“Didn’t seem to be,” the mine owner answered.
“What got you all excited then, Jerry?” asked Bob, looking in the coffee pot to see if the beverage was boiling.
“I saw blue rock,” the tall lad replied. “Blue rock—you know—where the treasure chest was lost!”
“Is that so?” came interestedly from Cromley. “Come to think of it, we must be somewhere near the place where the stage went over. We’ll take a look in the morning.”
“I don’t believe it will do you any good,” stated Tinny. “You know my opinion about that treasure chest—it’s a dream—a wild tale like lots of others going the rounds. Still, don’t let me hold you back—try to get it if you can.”
“Can’t do anything until morning,” observed Jerry. “The storm’s worse than ever outside. Ned, you stumbled into the right place when you found this cave.”
“It’s better than the abandoned mine cabin would have been,” added Tinny. “We have shelter for the horses here, and there’s no danger from lightning.”
“And from the way it sounds outside it’s striking all over,” said the mine foreman, as one loud, terrifying crack succeeded another, some even seeming to shake the cavern.
However, they were safe inside, and no better shelter could be imagined. The cave was large and airy. There was even some fodder, such as it was, for the horses. And with a fire to dry them and their soaked garments, with food and hot drink, the plight of the travelers was much improved over what it had been.
“And the best thing about it—or one of the best—is that Noddy Nixon won’t bother us here,” stated Ned.