“It seems to me,” said Grant slowly, “that I should be on the lookout for all of them.  I’m inclined to think, however, that if you find it, it’s likely to be something in the shape of the ground that makes one think of a man’s thumb.”

“Don’t none of you boys stir from this tree,” ordered Zeke abruptly.  “Jeff and I will go ahead and—­”

“For a time you’ll be the Go Ahead Boys,” laughed Fred.

“I don’t care much ’bout what you call us, but if we can get there you’ll hear from us before a great while.”

The interest of the Go Ahead Boys was still keen after the departure of the guide and the Indian.  Silently they watched the two men as they steadily proceeded on their way until at last they were lost to sight by an elevation around which they were making their way.

“Soc,” asked John, “why do you suppose there were two crows in that tree?”

“Because they had stopped for rest or observation,” laughed Grant.

“That isn’t what I mean,” retorted John.  “You know when crows alight they usually station one of their number as a guard on a tree or fence or some place of elevation, that is supposed to give warning.  Now, I don’t think I ever saw two on observation, did you?”

“I don’t know that I ever did,” said Grant.  “Now that you speak of it, I’m not sure they were crows anyway.”

“They were crows all right,” declared Fred confidently.

“My, Pee Wee!” said John in mock admiration.  “If I only knew just half as much as you think you know I would be a wise man.”

“That’s all right, String,” retorted Fred glibly.  “Don’t you remember what I told you about that great Englishman who said that Nature never made any man seven stories high without leaving the top loft empty?”

“I believe I have heard you refer to that fact some three thousand, eight hundred and sixty-one times.  In fact I have almost learned it by heart.  I haven’t any doubt the man who said it was a little runt not much bigger than you are.”

Fred’s face flushed as the Go Ahead Boys laughed and conversation ceased for a time.

The boys had given their word not to leave the region of the big tree.  There was therefore nothing to be done except to endure the waiting until Zeke and the Navajo returned.

Occasionally the conversation turned on the subject of the claim which Simon Moultrie plainly had believed he had discovered.

Fred, who was the most enthusiastic of the Go Ahead Boys, was positive the lost claim would be found and that the future wealth of the four boys was therefore certain.

The others may have been as eager as Fred to find the place for which they were seeking, but they were more restrained in their manner and inclined to tease their enthusiastic comrade.

“Zeke told me,” suggested Grant soberly, “that really this Simon Moultrie was crazy.”

“Is that so?” retorted Fred.  “Then I suppose you’re ready to say next that everything he saw was crazy too.”