human
Durn th' old map! Let's throw it intew th' fire an' git back tew th' diggin's, Ham declared wrathfully, as they gathered for the night under the Big Tree.
gpt
Stackpole shore must have been loony when he made that map.
human
Reckon you are right, agreed Mr. Conroyal.
gpt
Well, we'll have another look at the map; and, if we can't get any new ideas from it, we will do as you say and start back for the diggings in the morning.
human
No; no! Just one more day! Let us look one more day! pleaded Thure.
gpt
I can't believe that Stackpole did not find that Cave of Gold. He was so sure of it, so earnest about it--and there is the nugget and the gold he had with him when murdered! Let us look just one more day!
human
Well, son, I am sure that we all are just as anxious to find that Cave of Gold as you can possibly be; but, where can we look that we have not already looked? What is the use of going over exactly the same ground that we have already been over many times? It isn't a question of sticking. I'd say stick as long as there was any hope. But, as Ham says, any fool with eyes in his head can see that there is no gulch opening here. Either Stackpole was crazy, or we've struck the wrong canyon; and, in either case, we might just as well give up the search and get back where we know there is gold. However, I will put the matter to a vote; and we will do as the majority wishes. Shall we start back for the diggings in the morning? All in favor of starting back in the morning stand up,