When they awoke in the morning, there was a heavy mist on the mountain, so that they could not see a hundred feet in any direction.
"This is the worst yet," grumbled Bob. He was wild with excitement to reach the cavern and explore it thoroughly. The others were in a similar condition of mind. For all they knew there might be more big nuggets there awaiting them.
They had to remain where they were until about eleven o'clock. Then a slight wind sprang up and the mist was driven away as if by magic. By noon the sun was out as strong as ever.
Mark took a careful survey of the mountain and then located the spot where the cavern was, and all set out once more. They had to walk around two deep gullies and climb some extra-slippery rocks, but at last reached the landslide.
"There are my sticks and there is the cavern," said Mark.
"Hurrah!" shouted Bob, enthusiastically. "Now for more big nuggets!"
"Don't be too sure," warned Maybe Dixon. "Maybe there ain't another nugget near the spot."
"Oh, there must be!" cried Si. "It's just the place for 'em!"
They got down the landslide in short order and hurried to the cavern. Then the lantern was lit, and also two candles, and they walked inside.
A brief glance around showed Mark that everything was as he had left it. Without delay, Maybe Dixon sank his pick deep in the ground and his shovel followed.