He reclined on the greensward near the edge of a precipitous descent.

He did not dream that danger was so close till he heard his name called and two men came running toward him.

Hogan, starting to his feet in dismay, recognized Crane and Peabody, two of his late comrades.
"What do you want ?" he faltered, as they came within hearing.
"The nugget," said Crane sternly.
Hogan would have denied its possession if he could, but there it was at his side.
"There it is," he said.
"What induced you to steal it ?" demanded Crane.
"I was dead broke.

Luck was against me.

I couldn't help it." "It was a bad day's work for you," said Peabody.