These were only a few of the questions, demands, exclamations and wonderings that came from the three lads, Frank, Andy and Billy, as they prepared to set off to explore Golden Peak.
It was a fine day—a better one could not have been desired—and the sun shone warm over the prairies, while in the distance, as the trio stood in the ranch yard, could be seen the twin hills between which flowed the river that was soon to be harnessed, and made to irrigate the vast farms.
Beyond the hills lay Golden Peak, showing yellow in the strong sun, and fully justifying its name. Surely it looked as if treasure were there, and if it was, the Racer boys and their chum were determined to find it. They had arranged to camp for several days on the mysterious hill, which many believed contained wealth in some form, but which others said only held worthless yellow rocks.
In the ranch yard some burros, well laden with the camp stuff, stood patiently about, while Billy, Frank and Andy looked to their saddle horses, tightened girths, and saw to it that they had all they needed for a stay of some time.
"Now boys," said Mr. Thornton, "I wouldn't waste too much time on this expedition. Don't be gone more than three days. Because I'll want to close the big gates and let the river rise, and I won't want to drown you out like rats in a hole. So don't stay too long," and the ranchman smiled broadly.
"Well, we counted on a week," spoke Frank.
"Well, then spend three days at Golden Peak, and the rest of the week camping somewhere else," suggested Mr. Thornton. "There are lots of good places around here, Billy knows 'em. Besides, it won't take you three days to find out that there is no treasure at Golden Peak," and he laughed.
"I don't know about that," returned Billy. "But we could finish our camping expedition somewhere else, I suppose. We'll do it, and when we send you word, Uncle Richfield, that we've vamoosed off the Peak, you can turn on the water."
"All right," agreed his uncle. "Now have you everything you need?"
"If they haven't they never will have," said Mrs. Thornton, with a laugh. "They've been up since before daylight getting their traps together. Now boys, you will be careful; won't you?" and she put the question for about the tenth time.