“Yis; that makes things plisent, as me cousin obsarved, whin he and his gal broke their shillalehs over aich ither’s heads.”
“I exact only one condition,” said Hammond, “and that is that you will each and all give me your promise to keep this matter a secret. It has been long known to the friendly Indians near at hand, and to some of the Blackfeet, and it is worth a great deal to them, while, if it should become generally known among the hunters and trappers, you know this place would be overrun with lawless men, and the Meagans would be compelled to leave the home which they hope to keep for the remainder of their lives.”
The promise was readily given by all, and then Hammond proceeded to explain with great minuteness the very cavern which Teddy O’Doherty had explored. The three listened, until he had finished, and then the Irishman astounded Hammond, by remarking, with his peculiar chuckle:
“We’re obleeged to you, Misther Hammond, but we’ve already been thar!”
CHAPTER XII.
HUNTING WEALTH BY FIRELIGHT.
Yes, Fred Hammond was not a little astounded, as he learned by what a singular means Teddy O’Doherty had discovered the cave of wealth, and he listened to the close of his characteristic narration without interruption. When he had finished, our hero remarked, with a laugh:
“Then I have all my pains for nothing, since Teddy has developed such a remarkable genius for dreams.”
“But yer intentions were honorable, as me father remarked, whin me mither fired the gun at his head, and by mistake missed him, and therefur we give you credit.”