“Some contraction of the hollows under the lake’s surface,” answered Jack. “Maybe a cave would get filled with water, then some rocks would fill the cave up, causing the water to spout out into the valley.”
“It must be thet--but it is certainly wonderful, Jack.”
At last the pair reached the side of the mound or “island,” Here they could gain a good idea of the big pimento tree with its stricken branch pointing to the distant hills. Around the pimento the rocks were strewn in all directions.
“If there was a cave here it is filled up,” said Jack.
“Pity we didn’t bring a spade along,” answered his companion.
Dismounting, they tied their ponies to the pimento and then began to look around the mound, which was several acres in extent. Rocks were cast up in all directions, as if by the force of a volcano.
A half hour had passed, and they had found nothing of value, when of a sudden Plum snatched up something and gave a yell:
“Gold! gold!”
“True enough,” answered Jack, when he had examined the piece. It was the size of his little finger and similarly formed.
“The treasure must be here!” went on the Yankee lad. “Come, let us look for it.”