And both Paul and Chet agreed with him on this point.
Ike Watson was on his way up the Salmon River to visit a new gold diggings. He refused to stay all night, and set off in the dark, with Allen's thanks ringing in his ears for what he had done.
Despite the excitement through which he had passed, Allen slept "like a log" that night, and did not awaken until long after the others were up and Chet and Paul had the morning chores done.
"Now I feel like myself once more," he said when he came down. "And I am ready for business."
"So am I," laughed Noel Urner. "But the trouble is, I do not know how to turn without horse or conveyance. I am not used to tramping about on foot."
"If we had horses we might lend you one," said Allen. "But two nags for four people are two short," and he laughed.
During the morning Paul went out on horseback, accompanied by Noel, to see if the cattle were safe. While they were gone Allen told Chet of the hidden mine.
"It is worth a million," he said. "But it is Uncle Barnaby's secret, remember."
"I will remember," said Chet, "but we must tell Paul."
"Certainly; tell him after I am gone."