us while we were inside the workings--if there
_is_ any hole in the ground at all."

"I reckon we'll find there is, all right," said Jack, confidently.

"Why d'ye say that, Jack?" asked Jimmy, who never allowed an opportunity
to quiz his chums pass by unimproved.

"Because I can see where a heap of rock has been dumped down a slide, so
chances are they've been doing some little work up here, enough to make
a showing, in case a party is sent up to investigate before buying
shares," was what Jack explained.

"You're right there," admitted Teddy, as he took another look toward the
side of the rocky hill close to the tent colony; "and after they'd
opened up the mine, it wouldn't be a hard job to shoot it, I should
think."

"What's that, shoot the mine, do you say?" asked Jimmy.

"Oh! that's only a term they use in mining countries when dishonest men
want to salt a mine, so as to deceive a prospective customer. Some say
they shoot gold or copper ore into crevices, where it will be taken out
later and shown."

At this point Ned gave them to understand that it was no time to enter
into any discussion concerning the methods of conducting frauds in
mining. They had work before them, and had better be about it without
any more delay, since there could be no telling at what time the absent
men might show up. Once they returned to the camp, of course, the
chances of the scouts accomplishing much began to dwindle enormously.

From where they lay, screened by some thin brush, the scouts were able
to observe the ground, and Ned could form his plan of campaign. He never
wasted much time when his hand had been placed to the plow. Following
the line of loose rock that had undoubtedly been carried out of some
working in the hillside, he believed he could settle on the exact
position of the opening.

They would have to make a detour and approach from above. Here it was to
be hoped they would find enough cover to enable them to make what Jimmy
called a "grand sneak" into the mouth of the mine.

In as few words as possible Ned explained this to the others, as they
clustered around him, hanging upon his every word. Jimmy could hardly be
restrained from hurrying off at once, so anxious did he seem to get
started. But when Ned took hold of his assistant's arm, and gave him one
of those looks which Jimmy knew so well, the little fellow subsided
immediately.

"Oh! I'm on to the curves, all right, Ned, sure I am," he hastened to
mutt