The Overlanders agreed, and in the happiest frame of mind they dismounted and pitched their camp, after which they walked over the claim with Tom, Mr. White and Haley as guides. On the way up the channel of the dry stream Nora picked up three small nuggets of real gold.
“The luck of the Irish, me darlin’,” cried Nora, playfully patting Hippy on the cheek.
“I wish it understood,” announced Elfreda after their return to camp, “that this is not Elfreda Briggs’ claim, but the Overland Riders’ claim.”
“Too late,” answered Tom. “Your claim will be filed before you or anyone else can stop it.”
“I will see about that,” murmured Elfreda.
That evening, by the campfire, the members of the party discussed their good fortune, and made plans for the future.
Busy days followed, some of the party panning the sands of Lost River for gold, and finding enough to arouse them to a high pitch of excitement. There was no thought of continuing the journey, for there was work to be done where they were. A mining expert had been sent for, and his investigations were still in progress five weeks later when Grace asked Tom to take her home.
Jim Haley had not remained long with them, for he, too, had work to do in connection with evidence against the captured bandits.
The others of the party decided that they would return with Grace, but Ham White, at Miss Briggs’ request, together with three former forest rangers, remained on the claim to guard and work it, and assist in locating, if possible, the rich vein that all believed could not be far away.
“You are all coming to see us next winter at Haven Home,” reminded Grace on the morning of their departure for Cresco, where they were to board a train for the east—and Home! “It probably will be along about Christmas time, that being the most joyous season for old friends to get together, and we will have a Christmas tree and everything,” she added, laughing.