e to the cave, in which were the three, was partly hidden
from view by the broken ice.

"We're in the cavern," replied Fred, stepping to the opening, where
Johnson could see him.

"Do you think this is the place, father?" asked Jerry, gazing around
curiously.

"I think so. It seems to correspond with the map. But we shall soon find
out. Probably the gold is not buried very deep, as Stults did not have
much time. The cave is small, and it ought not to take long to explore
it thoroughly. George, tell Holfax where we are, have him make a sort of
temporary camp just outside here, and bring up the tools. We'll stay in
the cave, I think. It's warmer than outside."

The colored man went back to join the Indian, while Mr. Baxter and the
boys looked about the cave, as well as they were able to in the
darkness. The cavern was about twenty feet square, and the roof seemed
to be quite high up. It was formed of rock, and here and there water had
leaked through and frozen, long, sharp icicles hanging from the sloping
sides and roof.

"When we get a lantern lighted we can begin to dig for the treasure,"
said Mr. Baxter. "I'm afraid it will be difficult work, though, for the
ground is frozen as hard as a stone."

The thought of being so near the store of precious metal took their
minds off of the narrow escape from death that Mr. Baxter had just had.
Fred recovered his nerve, and waited with impatience the return of
Johnson and Holfax with the lanterns and tools.

The latter were soon at the cave, having brought the dogs and sleds as
close as possible to the entrance. After bringing in the tools, and
several lanterns, fitted to burn alcohol, and arranged to give a more
brilliant light than the usual little blue flame from that fluid, the
colored man and the Indian, in obedience to orders from Mr. Baxter, went
outside.

"I don't want them to see us when we come upon the gold," said Mr.
Baxter. "There is no telling how much there is, and it would not be
right to put temptation in their way. Besides, they must get the camp in
shape before night."

The lanterns were lighted, and then the work of digging for the treasure
was begun. It was warm enough in the cave to allow the three to lay
aside their heavy outer coats, as the exercise of digging would keep
their blood in circulation.

"Now we'll divide the cave floor into three parts," said Mr. Baxter,
"and each one of us will take one. In this way we will be able to make
sure