CHAPTER 7
Jake
and October were eating breakfast in the mess hall. Tibbs joined them at the table. He was
uncharacteristically cheerful. “Morning, gents,” he said.
“You’re in a good mood,” October
said.
Tibbs winked at Jake. “Lady Luck
was with me last night.”
“She was, was she,” October said.
“What
would you say to me and Lane teaming up with you to do some wildcat mining?” “You
did that good?” Jake asked.
“Better. Got enough to stake me and you, with some
left over.”
“So,
you boys are in?” October said pleased.
Jake
and Tibbs exchanged a look. Jake grinned at October. “We’re in,” he said.
“Then
it’s settled. Equal risks, equal
shares,” October said.
The
three new partners shook hands on the deal.
“And
if we don’t strike it rich?” Jake said.
“Then
we just share the risk...and the company of friends on a magnificent adventure.”
“What
do’ya mean, if we don’t strike it rich?” Tibbs challenged. “Course we’re gonna
strike
it rich. I can feel it in my bones.”
“Between your bones and my nose,
it’s almost a sure thing,” October said jovially. “Well, I’ve got people to do and things to
see.” He got up to leave.
Tibbs was instantly suspicious.
“We’re you going?” he demanded.
If October recognized the accusing
tone, he didn’t show it. “There’s a freighter coming in shortly,” he said. “Got to book us passage on it before she
fills up. A lot of folks will be looking
for work elsewhere, so we better get aboard while we can. You boys get your gear together and meet me
at Dock 15 at 1400 hours tomorrow.”
As he left Tibbs turned to Jake. “Magnificent
journey, can you believe that old fool,” he said derisively.
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