that it was very strange that the spirit should answer him in such good
English, it being supposed to be the spirit of a Mexican, but spirits
probably can talk any language. At any rate, Desmond did not stop to
consider.

"Do you own the gold?"

"Yes."

"Why can't I have it? I've found it."

"You get away as quick as you can or I'll seize you."

Well, well, this was a great state of affairs; Desmond did not ask any
more questions. He seized his lamp and started to limp from the cave,
and he was white and trembling. He made his way to Creedon Hall and
beheld Brooks and Creedon standing over the fire. On the face of Brooks
there was an amused look, and on Creedon's an expression of real
jollity.

"Great sakes! Desmond," demanded Brooks, "where have you been? I awoke
and found you missing, and Creedon and I have been scared almost to
death."

Desmond tried to assume an indifferent air, and said:

"I wasn't sleepy, so I thought I would go and explore a little."

"You had better be careful how you explore around here."