Walter was eager for the second treasure-hunting trip, as well. The
party got away before mid-forenoon and took their dinner at the
mouth of the gulch in which the bear den was located.
"I tell you what," Walter said to Nan privately, while they were
eating. "That cross on the old bandit's map is between this gulch
and that other where Tom lost the outlaw."
"Yes. So they say, Walter," Nan replied.
"Do you know, Nan, I've an idea there is a hole right through this
hill?" said the boy.
"A hole? You mean that the cavern goes clear through?"
"Clear through to that funnel-shaped place where our pack horse
fell down."
"Walter! That's an idea!" admitted Nan.
"Guess it is," he returned, smiling. "Let's get them to search the
cavern first. We've got lanterns and a big electric torch. There is
one thing I want to assure myself about, too," he added.
"The treasure, of course."
"Something more. I want to know what made that noise that
frightened you girls so."
"Oh, Walter! I had forgotten about that. Why remind me?" cried Nan.
"Well, don't remind the others, then," laughed Walter.
Rhoda was quite willing to go to the bear den first of all, and the
other girls seemed to have forgotten the noise that had so
disturbed them when they took shelter there from the tornado.
This time they left the ponies outside, with Frank to watch them.
Tom and Hess Kane entered the cave with the party of young people.
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