“Why is that so?” asked Bob.
“Because, you see we don’t expect to try and make speed, as we did coming.”
“Well, we couldn’t, with these fellows tied up the way they are. A walk, or at best, a slow trot, is the limit with them,” and Frank pointed to the prisoners who sat grimly, two upon each spare horse.
“And then again, not wantin’ to try and pass on that narrow ledge, I’ve got to lead around another way, that’s longer, but safer. Perhaps we might make the mine a short time after noon, if all goes well,” concluded Mr. Riley.
On the way they happened to pass close to one of the points referred to in the brief note of instructions left in their charge by Jared Scott. Frank, desirous of proving the truth of the directions which had been placed in his hand by the balloonist, took occasion to make a thorough search.
And sure enough, he came upon the sack at the foot of the three cedars. It had burst under the heavy impact with the ground; but it was a comparatively easy matter to gather up the precious contents, so that there was practically no loss whatever.
“This looks as if we were going to get it all back!” remarked Mr. Riley, stopping to notice the look of yearning that appeared on the faces of the prisoners, as they feasted their eyes on the treasure sack.
It did take them fully six hours to reach the mine, and all of them were glad when the journey came at last to an end, particularly the bound men.
Everything was found to be moving finely at the Cherry Blossom. Sandy McCoy knew just how to manage things; for the fact of his having been an engineer aboard ship was in his favor when handling machinery.
Of course things had to be closed down for a short season after their arrival. The men were wild with excitement, for in some way the story of the robbery had leaked out. And when it was known that not only had two of the thieves been captured, but there was a very good chance for recovering all of the gold, hearty cheers announced that the late unpleasantness was already forgotten, and that from henceforth they were all in full sympathy with the company working the Cherry Blossom mine.