"Five dollars an ounce for perfect ones."
"Whew, it will be just like finding money."
Likely the eager young hunters would have talked the entire night away, but the captain soon interrupted their flow of questions.
"Plenty of time to talk to-morrow, lads. Get to bed now, for we want to start at daybreak."
The boys promptly obeyed. Blankets were spread out near the fire, and with their saddles for pillows the little party were soon in the land of dreams, blissfully unaware of the terrible experiences through which they were soon to pass.
CHAPTER II.
ON THE WAY.
It seemed to the boys that they had only just fallen asleep when a crash like that of mighty thunder brought them startled out of the land of dreams. Instinctively both reached for their belts and pistols, which they had placed close to their hands on retiring. There was no need for their use, however, for the author of the deafening racket was only Chris who, with a grin on his face, was beating on a tin-pan close to their heads.
"You little imp, I thought it was an earthquake," cried Charley as he hurled a shoe at the little darky, who dodged it nimbly.