“When can we start?” Ned wanted to know.
“Just as soon as the papers can be prepared,” answered his father. “Remember this trip isn’t all for fun. There are grave responsibilities attached to it, for, though the ten thousand dollars will be advanced by the three of us, still none of us wish to sustain a loss. So—find those sixty nuggets!” he finished, with a smile.
“Oh, we’ll get ’em—if those other fellows haven’t located ’em; and I don’t believe they have,” declared Mr. Brill.
“Well, boys,” began Mr. Baker, “now that is settled I think we can——”
He was interrupted by a rush of feet on the porch, and a shrill voice cried out:
“Hey, Bob! Jerry! Ned! Come on! Noddy Nixon is running off in your motor boat!”
[CHAPTER VII]
A NIGHT CHASE
“Who’s that?” cried Jim Nestor.