If it were a lynx, the surface of the stub would be cut into shreds.

Any kind of animal would have left his mark behind, and no animal would have put this polish on it!" "Then what in the world--" Rod did not finish.

Mukoki lifted his shoulders to a level with his chin, and Wabi whistled as he looked straight at him.
"Not a hard guess, eh ?" "You mean--" "That it's a man! Only the arms and legs of a man going up and down that stub hundreds and thousands of times could have worn it so smooth! Now, can you guess who that man is ?" In a flash the answer shot into Rod's brain.

He understood now why this old stub had drawn his companions away from their search for gold, and he felt the flush of excitement go out of his own cheeks, and an involuntary thrill pass up his back.
"The mad hunter!" Wabi nodded.

Mukoki grunted and rubbed his hands.
"Gold in bullet come from here!" said the old pathfinder.