“A good idea!” said Obed.
So Jack threw himself on the ground in a listless posture, and the other two continued their explorations. They dug all about the boulder, which proved to be about a foot in diameter. It was embedded in clay, from which it was separated with some difficulty. It was encased in quartz, but the interior was bright, glittering gold.
“It’s a regular beauty,” said Obed, in a low tone, his eyes glittering with excitement.
“How much do you think it’s worth, Obed?” asked Harry, in the same low tone.
“That’s hard tellin’, Harry; but it’s worth a thousand pounds easy.”
“Thank God!” ejaculated Harry fervently. “That will release us from our imprisonment, and enable us to go back home.”
“You are right, Harry, but the hardest job lies before us.”
“What’s that?”
“To get it out without observation, and keep it secure from thieves.”
“We’ll do our best. Only you give the orders, Obed.”