“What—who’s that?� Dick exclaimed, looking earnestly into the woods at the left.
“Nothing; nobody,� David said carelessly. “Well, here’s your mine hole, with the ladder in it still.�
They all went into the mine and examined it with a great deal of interest, especially the hole in which Anne and Dick had hidden. Black Mayo lingered there after the others were ready to go.
“This place looks as if it had been intentionally and carefully concealed,� he said; “the hole was covered with poles and then a layer of dirt over it. I wonder why? Suppose we investigate a little. We have plenty of time.�
“Mother says she never expects us back till night when we go off with you,� laughed Patsy.
“Righto!� said Mr. Osborne. “Dickon, haven’t you some mining tools hereabouts, a spade and pick and shovel?�
“Yes, sir.� Dick grinned.
“Well, we’ll get ready to use them. I’ll show you mining methods used by the old Phœnicians and by the Mexicans to-day. Let’s pile these poles and logs against the face of the rock.�
The old timbers were piled as Black Mayo directed. Then he put leaves and twigs under the dry wood.
“It’s your party, Dick,� he said, when all was ready. “You may stick a match to the kindling, and then we’ll flee to the open. We couldn’t stand the smoke. Besides we’ve work to do out there.�