“Yes. Gold! Lots of gold!”
Slingerland’s merry face suddenly grew curious and earnest.
Larry struggled with his discomfiture.
“I reckon I’d done thet anyhow—without knowin’ you was rich—if it hadn’t been fer this heah U. P. surveyor fellar.”
And then the joke was on Allie, as her blushes proved. Neale came to her rescue and told the story of Horn’s buried gold, and of his own search that day for the place.
“Shore I’ll find it,” declared Larry. “We’ll go to-morrow....”
Slingerland stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“If thar’s gold been buried thar it’s sure an’ certain thar yet,” he said. “But I’m afraid we won’t git thar tomorrow.”
“Why not? Surely you or Larry can find the place?”
“Listen.”