"I was always unfortunate," said Hogan.

"You were always lazy, I reckon. You were born tired, weren't you?"

"My health ain't good," said Hogan. "I can't work like you two."

"You've got a healthy appetite," said Mr. Bickford. "There ain't no
trouble there that I can see."

Mr. Hogan had an easier time than before, but he hadn't money to
gamble with unless he deprived himself of his customary supply of
food, and this he was reluctant to do.

"Lend me half-an-ounce of gold-dust, won't you?" he asked of Joe one
evening.

"What do you want it for--to gamble with?"

"Yes," said Hogan. "I dreamed last night that I broke the bank. All
I want is money enough to start me."

"I don't approve of gambling, and can't help you."

Hogan next tried Mr. Bickford, but with like result.

"I ain't quite such a fool, Hogan," said the plain-spoken Joshua.

About this time a stroke of good luck fell to Joe. bout three
o'clock one afternoon he unearthed a nugget which, at a rough
estimate, might be worth five hundred dollars.