“No wonder you are restless, and I am now as much interested in our success on your account as I am on my own.”

“I have high hopes, lad—­yes, high hopes.”

On the morning following the dialogue related, all hands were up bright and early and they started for the mine, and in two hours were on the ground.  Creedon was pale as a pictured ghost while pointing out to Brooks the indications, and Brooks also was excited as he made his study.

We will not bore our readers with an account of the investigations made by Brooks, but will state that at the end of the second day he was compelled to announce that the mine was valueless.

Desmond thought he had never seen a more disconsolate look on any man’s face than the one that settled over the face of Creedon when the announcement was made.

“Your mine don’t amount to anything in itself,” said Brooks, “but it carries a suggestion; it is a compass that points to where a valuable mine may be found.  We are not in it yet; to-morrow I will make a survey and I may get indications that will carry us to the ledge where the gold ores extend in paying quantities—­yes, I think I can read the indications as plainly as though the road were mapped out.”

Brooks spent two days, and then said: 

“It’s all right; there is a mine somewhere, but I must have the proper instruments and testing utensils.  I will leave you and Desmond here in the mountains and proceed to the nearest settlement and secure what I need.  Creedon, I can almost promise you that we will find a rich digging, and it will be more accessible than this one.”

“I have a better plan,” said Creedon.

“What is your plan?”

“We will go and get the dust that the lad found; we will carry that to the town, dispose of it, get our money, make our deposits in the bank, and then start in on the search.  Possessing the knowledge that you do, we will find a mine.  I am not discouraged yet.”

It was so agreed, and the party made their way back to where they had their store of dust.  Creedon had made some deerskin bags so that the burden would not fall upon one person.  The dust was all secured and they made a start for the town.

On the night when they made their last halt before ending their trip in the town, Brooks, the wizard tramp, took advantage of an opportunity to talk to Desmond alone.  He said: 

“Lad, to-morrow we will be in the town and we will have money.  I have a proposition.  It will take a year or two to develop matters in case I do locate the mine; you cannot afford at your time of life to spend a year.  I do not need you with me now.  I am a man again, thanks to you, and I will make a confidant of Creedon.  He is a manly, honest fellow, and will watch over me.  Our joint interest will make him a splendid sentinel.  I feel that we are sure to win, if not in one direction in another.  With my scientific knowledge and his practical knowledge we will win, but it may be two or three years.  This is a fascinating life for you, but you cannot afford to lose this valuable time.”