“No, Senor, with a guide. Senora know trail well. Travel light. Shoot straight like a man. Good traveler.”
“I hope you’re mistaken about her going to the mine to join her husband,” Mr. Livingston said, frowning. “Rhodes shouldn’t be there. At least it was my understanding that Corning sent him packing when he took over.”
“Senora go to be with husband,” the guide repeated. “At emerald mine changes come fast. Today one engineer—tomorrow another.”
The Indian’s information increased Mr. Livingston’s eagerness to be away. He urged that the loading of the animals be hastened.
After numerous and vexing delays, the Scout party finally set off single file into the hills. Considerable equipment had to be taken, for the Explorers repeatedly had been warned that they must expect extremes of heat and cold, often within an eight or ten mile stretch of trail.
“Odd that a road never was built to the mine,” Willie remarked as he trudged along.
“Not so odd,” Jack returned. “The government never has been eager to make the mining area accessible. Emeralds are too easily stolen.”
“That’s right,” Mr. Livingston backed him up. “About the only equipment needed for emerald mining is a strong back, a pick axe and a crowbar. Laborers are kept under contract and during the period of their service, not permitted to leave the area. That’s to prevent theft of emeralds.”
“I’d like to find an emerald while we’re at the mine,” War remarked eagerly. “A great big one!”
The others laughed. “Don’t worry,” Jack teased him. “If you do find one, you won’t be allowed to walk off with it.”