probably that he was not surprised when led to the cave where he first
beheld the girl Amy Brooks. That cave still exists and is well known to
many of the people living in its vicinity, and in our description we
adhered to almost absolute accuracy.

Creedon was a rough and ready sort of man, but not, the fellow, as
Desmond argued, who would apply himself to a critical study. It was a
great thing to have learned the facts concerning the old Mexican, and
the lad really believed that there was gold secreted somewhere in one of
the little cavities in that perforated mountain.

Creedon started in to relate to Brooks the facts about the mine he
believed he had discovered, and Desmond, taking the mask lantern,
started off to explore.

"You will burn out all my oil, lad; that is the only harm you will do,
and certainly little good. I cannot replenish the oil when it's burned
out, and I've been very careful, holding it for only such occasions as
when we came here across the chasm."

Creedon explained that he had only carried with him one can of oil,
which had lasted him to date.

Desmond started off and went direct to the crevice he had first entered,
and Creedon smiled as he saw him go in there, remarking to Brooks:

"The lad will run up against a stone wall sure, but he is enthusiastic;
it will be a lesson to him."

"Can't tell about that lad," said Brooks, "there is method in his