e young man saw at a glance that
the quartz rock was full of virgin gold and silver. It was a veritable
bonanza.

"A million dollars or more!" he cried, enthusiastically. "Uncle Barnaby
struck it rich for once. I wonder why he don't come back and begin
operations. It's queer I didn't get word from him."

Allen could not help but spend some time in looking around, so
fascinating was the sight of the precious metal as it shimmered here and
there in the ruddy glare of the torch. His uncle would be rich indeed,
and he knew that he and his brothers would not be forgotten by their
generous guardian.

But soon the thought of escape came back to him. Was there an opening to
the outer world, or was he entombed alive?

At the far end of the chamber, after a long search, Allen came to a
narrow passageway, which he was compelled to enter on hands and knees.
It led upward and he had great hopes that ere long he would emerge into
the outer air once more.

But he was doomed to disappointment. The passageway led around numerous
curves, and long before the end was reached his torch went out, and he
was left in total darkness. He crawled on and on, until finally he
brought up against a solid wall.

Much frightened, he lit a match to survey the situation. Saving in his
rear, the rocks arose on all sides. But overhead was open, and up he
went, very much as a sweep might climb a half-choked up chimney, up
through weeds and brush and dirt.

He was half smothered by the dust which filled his nose and mouth, and
he was forced to keep his eyes closed for fear of being blinded.

At last, after he was nearly ready to give up in despair, he felt a
breath of cooling air blow over him. This was encouraging, and he
commenced to climb harder than ever. Up and up he went, until suddenly
opening his eyes, he found himself at the top of the hole, and looking
almost directly into the face of the rising sun!

CHAPTER VIII.

Into a Snake's Nest

"All night underground!" murmured Allen to himself as he surveyed the
scene before him in intense surprise. "Heaven be thanked for my escape!"

His climb had so exhausted him that for a long while he sat on the
ground, unable to move. He felt both cold and hungry, but paid no heed.
It was blessing enough for the time being to be safe.

When he felt stronger, he began to speculate upon where he was and how
far he would have to travel to reach the ranch. The face of the country
looked new and