"Gosh!" exclaimed Andy. "He must think this is a wedding party instead of a treasure hunting expedition. But I hope the old custom holds good."
They rode off over the prairie under the summer sun, their hearts filled with hope, and with no thought of the dangers they were soon to face. Probably if they had had intimations of them it would had made no difference.
"We'll head for the dam first," said Billy, "and take a look at the work going on. Then I can arrange for one of the men to take back word for us when we leave Golden Peak, so uncle can turn on the water."
"I rather think I'd like to see that operation," said Frank.
"Oh, we can come down to it if we like," returned Billy. "That is, if we're not too busy getting out the treasure."
"I wonder what the treasure will be, anyhow?" spoke Andy. "I should think gold ore."
"Or maybe silver, or copper," suggested Frank. "You know we're not a great way from Colorado, and some of the rock strata of that State, where there is gold, and other minerals, may have outcropped in Golden Peak."
The boys talked of the possibility of this as they rode on. Now and then they would flush some partridges, or sage hens, but they did not shoot any, as they wanted to wait about getting game until they were in camp.
"Watch out for prairie dogs' burrows," warned Billy. "There are a lot of 'em around here." He spoke only just in time, for Frank managed to pull his steed aside from stepping in one, which might have given him a bad tumble.
They reached the dam, where scores of men were at work, and the foreman greeted them pleasantly. He readily agreed to send back word for them when they left Golden Peak.