"Gold or silver; most likely silver."
"Do you think we have silver here?"
"Unquestionably; we have some samples of it at the Cataract now."
"When did you get it?"
"At the time we found the lead ore. Silver is usually a partner of lead, and from my examination of the samples we have it is rich in silver. It is likely that the indications of lead and silver all along this ridge attracted the attention of a mining engineer, and this was a test hole in prospecting for the ore."
"But if this hole was dug out, as you say, where did they put the dirt and rock which came out of it?"
"Examine below and you will see."
Below the hole the side was rather steep, but when the surface of the hill was examined there was no longer any doubt of the human agency which made it.
It was with a certain sense of joy that the boys heard this news. The island had been explored by white people; it might again be visited by some wanderers on the sea. This was a comforting assurance. It had the effect of giving new courage, as no other event had, since they reached the rocky shore during that tempestuous night, nearly eight months before.
"Don't you think we can get kerosene here?" was George's inquiry.