At frequent intervals he would station himself at one of the windows which commanded the entrance of the hotel, and, looking anxiously out at the wintry scene, would consult the splendid new watch just made for him, at great cost, by Monsieur l'Epine. It was on the stroke of twelve by Monsieur l'Epine's watch when Mr.
Then L'Épine would shake his head, and the mercurial O'Kimmon groaned his deep despondency. Once the Frenchman's head was not shaken. A flush sprang up among the pragmatic lines of L'Épine's face; his dark eyes glittered; his hand shook; for as he held out the hoe, on its blade were vaguely glimmering particles among the sand. Later the two adventurers cherished a small nugget of red, red gold!