“The mine will stand in our joint names before another day,” replied Nestor. “I’ll start for the Government office the first thing in the morning, after I’ve staked a claim for each of us.”
“Providin’ Noddy Nixon an’ his crowd don’t make more trouble,” spoke Broswick.
“They’re broke down,” answered Nestor.
“Nothin’ to prevent ’em from walkin’ here,” went on the hunter. “Howsomever, if they come we’ll be ready for ’em. Now let’s git supper.”
Taking a last look for the day at the riches around them, the adventurers climbed to the surface. They went to where they had left the automobile, made a fire and were soon preparing a simple meal. Broswick’s ready gun provided enough for supper and also insured a feast of rabbit and partridge for the next day.
The adventurers were so filled with thoughts of their success at reaching the mine first that they sat around the camp-fire until almost midnight, going over the happenings that had befallen them on their journey. Then, the first watch having been assigned to Nestor, all the others sought their blankets, and stretched out on the ground to sleep.
The hours of the night passed without incident. There were no sounds save, now and then, mournful hootings of the owls and the bark of foxes. Jerry had the last watch, from three until six o’clock.
He was sleepy when Broswick aroused him to take his place, but soon was wide awake enough.
“Anything happened?” he asked the hunter.
“No; but keep your eyes open. We have to deal with a hard crowd, especially Dalsett. If you hear any one approaching, fire in the air first and then challenge.”