short distance toward their camp.

“Old Stony spinning wild yarns again?” he demanded.

“He was telling us about striking gold when he was a young man,” War volunteered.

“I suppose he let you into the secret of where his precious map is hidden?”

“Why, no,” Jack spoke up. “Does he have a map?”

Jarrett Walz gave a snort. “That old goat is all talk. Everything he has, even the clothes on his back, comes from me. In exchange he gives me laziness and lies!”

“Lies?”

“The old fool says I am after his gold. I figure he was giving you a line of chatter when I came up.”

“You weren’t under discussion,” Jack said dryly.

“What did he tell you about his wonderful valley?”

“Not much.”

“Leaving tomorrow?”

“We expect to.”

“That’s okay, then.” The motel owner seemed suddenly relieved. “If Old Stony bothers you again, call me. Good night now, and good rest.”

Chapter 2 TROUBLE IN CAMP

Chapter 2

TROUBLE IN CAMP

Cold night air seeped through the tent walls. Jack Hartwell stirred restlessly in his sleeping bag and sat up. What had awakened him? Beside him, Ken and Willie were dead to the world. All was quiet.

Annoyed at himself, Jack got up and opened the tent flap. A few stars were winking, but otherwise it was a dark night. It might be two A.M. or thereabouts, he judged. There was no sign of anyone around the camp, yet distinctly he sensed that something was wrong.

It was not the 

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