Tho brother and sister were deeply grieved at their mother's death, but they could not blame themselves for her untimely end.
By her will she had divided her fortune equally between them.
After the funeral, which was largely attended by their numerous friends in New York, they decided to go to California and unravel the mystery which to them attended the fate of Jack Harkaway.
The journey across the continent was delightful.
Everything was so new that they forgot their grief and were happy.
[CHAPTER VIII.]
THE ESCAPE FROM THE MINES.
Alfonso, the desperate murderer, had effectually put an end to all his earthly sufferings.
Jack quickly recovered from the shock which his death had given him.