The two explorers clambered on for hours over bowlders and ledges of rock, stumps, and prickly cacti.
Poisonous snakes and reptiles were plenty in the place. It was with difficulty these were avoided.
But finally, after the hardest of work, they threaded the defile and came in sight of a deep-mouthed cavern.
“Found at last!” cried Harding, eagerly. “Now, Mr. Reade, prepare to feast your gaze upon a wonderful sight.”
With feverish earnestness, the gold-seeker rushed forward.
Into the cavern they passed.
Suddenly Harding paused with a gasping cry.
“My God!” he exclaimed; “what is that?”
He pointed to some marks in the soft soil of the cavern floor.
They were footprints.