For several miles the auto journeyed on. No sign of human life was seen, though there were plenty of small animals and insects that Professor Snodgrass wanted to gather. But Nestor would hear of no delay.
“Hold on!” cried the miner, suddenly, as the auto passed a sort of trail leading up the valley. “This looks as if I’d seen it before.”
Jerry brought the machine to a stop, and Nestor got out. He looked at the trees on either side of the trail and then came running back to the machine.
“It’s all right!” he cried.
“What is?” asked Ned.
“We’ve found the lost trail to the mine,” replied Nestor. “I didn’t think I’d strike it this way, but we have. Forward! Now for the richest gold mine in the Rockies!”
“Hurrah!” shouted the boys, and Professor Snodgrass and the hunter joined in the cheers.
“Leave your horse here, Broswick,” advised Nestor. “He’ll be safe and the trail ahead is a hard one on animals. Get in the auto with us.”
The hunter agreed to the plan, and his faithful steed was turned loose where there was plenty of food and water. Then, with the six in the auto, though they were rather crowded, the machine was started off toward the long-sought mine.