"That's a good idea," said Bill. "He told us the first time we climbed the mountain to the west of this gulch that it looked as if there should be some kind of minerals down here. From above, this gulch certainly looks like many a mining camp site in Colorado."
"I remember his saying that," said Pud.
The boys hurried back to the cabin and they had hard time restraining their impatience until Mr. Waterman returned. Bob handed him the quartz without any comment. Mr. Waterman took it and after a short examination, he said,
"Where did you find this, boys?"
"We found it off the little stream," said Bob. "Evidently Field has recently discovered a mine of some sort and he has just started to work it, for not very much work has been done yet."
"You have made a valuable discovery," said Mr. Waterman. "If I am not mistaken, this quartz has streaks of platinum and you know, platinum is more valuable than gold."
"What!" yelled Pud. "We've discovered a mine that is better than a gold mine."
"Now don't get excited," said Mr. Waterman. "It is most probable that Field has had this place regularly staked out and claimed by some friend over here."
"How can we find out?" asked Bill.
"We'll have to look it up at Tadousac, where the records are kept," said Mr. Waterman. "Lead me to your platinum mine," concluded he.