I am fifteen hundred dollars short; that is a sure thing, and I want it made up. And what do you mean to do about it?’
The altercation seemed likely to grow into a violent quarrel; but one or two miners from the neighbouring huts came in on matters of business, and the dispute died out, leaving, however, to judge from the countenances of the principals, no great amount of good-will on either side. It was evident from the conversation of these visitors, that as Ben was about to leave the camp, and as the partnership which had existed between himself and Rube would of necessity cease, they had resolved to sell their equipment of tools, mining ‘fixings,’ and tent furniture, all of which were known to be very complete. This was what drew the miners to the tent; and among the visitors, there was a general understanding that the partners were not separating on good terms; indeed, most of those who came showed, by their addressing themselves almost exclusively to one or the other, a partisanship in the matter. Various bargains were struck by either partner; but whatever was done by Ben invariably produced unfavourable comment from Rube; while Ben did not attempt to conceal his dislike of nearly all transactions managed by his partner.
So the day wore on, with no increase of good-will in the tent; and the interchange of conversation grew less and less, while it became more irritating in its tone. Had the men remained together all day, a quarrel must certainly have arisen; but this was not the case, one or other being absent from the tent for the greater part of the time.
It was while Rube was absent towards the close of the afternoon, that a miner drew near to the tent, and from the repeated glances he threw around him, and the deliberate manner in which he approached, he seemed to be on his guard against some danger. At last, when he was very close to the tent, Ben came to the opening, and being busied in arranging some of the household gear which he was removing from the interior, would not have noticed this new-comer, but that the latter, in a lower voice than appeared to be requisite, exclaimed: ‘Ben! hist! Are you alone, Ben?’
Ben looked up, and apparently recognised the man, for he smiled as he replied: ‘Yes, Absalom, I am alone; and quite at your service, if you want me upon any business.’
The stranger was a little spare man, with a sufficiently comical cast of features; yet he did not respond to Ben’s smile, but with a very grave face, came closer.
‘Why, Absalom!’ exclaimed Ben with a grin of amusement spreading over his face, as he noticed the little man’s gravity, ‘what is the matter now? Been playing at “monté” again, I suppose?’
This allusion to the gambling weakness which was known to be a feature in poor Absalom’s character, also failed to diminish the serious cast of the little man’s countenance.
‘Let us go into the tent and talk,’ said the stranger, still without any responsive smile on his lips; and as, with the freedom of camp-life, he led the way, Ben followed him, wondering and smiling still at Absalom’s important air.
‘Now, then, Ab,’ he continued, ‘what is it? Let us have your news first; then we will take a drink.’