one before
twenty
` D'ye no ken what yon may be ? ' he said , a smile relaxing his grim features as he held up a rather large nugget ; `' tis the third yin this week ! ' Madame Midas took the nugget from him and balanced it carefully in her hand , with a thoughtful look in her face , as if she was making a mental calculation . ` About twenty to twenty-five ounces , I should say , ' she observed in her soft low voice ; ` the last we had was fifteen , and the one before twenty -- looks promising for the gutter , does n't it ? ' ` Well , I 'll no say but what it micht mean a deal mair , ' replied McIntosh , with characteristic Scotch caution , as he followed Madame into the house ; ` it 's no a verra bad sign , onyhow ; I winna say but what we micht be near the Devil 's Lead . ' ` And if we are ? ' said Madame , turning with a smile .