"That's right! Laugh! But it's built right up on your own pet theory
of erosion and changed riverbeds. And I didn't pocket among the
Mexicans two years for nothin'. Where d'you s'pose this Eldorado gold
came from?--rough, and no signs of washin'? Eh? There's where you
need your spectacles. Books have made you short-sighted. But never
mind how. 'Tisn't exactly pockets, neither, but I know what I'm
spelling about. I ain't been keepin' tab on traces for my health. I
can tell you mining sharps more about the lay of Eldorado Creek in one
minute than you could figure out in a month of Sundays. But never
mind, no offence. You lay over with me till to-morrow, and you can buy
a ranch 'longside of mine, sure." "Well, all right. I can rest up and
look over my notes while you're hunting your ancient river-bed."
"Didn't I tell you it was a hunch?" Del reproachfully demanded.
"And haven't I agreed to stop over? What more do you want?"
"To give you a fruit ranch, that's what! Just to go with me and nose
round a bit, that's all."
"I do not want any of your impossible fruit ranches. I'm tired and
worried; can't you leave me alone? I think I am more than fair when I
humor you to the extent of stopping over. You may waste your time
nosing around, but I shall stay in camp. Understand?"
"Burn my body, but you're grateful! By the Jumpin' Methuselah, I'll
quit my job in two minutes if you don't fire me.
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