Tom Scoresby again headed a delegation to approach the scoutmaster for permission to explore the cave.
"What do you think?" asked Mr. Newton. "Who has first right there—who are the discoverers?"
"Apple and Brick and maybe Chick-chick and Matty," replied honest Tom. "But I reckon they wouldn't want to keep us out."
"It isn't my cave," disclaimed Matt, who sat there with his head swathed in bandages. "I just butted in. I got all that was coming to me."
"'Tain't mine," said Chick-chick. "But if there's any treasure I want some, I do."
Glen and Apple only laughed, but Mr. Newton felt that he could speak for them.
"This is Sunday, boys," he declared. "No one will run away with that cave over night. I don't think that Indian will be back in a hurry. Tomorrow, after camp drill, all first class scouts—the good swimmers—may explore the cave. Mr. Spencer claims the water rights. All bullion and other treasure found and not claimed by the authorities will be shared alike by all in the camp."
Monday morning found the whole camp at the Ice Box. The stream still was high so that it was no easy matter to gain access to the cave, but no scout who had passed the swimming test for "first class" thought of shirking the attempt. Mr. Newton himself led the way and Glen and Apple were not far behind.
The many lights relieved the pitchy darkness of the cave enough to show the high ledges that ran still further back into the gloom.
"We will explore these ledges one at a time," said Mr. Newton. "Let every scout make sure of his footing before he steps. Don't get excited."