Silver Sam was more than elated at the result.
“I tell ye, boys!” he cried, “we kin whip the whole gang of them, even if they are three to one.”
“An’ what’s more, we’ll do it!” cried Diamond Jake.
The prospectors cheered wildly at this announcement.
Daylight came at length.
The party were all glad to see it, for it would enable them to start at once upon their expedition into the hills.
As soon as possible, Silver Sam had all put in readiness for the start. Bill Guernsey and the stage were to carry a part of the company as far as the stage could go.
Then the others were to press forward on foot or horseback, as the exigency would demand.
At length the start was made.
The Steam Man accompanied the party as far as the pass which entered the hills.