“And it was the Lawson gang, talking and laughing just outside the tunnel mouth, that we heard,” said Rick.
“It was,” agreed Chot.
Thus all the mysteries of Lost River were cleared up. Rick, however, was wrong in one theory. The rocks the Lawson gang used to hide the opening of the second tunnel did not come from the tunnel itself, but from the higher part of the mountain outside, being rolled down into place.
“Well, now that it’s all over we can work in peace,” said Uncle Tod, “and make up for lost time.”
Uncle Tod and Sam were kept busy, with their helpers, in washing out pay dirt and they uncovered a rich streak, now that they had the much-needed water.
“Well, boys,” said Uncle Tod to the chums and their dog one day, “if you haven’t anything special to do suppose you come with me.”
“Where to?” asked Rick.
“Over to the old Lawson camp. There’s something I want to see about.”
“Is the gang coming back?” asked Chot. “If they are we’d better get our guns and—”
“You won’t need any guns!” laughed Uncle Tod.