"They've likely just moved to a new camping place," remarked Frank.
"I hope so," said Mr. Hardy. "If they've gone away it means that the gold has gone with them. If they're still around we have a chance yet."
Frank and Joe said nothing, but when they went to bed that night they talked in whispers in the darkness.
"What's the program for to-morrow?" asked Joe.
"We're going to find out if any of that gang are still around."
"Do you mean we'll go out looking for them?"
"Sure! It's just as dad says—if they've gone away the gold has gone with them. If they're still hanging around we'll know there's still a good chance of finding it ourselves."
"Where shall we look?"
"Up in the mountains. We can look around for trails in the snow."
"Suits me, as long as they don't catch us."