“I knew that there was money buried there, because one day Gulpin sent his gang away on an expedition, and then started me after a sheep, (no offence to the old shepherd.) I thought something was up, so instead of hurrying to do his bidding I skulked around until he thought I was out 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 something, if a rifle vos placed agin your brains, and a feller threatened to blow ’em hout?”