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234
THE SNAKE'S PASS.

chance; and I'll find the threasure, too, before many days is over!"

"Well; but be reasonable also, or you may find your death!"

"Well, if I do that's me own luk out. Ye may find yer death first!"

"Of course I may, but I see it my duty to warn you. The weather these last few weeks back has been unusually wet. The bog is rising as it is. As a matter of fact, it is nearly a foot higher now than it was when I came here first; and yet you are doing what must help to rise it higher still, and are weakening its walls at the same time." He scowled at me as he sullenly answered:—

"Well, all I say is I'll do as I like wid me own. I wouldn't give up me chance iv findin' the threasure now—no, not for God himself!"

"Hush! man; hush!" said Dick sternly, as we turned away. "Do not tempt Him, but be warned in time!"

"Let Him look out for Himself, an' I'll look out for meself," he answered with a sneer. "I'll find the threasure—an' if need be in spite iv God an' iv the Divil too!"