"P'r'aps we've cleaned up the old river, and there ain't another pearl to
be found," suggested Bandy-legs.

The others were loth to accept this view of the case; and for several days
they searched industriously for the now elusive fresh-water clams.

"Guess we'll have to call it off," remarked Max, when on the third day the
hunters came back with a scant dozen mussels, none of which yielded a
profitable harvest.

"But seems to me we've got all we need, and several times over," Owen
declared, positively.

"All in favor of returning to Carson to-morrow hold up a hand," suggested
Max.

He saw four hands instantly raised.

"That makes it unanimous," he laughed; "and I guess I can see what ails you
all. It's how much are we going to get for our catch; and will the money
buy the five motorcycles we're aiming to get."

"Likewise supply us with a fund to purchase grub while on our trip,"
remarked Bandy-legs.

"Hear! hear!" sang out Toby, who always agreed with his rival whenever the
question of eating arose.

"I've an idea we don't need to worry about that," declared Owen,