circumstances that made this seem wise. But when the disclosure was
imminent, something in those small, bead-like eyes, unpleasantly
close together, something in the expression of the thin, pale face,
something in Nate's voice and manner repelled confidence.

"Nate," said Birt, at last, speaking with that subacute conviction,
so strong yet so ill-defined, which vividly warns the ill-judged and
yet cannot stop the tongue constrained by its own folly, "what d'ye
s'pose I fund in the woods yestiddy?"

The two small eyes, set close together, seemed merged in one, so
concentrated was their gaze. Again their expression struck Birt's
attention. He hesitated once more. "Ef I tell ye, will ye promise
never ter tell enny livin' human critter?"

"I hope I may drap stone dead ef I ever tell!" Nate exclaimed.

"I fund a strange metal in the woods yestiddy. What d'ye s'pose 't
war?"

Nate shook his head. His breath was quick and he could not control
the keen anxiety in his face. A strong flush rose to the roots of
his sandy hair, his lips quivered, and his small eyes glittered with
greedy expectation. His tongue refused to frame a word.

"GOLD!" cried Birt, triumphantly.

"Whar be it?" exclaimed Nate. He was about to start in full run for
the spot.