"And the five-fingered cave to boot," added Lanky.
"What do you want us to be doing while you're away, Mr. Wallace?" queried Frank.
"Simply amuse yourselves," replied Mr. Wallace. "But keep a bright lookout for those scamps we suspect are somewhere around this region, ready to spy on us, in the hope of snatching the prize away in case we find it. Yes, and you might take the entire bunch of ponies along that rocky trail to the right."
"Where does it lead, Dad?" asked Lanky.
"Jerry told me," replied his father, "that there is a queer little walled-in strip of land about a quarter of a mile further on, where, strangely enough, the finest of green forage could always be found, winter and summer. They used to turn their animals in there to feed and drink at the spring."
"Shall we stake them out?" asked Frank.
"No need of that," he was informed smilingly. "Nature took charge, and left only one narrow exit and entrance to this highly favored pasture. There are, it seems, several rocks that can be easily moved, and which when placed in position form an excellent barrier that the smartest cow-pony would be unable to jump."
"This sure is the land of marvels," grinned Lanky.
"We'll take all the ponies out there, and shut the gate of the corral on them," promised Frank.
"You might unload the pack-pony, boys, and put the stuff for our rations in one of these shacks, covering it all over, so that no possible curious eyes would suspect its presence."