Soon Joe's deep, regular breathing and Bickford's snoring convinced the listener that the time had come to carry out his plans.
With stealthy step he approached the tent, and stooping over gently removed the nugget from under Joshua's head.

There was a bag of gold-dust which escaped his notice.

The nugget was all he thought of.
With beating heart and hasty step the thief melted into the darkness, and the two friends slept on unconscious of their loss..