The third reason is that I believe this is just a phenomenally rich
pocket and that I have about cleaned it out. The fourth reason is that
another sandstorm will probably cover the Baby Mine before long, and
the fifth reason is: 'What's the use going desert-ratting until your
money's all gone!'"

"Well, I'll see that I get my share of that plunder" snapped the
unhappy tenderfoot. "Of course, right now, it may seem perfectly proper
from your point of view to take advantage of certain adventitious
circumstances, but--"

"Yes, the humble little jackass is really an adventitious circumstance.
By jingo, that hadn't occurred to me at all. I guess you're right,
Boston. I'll have to give you half the plunder. Now that we've settled
that point, let's divide the adventitious circumstances. I have four of
them and I'll sell you two for your half of the gold. No? Price too
high? All right! I'll agree to freight your share in for you, only I'm
afraid transportation rates are so high in the desert that the freight
will about eat up all the profit. I'm afraid that the best I can do for
you is to give you your half and let you carry it yourself. If you want
to tote it out on your back, Boston, help yourself. No! Well, well!"

"We'll not discuss the matter further, if you please. At another time
and place, perhaps--"

"Perhaps? Perhaps! Well, I'm stripping down our food supply to the bare
necessities in order to make room for this gold, and the water is
pretty low. If we don't strike water at Chuckwalla Tanks there'll be
real eloquence to that word 'perhaps.' However, that discussion can
wait. Everything appears to be propitious for an immediate start, so