“What made you get a chest? A trunk would do better.”
“We found it here, and bought it of Mr. Crambo. As neither of us had a trunk, we find it convenient.”
“We have breakfast at seven o’clock, and generally get to work about eight.”
“What sent you here? This isn’t a mining region.”
“Well, we’ll see what’ll come out of it.”
At ten o’clock Tom Cooper suggested to their guest, who showed no disposition to retire, that Grant and himself were in the habit of going to bed early, as their work during the day fatigued them.
“All right! I’ll see you both to-morrow,” returned Benton, as he bade them good-night.
When he had left the room Grant said: “I’m sorry to see Benton here. I am afraid he will give us trouble.”
“In what way? By giving us too much of his company?”
“Partly that, but if he had any suspicion as to the contents of the chest he wouldn’t rest till he had opened it.”
“He wouldn’t find it a very healthy proceeding,” remarked Tom Cooper grimly.
Some days passed. The new-comer did not appear to find anything to do. He had sauntered out to the claim worked by Grant and Tom, and looked on, but had made no discoveries. He did not know whether to think they were prospering or not. He determined to obtain some information, if possible, from his landlord.
One morning, after the two friends had gone to work, he lingered at the table, asking for an extra cup of coffee as a pretext for remaining longer.
“Do you think my friend Grant and his chum are doing well?” he remarked carelessly.
“They can’t be making much,” answered Paul. “I think they are fools to waste their time here.”
“They must be making something,” said Mrs. Crambo. “They pay their board bills regularly.”
“Humph! what do they do with the gold-dust they get from the mine?”
This was meant as a hint that Benton was unnecessarily curious, but he never took such hints.
“Is there any place in the village where they can dispose of it?”
“No,” answered Paul; “not that I know of. They would have to send it by express to Sacramento or San Francisco.”
“Where did you know Mr. Colburn?” asked Mrs. Crambo.
“We were employed together in Sacramento.”
“He seems to be a fine boy—or young man, perhaps I ought to call him. So steady, so regular in his habits.”