A cavern was found deep in the mountains in which golden images and plate were buried. The value of the buried treasure was enormous.
It made rich men of both of them.
It seemed as if life had opened up before them with new and glowing prospects. The delirium of the gold seeker was upon them.
But after a time this wore away in part, and practical questions began to assert themselves.
How were they to transport their wealth to civilization?
It certainly was of no use to them here. It was a problem which required some little study to solve.
“I will tell you,” said Vane, finally. “Let us go to Quito and procure a pack train of mules. We can transport the treasure to some point on the coast, and there we may find a trading vessel on which we may embark for the United States.”
“Your plan is to purchase the vessel?”
“Yes.”
“Good,” agreed Harding. “It shall be as you say. We will do that.”