“Well, we seem to have stumbled onto the lake,” remarked Jerry. “If the auto had not misbehaved we would have taken the regular road, and Lost Lake would still be lost. As it is we have found it.”
“I hope we find some of the gold, as well,” put in Ned. “We may need the yellow pebbles if our mine is gone.”
“Whatever we do, we shall stay here until morning,” said Jerry. “It will be a good place to camp, anyhow, gold or no gold.”
So they all busied themselves in preparing to stay there for the rest of the night. A fire was built and a midnight supper was soon in preparation. They had good appetites, and, tired with the day’s journey and events, they got out their blankets and slept soundly.
By daylight the lake was seen to be a large sheet of water, rather irregular in outline, with many small bays and coves. Shimmering in the sunlight the water made a beautiful picture.
“Here goes to see if there are any golden pebbles on the shore,” remarked Bob, with a whoop as soon as he had crawled from the improvised bed. He did not have to stop and dress for the travelers slept in their clothes.
Chunky climbed down the slope, along a rather rough path to the water. Some time later Jerry and Ned were about to follow, when they heard Bob yelling at the top of his voice.
“What’s the matter?” called Jerry.
“Have you found the gold?” cried Ned.
“Maybe the hermit has attacked him,” suggested the professor.