A few deep cuts and the golden bullet lay exposed to view.
"What does it mean ?" repeated the white youth.
Again he addressed his question to Mukoki.
"Man who shoot bear--heem no dead," replied the old pathfinder.

"Same gun, same gold, same--" "Same what ?" A strange gleam came for an instant into Mukoki's eyes, and without finishing he turned and pointed across the narrow plain that lay between them and the mysterious chasm which they were to follow in their search for treasure.
"Cry went there!" he said shortly.
"To the chasm!" said Wabi.
"To the chasm!" repeated Rod.
Impelled by the same thought the three adventurers went toward the rocks from which the shot had been fired.

Surely they would discover some sign there, or lower down upon the plain, where the melting snows had softened the earth.

Mukoki led in the search, and foot by foot they examined the spot where the mysterious marksman must have stood when he sent his golden bullet so close to the Indian's head.
But not a trace of his presence had he left behind.

Working abreast, the three began the descent of the ridge.