"I don't really think so," answered the guide slowly, "but I shouldn't be surprised if they did."
"If they have got it," said Grant, "what can we do?"
"Nothin'."
"Do you mean to say that we can't claim it?"
"That's just what I mean. You can take up some other claims right close by if you want to, but first come first served."
"But that isn't their claim. It belonged to Simon Moultrie."
"Well, if it did," said Zeke dryly, "then I reckon they have as much right to it as we have."
"I hadn't thought of that," said Grant blankly. "However, I haven't much idea that old Sime ever filed his claim. If he didn't, why we stand as good a chance as any one. I do say," he added, "that the sooner we get started and the faster we go the less trouble we're likely to have."
"Then why don't we start right away?" demanded Fred as he leaped to his feet.
In a brief time the party with their packs on their backs started toward the Gulch. As has been said, the sides of the canyon at this place were not unduly steep, and, though the descent in places was difficult, none of the Go Ahead Boys had met with any mishap when at last they all safely arrived in the valley below.