the table in front of Kells. It made a heavy, solid thump. The ends
of the scarf flew aside, and there lay a magnificent nugget of gold,
black and rusty in parts, but with a dull, yellow glitter in others.

"Boss, what'll you bet against that?" cried Cleve, with exulting
laugh. He was like a boy.

Kells reached for the nugget as if it were not an actual object, and
when his hands closed on it he fondled it and weighed it and dug his
nails into it and tasted it.

"My God!" he ejaculated, in wondering ecstasy. Then this, and the
excitement, and the obsession all changed into sincere gladness.
"Jim, you're born lucky. You, the youngster born unlucky in love!
Why, you could buy any woman with this!"

"Could I? Find me one," responded Cleve, with swift boldness.

Kells laughed. "I don't know any worth so much."

"What'll I do with it?" queried Cleve.

"Why, you fool youngster! Has it turned your head, too? What'd you
do with the rest of your dust? You've certainly been striking it
rich."

"I spent it--lost it--lent it--gave some away and--saved a little."

"Probably you'll do the same with this. You're a good fellow, Jim."