ays turned to Shirley Williams, who never teased her.

Tang was watching anxiously from the kitchen door when they rode up the
trail. He was always punctual and frowned on the late comers.

In the corridor of the patio, after dinner, the council met. Mrs.
Breckenridge, although she could scarcely hope to be able to take such
a long ride to see the claim, was the most enthusiastic one of the
group. She was a dreamer by nature, and the thrill of hidden things
always intrigued her. Bet threw both arms impulsively around her.

"You're a darling," Bet cried. "You are a real chum, a person after my
own heart."

"But you see I've been reading lately and it seems that there is basis
for the story of hidden treasure in Lost Canyon. Lots of people have
believed it."

"And lots of people have hunted for the treasure and failed," returned
Kit skeptically.

"Perhaps we won't fail. It's that word 'perhaps' that adds the
greatest spice to life. It won't do any harm to spend a little time
studying out this sign on the rock. Tomorrow I'll make an accurate
copy of it and then we can have it here at home to puzzle over. And if
you say so, I'll begin that assessment work on your one claim so that
there will be an excuse for being over there so much." Professor
Gillette suggested.

"You're a dear! That's an awful good idea! But what about your Indian
ruins? You must find them." Bet was anxious for the old man to
realize his desire and find the ancient village of the vanished tribe.
It meant so much to his crippled daughter.

"That can wait for a little while. This looks as if it might be much
more interesting." The professor's wrinkled face was flushed with the
excitement of a mystery to be unearthed. "I'll begin tomorrow," he
declared as he rose to join Kit and her mother and accompany them home.

Bet's face was radiant. "Here's where the fun begins!" she laughed at
the prospect.

But little did Bet realize that the hunting for a treasure was to bring
to the girls, not only the most thrilling adventure of their lives, but
danger, suspense and fear.

CHAPTER XIV

_TREASURE TROVE_

To the delight of the girls, the next morning was clear. It had rained
in the night and they had been sure that it would storm and they might
have to stay at home.

The sun rose pleasantly warm, but the hour was five o'clock and the
girls knew that before breakfast time it would be almost unbearably hot.

"But what do