There was wisdom in this, and Hammond joined with him, for, he knew that, if the trappers should be ready on the morrow to start on their return, Lamora would be prepared also; and thus, such a proceeding would be entirely in his favor.
And so, after a few minutes more discussion, it was decided to visit the cave by night.
It was yet comparatively early in the evening, when the four men issued like so many shadows from “headquarters,” and noiselessly made their way up the cañon. Teddy and Black Tom each carried a large pile of faggots on their shoulders, while the tall stooping form of old Stebbins took the lead, with his rifle and pick.
The night was quite dark, there being scarcely any moon, while the sky was swept by numerous dark clouds, that seemed to indicate that a fierce storm was at no great distance.
They had gone but a short distance, when they paused and listened. Nothing but the mournful sighing of the wind could be heard, nor could any indication of danger be detected.
On up through the cañon they made their way—on up until they stood on the level prairie, when they turned off and plunged anew into the wild and rugged recesses of the mountains. Down again, until they seemed like miners descending into the bowels of the earth, when they reached the small stream in which gold had been discovered.
Along this they made their way, with the same noiseless celerity, no one uttering a word, till all four stood around the entrance of the gold mine.
Here they compared “notes,” and it was found that not one had detected any thing suspicious; every thing appeared auspicious.
Neither Black Tom nor old Stebbins had seen the interior of the cave, and they were naturally anxious to explore it. Hammond, therefore, volunteered to act as sentinel, while the three labored; but, before doing so, all four went in, and without striking a light, scattered and carefully reconnoitered the cavern to make sure that no enemies were within.
Everything proving satisfactory, Hammond returned to his station, and the fire was started. Teddy knew where to locate it, and when the flame flared up, the eyes of the hunters sparkled.