BOY'S DETERMINATION--GOING THROUGH A CREVICE--THE
MOVABLE ROCK--AID TO DISCOVER--UP THROUGH
A HOLE--THE GOLDEN HEAP--DESMOND'S GREAT
TRIUMPH--THE OLD MEXICAN'S SECRET EXPOSED.


Desmond was somewhat impressed by the words of Creedon, but still
insisted that he would like to conduct an exploration.

"You will only go over the ground that I have already gone over."

"I know that, but I propose to look around all the same."

Desmond had been doing considerable thinking. He questioned Creedon
again and again, and made out that the old Mexican had lived in the cave
along with Creedon for months at a time, and as he learned, the old man
had thrown out a great many hints. These hints meant something; and then
again, if he had hidden his wealth in the cave he had done it so
securely and well that he had no idea of its ever being discovered until
such time as he saw fit to disclose the fact. Desmond knew how there
were some strange conformations in the rocks; the very place they were
in was a testimony to the strange freaks that nature in its upheavals
can and does create.

Brooks had nothing to say about the matter, and Creedon did remark
finally:

"Of course, as I've said, it can do no harm, but be careful you don't
strike--"