In awe, the others examined the treasure.
“They’re first quality gems, or I’m no judge,” Mr. Livingston asserted. “No wonder Rhodes wants to reestablish himself here.”
“You think he knows the value of the vein?” Jack asked.
“He must. I believe it was because of this vein that he went to so much trouble to set himself up in Corning’s place. He’s kept the knowledge from the miners and probably from company officials, hoping to profit personally!”
“We’ll spike his little game,” Jack chuckled.
“We may,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “The important thing now is to get back to camp.”
“Fast,” Ken added, with an uneasy glance at the lowering sun. “We can’t possibly make it by dark now.”
Before starting back, the Scouts carefully disguised the hole through which Jack had fallen, marking the locality. The work completed, they shouldered their packs and started off at a fast pace.
Though the return trip was much easier, darkness soon overtook them. Doggedly they followed the stream which rushed over the rocks in a foaming, angry torrent.
Unwilling to waste even a moment, the party did not pause to prepare supper. Aching in every muscle, the Scouts nevertheless kept moving.