“You mean a heap of dirt such as the Ohio mound builders put up?” asked Ned.
“The same, my boy, only I think this one will be richer in historical treasures. The man said it was seldom visited by any one in this region. He was guiding a hunting party one day and discovered it. Come, we must hurry off. I want to see it before dark.”
Once more the Dartaway was sent ahead. The river wound in and out in the dense forest, now broadening and again narrowing. Sometimes it was quite shallow and then would come a deep place, in which several varieties of fish could be observed in the clear depths. Bob wanted to catch some for supper, but the professor was anxious to keep on, so no stop was made.
“I think that’s the place!” Mr. Snodgrass exclaimed after several hours. “The man said when I saw three big palmetto trees on a little point of land to go ashore and then walk due west. There are the three trees,” and he pointed to them.
“Doesn’t look like a very inviting region,” remarked Jerry as he sent the boat over toward the little point. “But I suppose that makes it all the better for the mound. Well, professor, we’ll go ashore and see what we can find.”
Mooring the boat to the bank, the boys leaped out, the professor pausing to take several specimen boxes and his butterfly net.
“Guess I’ll take my gun,” announced Bob, turning back. “I might get a shot at something.”
He took his weapon, a combination rifle and shot gun, while the others went on ahead of him.