Yet the boy’s mind was busy with other things. In what condition would they find the Aurora mine? and what would Colonel Mendix say when they appeared so unexpectedly upon the scene?
He could well imagine the Spaniard’s surprise. No doubt the man would do all in his power to ward off their advances. He might even deny all their rights to the mine. A man who had acted as the colonel had would not hesitate at anything.
Towards sundown they made camp in a little grove of trees to one side of the road. To Oliver and Gus the proceedings were novel, for in all their lives they had never passed a night in the open.
The mules were tethered a short distance away, a fire was started, a pot of water was set boiling for the purpose of making coffee, and from out of the various packs the boys and Mr. Whyland took such articles as they wished for the evening meal.
“To-morrow we will be getting more into a game country,” said Cottle, as they sat down to eat, “and then maybe I’ll show you one or two good things to shoot. Can any of you handle a rifle?”
“I can shoot some,” replied Gus.
“I have often gone gunning in the woods back of Rockvale,” replied Oliver; “but I never tried my hand at any big game.”
“We had better leave the big game alone,” laughed Cottle. “As I understand it we are not on a hunting tour, and it would take too much time.”
“You are right,” said Mr. Whyland with a smile; “we are after game of a different sort.”
There was a general laugh, and then Gus observed,—