Far overhead the dense canopies of red pine shut out the last sun-glow of day, and the gathering gloom between the mountains gave warning that in this mysterious world of the ancient cabin the dusk of night was not far away.

But not until they could no longer see the gleaming mica in their pans did the three cease work.

Wet to the waist, tired, and with sadly-shattered dreams they returned to their camp.

For a short time Rod's hopes were at their lowest ebb.

Was it possible that there was no more gold, that the three adventurers of long ago had discovered a "pocket" here, and worked it out?
The thought had been growing in his head.