“That’s all we wanted to know,” went on the other. “Come on, boys!” he called to his companions. “It’s all right!”
The whole valley was soon a scene of great activity, with miners staking claims on every side. They were eager with the desire for gold.
Within a week the whole region fairly swarmed with the gold seekers, for the section was rich with the precious metal. But no claim was as valuable as that of the lost mine which Nestor and the boys had found.
Arrangements were made for working the claim, machinery was ordered, and soon pay-dirt was being taken out in large quantities. A more comfortable log cabin was erected in place of the rude shack that served as a temporary shelter, and the boys began to enjoy life in the new diggings.
One of the first things they had done when they were sure of the possession of the mine was to write back home and tell their parents of the good luck.
Jerry suggested that in the missives each one should ask permission to remain at the gold mine for some time longer, and perhaps make a further trip before returning to Cresville.
“I wonder if we’ll get any letters by this mail?” asked Ned one evening, when, after the day’s work was done, they all sat about the camp-fire.
“We’ll soon know,” said Jerry. “Here comes Nestor back from town, and it looks as if he had something in his hand.”
The miner approached, riding Broswick’s horse.