The third time the strange wheels revolved about the camping place, although by this time the distance that had to be covered was greatly increased.
When the boys at last assembled once more and the reports were made they were all plainly disheartened. Perhaps the fact that they were tired also had much to do with their feeling. Even Fred, however, did not suggest that they should abandon their main purpose, for the excitement of the search in spite of his disappointment was still strong upon him.
"I'm not just sure," said George when the boys stretched themselves upon the ground, "that I'm looking for the right thing anyway."
"What do you expect?" demanded Fred.
"I'm looking for Simon Moultrie's claim, that's all," remarked George simply.
"Yes, and probably you expected to stumble over a mine with the men all at work. You expected to find a shaft and mules and men on every side. How about it, Pop?"
"I'm not quite as bad as that," replied George, joining in the laugh that greeted Fred's words, "but I'll have to own up I don't know exactly what I was looking for."
"You're hopeless," laughed his friend, but for some reason silence soon rested over the little group.
The afternoon was waning and the night would soon be at hand. Already shadows were creeping over the gulches and canyons and the reflections were weird and in places fantastic. In the fading light the vivid colors of the sides of the canyons became softer. The coming of the night seemed to cast its spell over all.
The Go Ahead Boys had become quiet. Even the stories of Pete, who a few minutes before had joined the band, seemed to be as unreal as the empty shells. Few questions were asked and it was not plain that all the boys were listening.