"Boys, the first thing to do is to wash out a little of that river-bed!" He started for the creek, with Wabi close behind him bearing a second pan.

Mukoki looked after them and chuckled softly to himself as he began making preparations for dinner.

Choosing a point where the current had swept up a small bar of pebbles and sand Wabi and Rod both set to work.

The white youth had never before panned gold, but he had been told how it was done, and there now shot through him that strange, thrilling excitement which enthralls the treasure hunter when he believes that at last he has struck pay dirt.

Scooping up a quantity of the gravel and sand he filled his pan with water, then moved it, quickly back and forth, every few moments splashing some of the "wash" or muddy water, over the side.