But as they proceeded, it began to amuse me.

It grew to be rare fun to hear them planning their poor little economies and sighing over possible privations and distresses when a gold mine, all our own, lay within sight of the cabin and I could point it out at any moment.

Smothered hilarity began to oppress me, presently.

It was hard to resist the impulse to burst out with exultation and reveal everything; but I did resist.

I said within myself that I would filter the great news through my lips calmly and be serene as a summer morning while I watched its effect in their faces.