"Sure we are. It's anybody's gold. Of course we don't follow him and spy on him. We aren't that kind of cattle. But we'll find it prospecting if we find it at all, and then you'll see music in these parts."
"I understand there are gems in these mountains."
"Yes, they've been found. Here's an amethyst I picked up a week ago."
The Professor, after examining the stone, became enthusiastic. He pronounced it an exceptionally fine specimen.
"If, sir, you are able to pick up such stones as this on this Ridge why do you waste your time in seeking for gold?"
"That's just the trick, Professor. We can't."
"But surely they must be here. This one shows evidence of having been wrenched from its original resting place and hurled some distance."
Dunkan gazed at the Professor reflectively.
"By Hickey, I believe you're right at that. It gives me a new idea. I'll go to that place and hunt until either I find something or I don't."
"Do so, by all means. Those boys of mine will help you."