But the boys, now in the full grip of the gold fever, paid no attention to these mishaps. From one point to another they climbed, the sharp clink of the pick blending in with their shouts, as new discoveries were made.
"Never expected to see anythin' like this," cried Jack, exultantly. "When the news gets out, won't it make a sensation?"
"The California rush o' forty-nine'll be beaten to a frazzle," laughed Tim.
"And the Klondike forgotten," chirruped Tom.
Again Jack seized the pick, and began to dig frantically. Then, as if suddenly awestruck at the thought of the wealth which might lay hidden beneath the frowning slopes, he straightened up.
"Isn't it wonderful!" he exclaimed, softly.
"Oh, ho!" said Dave Brandon. "I almost have an inspiration for a poem on gold."
The violence of the excitement slowly began to abate. With aching backs and weary arms, they finally flung themselves on the rocks, to take long, deep breaths of cool, refreshing air.
"Now, Uncle Stanley," began Tim.
"Oh, yes; I suppose you are going to tell me that explanations are in order," laughed Mr. Lovell, who had seated himself on a slab of rock.