t
of the way, and then I saw him dig a hole and put a bag into the earth
and cover it up, and try and make the place appear as though it had not
been disturbed. I smelt a rat, but never let on that I knew any thing of
the matter, and it was not until I heard that Jim and Darnley's gangs
were destroyed that I thought I would visit my old haunts and endeavor
to get rich at once. I have been in the neighborhood a week, skulking
about to see if any other person was lurking near for the same object as
myself, and you may imagine my surprise when I saw four men marching up
to take possession of that which I considered my own."

"Do you still entertain the same opinion?" I inquired.

"My opinion since I have entered your service is your opinion, for you
are four and I'm one;" and Steel Spring, with a contented look, knocked
the ashes from his pipe, and gathered up the remains of our dinner and
placed them in the cart with wonderful despatch.

"We will trust you," said Fred, after scanning the man's face; "but if
you serve us a trick we shall remember it."

"You will find it for your interest to do so," was the composed reply,
and bidding him follow, we took our rifles and led the way towards the
buried treasure.

CHAPTER XXVI.

FINDING OF THE TREASURE.

By the time we reached the scene of our gold digging operations the
greater portion of the heat of the day was passed, and we felt refreshed
and ready to commence work with a will. Steel Spring, who had promised
his valuable aid in searching for the treasure, in consideration that we
would befriend him and save his neck from the grasp of the police, had
led the way with immense strides, and a confident air that inspired us
with renewed hope and bright anticipations of success.

Upon reaching the ground we found that our shovels and picks were
undisturbed, and it was evident that no visitor had intruded during our
_lengthy absence_.

"Come, Steel Spring," I said, addressing that worthy personage, "point
out the right spot for us to dig, and then we will go to work _without
delay_."

"But I can't do that vithout some calculation and study. All great
hengineers has to investigate before vorking, and I'm no exception to
the rule."

"Why, you miserable scamp," cried Fred, angrily, "didn't you say that
you could lead us to the very spot where the treasure was buried?"

"Vell, vot if I did? Can't a man make 'stakes--and vouldn't you 'ave
said that you knew some