neat play on words, don't you think?"

"Do you mean to say that I'm not in on this find?" demanded the man
from Boston.

"Your penetration is remarkable. I do."

"But such a course is outrageous. It's opposed--"

"Please do not argue with me. I found it. Naturally I claim it. I could
quote you verbatim the section of the mining law under which I am
entitled to maintain this high-handed--er--outrage; but why indulge in
such a dry subject? I found this claim, and since I don't feel
generously disposed this morning, I'm going to keep it."

"But I'm in the party with you. It seems to me that common justice--"

"For goodness' sake, Boston, don't throw up to me the sins of my past.
Of course you're in my party. That's my misfortune, not my fault. I
observed this little backbone of quartz and asked you to walk over here
with me for a look at it. You wouldn't come. You said your foot hurt
you. So I came alone. If you had been with me at the time, now, of
course that would have been different. But--"

"But I--well, in a measure--why, we're out here together, sort of
partners as it were, and--"

"The Lord forgive you, Boston. My partner! You never were and never
could be. I'm particular in the matter of partners. All Desert Rats in
good standing are. You're the last man on earth I'd have for my