and gripped his gun with feverish
zeal; at the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief after they had
really gained the shelter of the grim opening, and there was no wild
crash of guns, or hoarse demand for their surrender, with threats of
terrible consequences in case of refusal.

And now they were sheltered by the mouth of the mine, so that they felt
more confident of being able to take care of themselves, in case
anything violent came to pass.

Ned, always on the alert to notice things, saw at once that the opening
was partly natural. It looked as though the men who claimed to have made
this wonderful discovery of rich copper-bearing quartz had also found a
fissure in the rocks splendidly fitted for their purposes, since it
allowed them to pass far into the side of the hill before they were
compelled to blast and hew passages.

So much for a starter, Ned thought. He was taking note of all such
things, thinking to incorporate them in his report. Although they might
seem trifling in a way, he realized that they would have considerable
bearing in settling the matter with Mr. Bosworth, and those associated
with him in the big company that proposed to purchase a controlling
interest in these new mines, should the report seem favorable.

The next thing was to pass into the mine.

Ned had come well prepared for this venture. Just as he and his chums
carried guns with which to defend themselves in case of an attack--just
as he had produced field-glasses when they were sorely needed--in the
same way the scouts now had a clever means at hand for lighting their
road, once they left the sunlight behind them.

Not only Ned, but every one of the five, produced a splendid little
pocket searchlight. Extra batteries were also carried, so that they need
not worry over the possibility of the power giving out at a critical
moment.

The two guides were evidently well pleased when they saw this display of
illumination; though they must have known something about it before
then. Ned concluded that there was really no need of so much light,
which would only add to the danger of discovery. One light, or two at
most, would give them ample means for seeing the way, and avoiding any
pitfalls.

Accordingly he asked the others to shut off their batteries and follow
him. Now that the guides had done their part in bringing the party into
the mine, Ned meant to resume his natural place in the van, as the
leader of the expedition.

As th