was the straightest of the three of us. 'E was some wise gazabo, was Lyman. You an' me want to keep our heyes peeled for Healy, start to finish. 'E's the kind of bloke w'ot 'ud dig up the body of his farver if he thought the fillings in the teeth was worth it. 'E's so crooked, 'is shadder looks like a corkscrew. I've bin called a crook myself, an' served time for it. But I never threw a fight or snitched on a pal. I'm tellin' you that straight, Stone, between man and man."
He stopped on the path, looked Stone fairly in the eyes, and held out his hand. Stone gripped it.
They sold the claim before evening, for little more than would take them to Los Angeles after settling up in Skyfields, and arranged for seats on the stage in the morning. They would reach Los Angeles practically penniless unless Healy's loan materialized. Stone determined to try and attempt a monthly advance by wire. He had never done so before but he was not inclined to bank on Healy or be beholden to him. He even suspected some trick but, until Healy chose to reveal the location where Lefty would be able to pick up the placer, they were obliged to follow his lead. It was tacitly understood that each was to hug his knowledge until the time came to display it. Each was dependent upon each. Stone could not find the Madre d'Oro until Lefty found the dry wash. And it was tacitly understood that no one should be expected to give out information ahead. Lefty was sandwiched between them. The wall of gold was plainly the great prize; Healy held the
