again, and he stared defiantly at the detective.

'Well, well,' groaned Downy, 'this is the most extraordinary thing in
boys that I have ever encountered, but he's a mass of grit--for good or
bad, all grit. Shake hands, Dick.'

Dick brightened up, and shook hands cheerfully.

'You're quite sure about that gold? You hid it securely?' queried the
detective.

'Yes, I buried it under the reef quite safe.'

'And nobody knows of this hole but yourself?'

'Yes, Jacker knows, an' Ted, an' Billy Peterson, an'--'

'Bless my soul, the whole township knows! We won't get an ounce of that
gold--not a colour. We'd better make the search at once, Mr. Hardy.
You'll need a rope and tools, I suppose. Hunt up the men you spoke of as
quickly as possible, will you?'

Harry and Dick started off together in quest of McKnight. He was on the
night shift, and they found him in bed. Harry explained. McKnight was
scornful and profane.

'What--that boy Haddon again?' he cried. 'Now what's his little game?
What devilment's he up to?

'But this looks all right,' Harry expostulated.