They were in the wood with their guns, looking for squirrels, when they saw the approach of Mark and the hermit.
"I wonder what they are going to do," said James. "Mark has got a spade."
"I don't know. Suppose we hide, and then we'll find out."
This proposal struck James favorably, and they concealed themselves behind a clump of low trees, as already described. With eager eyes they watched the preliminary measurement, and the subsequent excavation.
"The old man's a miser," whispered James. "He's got gold hidden there."
"Just what I think," responded Tom, also in a whisper.
"I wonder if there's much."
"Hush! We'll soon see."
They were not near enough to hear what passed between Mark and Anthony, but they saw the gold coins which the boy passed to his employer. Then they saw the dirt replaced, and the spot made to look as before.
When Mark and Anthony had gone, they emerged from their hiding-place, eager and excited.