“But we haven’t seen any gold,” said Jack. “I want to find some before I go back.”
“Get out!” laughed Tom. “All the gold there is in this mill you can put in your eye. But I think it might be a good idea to look outside a bit. Maybe there’s some outbuilding, or some secret cache where the pirates or settlers hid their stuff. We’ll take a look.”
“And then we’ll have some eats!” suggested Jack. “I’m as hungry as the proverbial bear.”
They strolled about the old mill, and saw more signs of where a search had been made for the reputed treasure. Holes innumerable were on every side, but the attempts to locate the hidden gold had soon been given over, for the excavations were shallow.
“Now for the eats!” exclaimed Jack, as they started for the dock where their boat was tied. “Lands! but I’m stiff!”
He really was limping painfully, and his chums had to help him down the hill to the river. As they approached their boat Tom, who was slightly in advance, uttered an exclamation of surprise as he peered along a path that led up the river.
“What is it?” asked Dick.
“Look,” was the answer. “Old Wallace! We got away just in time.”
“And see who’s with him!” exclaimed Jack, in a hoarse whisper. “Professor Skeel!”
“By Jove! So it is!” gasped Tom. “Wonders will never cease. Have they seen us?”