n through considerable, Joe, for a boy of sixteen. I wish
you'd come up to Pumpkin Holler and make me a visit when you're to
home."

"Perhaps I can arrange to be present at your wedding, Mr.
Bickford--that is, if Susan doesn't make you wait too long."

While this conversation was going on the dark figure of a man was
prowling near the tent.

"Why don't the fools stop talking and go to sleep," muttered Hogan.
"I don't want to wait here all night." His wish was gratified.

The two friends ceased talking and lay quite still. Soon Joe's deep,
regular breathing and Bickford's snoring convinced the listener that
the time had come to carry out his plans.

With stealthy step he approached the tent, and stooping over gently
removed the nugget from under Joshua's head. There was a bag of
gold-dust which escaped his notice. The nugget was all he thought of.

With beating heart and hasty step the thief melted into the darkness,
and the two friends slept on unconscious of their loss.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

HOGAN'S FATE

The sun was up an hour before Joe and Bickford awoke. When Joe
opened his eyes he saw that it was later than the hour he intended to
rise. He shook his companion.

"Is it mornin'?" asked Bickford drowsily.

"I should say it was. Everybody is up and eating breakfast. We must
prepare to set out on our journey."

"Then it is time--we are rich," said Joshua, with sudden remembrance.
"Do you know, Joe, I hain't got used to the thought yet. I had
actually forgotten it."

"The sight of the nugget will bring it to mind."

"That's so."

Bickford felt for the nugget, without a suspicion that the search
would be in vain.

Of course he did not find it.

"Joe, you are trying to play a trick on me," he said. "You've taken
the nugget."

"What!" exclaimed Joe, starting. "Is it missing?"

"Yes, and you know all about it. Where have you put it, Joe?"

"On my honor, Joshua, I haven't touched it," said Joe seriously.
"Where did you place it?"

"Under my head--the last thing before I lay down."

"Are you positive of it?"

"Certain, sure."

"Then," said Joe, a little pale, "it must have been taken during the
night."

"Who would take it?"

"Let us find Hogan," said Joe, with instinctive suspicion. "Who has
seen Hogan?"

Hogan's claim was in sight, but he was not at work. Neither was he
taking breakfast.

"I'll bet the skunk has grabbed the nugget and cleared out,"
exclaimed Bickford,