The three were together, and they had taken all necessary precautions against danger from the Indians. The entrance to their underground house had been securely closed by means of an immense boulder, that was only shoved into position by means of their united strength, and the fire was kindled so far back that there was no danger of its being discovered by any one, not even by looking down the rent through which the smoke found its way out of the cavern. The night was quite cool, and they had an abundance of fuel, so that every provision had been made for their comfort. They had eaten supper, too, although neither of the three had much appetite for it. They were smoking, and, as a matter of course, discussing the all-absorbing topic of the day. Black Tom was the first to display his nugget with a triumphant air, which changed somewhat when old Stebbins produced a still larger one, and Teddy began to disgorge from what seemed his inexhaustible pocket. The entire wealth was emptied into a heap, where the firelight shone full upon it. The three contemplated it a few moments, and then removing his pipe, Tom grinned and asked: “How many skins and peltries would we have to take into St. Louey to raise that amount of specie?” “Several years work,” replied his elder companion. “Don’t it look purty?” asked Teddy, who was stretched full upon his face, his fists placed one above the other, while his chin rested on the uppermost. “Begorra, there ain’t any thing this side of ould Ireland that would do me eyes more good. What is it worth?” This was the question all three had been turning over in their minds for some time, and each gave the result of his conjecture. “I kin hit it purty near,” said Teddy, who was squinting at it as though it were a target for his rifle. “I was always good at guessin’.” “Well, what is it?” asked Black Tom. “Five hundred and fifty-four millions, six hundred and ninety-three pounds starling, more or less.” The Irishman was in earnest, and it was a long time before he could be made to believe that he had not gathered in more than five thousand dollars. “It’ll foot up that, any way,” said old Stebbins; “and if we kin keep that up for a few days, it’ll answer.” “You’re sartin thar’s plenty more thar?” asked Black Tom, looking toward the Irishman. “Sartin!” he exclaimed, in amazement; “it’s all over! There’s tons of it; there’s enough to make mesilf, and all me grandfathers and grandmothers, as rich as Queen Victoria, away back to the latest ginerations of posterity.” “You’re crazy over it,” replied Tom; “thar ain’t half what you say thar is.” “Yees jist go wid me to-morrer, and saa fur yersilf.” “That’s what I will do, ef the infarnal red-skins don’t get too thick.” “Or the beast,” suggested old Stebbins. “Be jabers! but we saad nothing of him,” said Teddy, who had scarcely thought of the strange animal up to this moment.