A number of human bones were mixed up with several hundred ingots of the yellow stuff. It was taken aboard the air-ship.
Frank estimated its value.
“There is about thirty thousand dollars in the pile,” he said, “there are twelve in Dooley’s party and four in ours. That will make about two thousand each on a fair division.”
“They are not entitled to any of it,” snapped Nicodemus.
“Perhaps not,” said Frank, “but we have banished them from the search and therefore ought to divide. At any rate I have promised it.”
“Oh, I don’t kick,” said the captain, cheerfully; “I am satisfied. It was not the gold I cared for so much as to solve the mystery of this lake.”
“And that we are now at liberty to do,” said Frank; “we will first overtake Dooley and his men and divide. Then we will do a little exploring.”
With this decision none found fault. So Frank took his leave of the treasure basin.
The gold seekers were overtaken on the shore of the lake. They were astonished at Frank’s generous announcement.
And when the gold was turned over to them Dooley wrung Frank’s hand and said: