An hour's tramp brought him to the famous vein on which he had already built many air-castles; but neither Bill nor Fred could be seen.
Satisfying himself that there were no strangers in the vicinity he called them loudly by name; but without receiving any reply.
Then he trudged on around the mountain, shouting alternately for one and the other, until afar off in the distance it seemed as if an answering hail could be heard.
Now he ran with all speed in that direction, and soon he heard Bill's voice crying:
"Joe! Is it you, Joe?"
"Indeed it is, my hearty. Where are you?"
"Here in the bushes with what come mighty nigh bein' a broken leg."
Joe was soon by the side of his mate, whom he found lying on the ground apparently in the last stages of exhaustion.
"What's the matter, old man? Are you hurt?"
Bill told of what he and Fred had seen, and about the proposed chase, concluding by saying: