“I think so; and now lend me your strength, both of you, and let’s see if we can move that loose piece of rock.  I’ll bet there is an opening there.”

“You are right—­yes, lad, you have indeed raked into the old Mexican’s treasure den; I can recall now some words he once spoke.”

“Don’t spend any more time recalling; let’s shove that rock aside if we can.”

The two men lent their aid to Desmond, and sure enough they did raise the piece of rock, and by hoisting it they managed to move it aside a trifle, enough to reveal the fact that there was a chamber above, and that the opening was through the piece of rock.

It was a reward of Desmond’s persistence, but after all it was accident that had revealed to him the opening.

By hard work the men finally succeeded in moving the rock aside, and there was disclosed the opening, and Desmond said: 

“Now let me stand on our shoulders with the light and I will tell you what it is we have found.  There is something there to reveal, I am dead sure.”

The two men assisted Desmond to their shoulders.  He took the lantern and shoved his head through the opening, and then flashed the light around, and with a joyful shout exclaimed: 

“We’ve got it!”

“This beats me dead,” said Creedon.

Both men were greatly excited, for it did appear that they had made a great find of hidden treasure.

Meantime, Desmond managed to force himself up and disappeared in the cave.  He glanced around and beheld a sight that filled him with varying emotions.

The chamber was not more than four feet square, but on the floor in one corner was a shining heap.  It shone under the ray of his lantern as he flashed the light upon it.  He took a handful of the shining stuff and passed it down to Creedon, handing him the lantern at the same time, and he said: 

“You are a good judge; tell me what that is?”

“It’s gold dust,” cried Creedon; “how much is there of it?”

“Oh, barrels full, I should say.”

“Great ginger! lad, you’ve struck it.”

“Well, it won’t run away, I reckon, but give me your hat and I’ll fill it.”

“Is that to be my share?”

“No, we’re only giving you the first whack at it, that’s all.”

Desmond filled Creedon’s hat with the dust and then descended, and the whole party made their way to the outer cavern.

CHAPTER VI.

Discussing the find—­A new Resolution—­going to Creedon mine—­A
Disappointment—­better indications—­A new move.

Once in the outer cavern, Desmond said: 

“It’s now a matter of business.”

“Well?”

“How shall we divide?”

“You are the finder,” replied Creedon; “you are to decide.”