"Then it's just as I suspected; I tell you I was scared at first, but
when the old ghost answered me--"

"When the ghost answered you?" demanded Creedon.

"Yes."

"Did you see the ghost?"

"I heard him--that is, I thought I did--and I spoke to him, but he gave
me back such good English I made up my mind that you didn't know how to
play a joke. Next time stick to the broken English; you might have
scared the life out of me then."

Brooks and Creedon laughed, and the latter said:

"Well, you are smart, you are; but, lad, let me tell you something:
don't spend time looking for the Mexican's gold."

"Why not?"

"I've explored every nook and cranny in this mountain, and there is no
treasure hidden here."

"But I found some gold."

"You did?"

"Yes."