"This is a prize worth something," Murden said, overjoyed at his good fortune.
"The government will make its expenses on this trip," I remarked, as I calculated the worth of the gold.
"Do you suppose that government will ever see the color of this dust?" asked Murden, with a laugh.
I replied that I expected he would render an account of it to his superior officer.
"And let my superior officer retain the whole of that which we have worked hard for. I know a trick worth two of that. Stand by and let me divide it according to grade, men."
A pair of scales was produced in a twinkling from one of the saddle holsters of the men, and with great dignity the lieutenant weighed out the full amount, and then made a calculation.
"I am going to let these two gentlemen share equally with me. They deserve more, but according to the rules of the service, volunteers must rate with lieutenants."
Fred and I looked at each other in surprise, hardly believing our senses, while the men declared with one accord that it was but right we should receive our share, and that we were an honor to the police force.
"There's twenty-two hundred dollars to be divided among the men, and about two thousand dollars for us three," said Murden, after finishing his calculations.