He never could make the trip to the Bend alone, even if he could track them.
There was, also, the disappointment in the Burro Lode claim.

As Bud planned it, the Burro was packing a very light load--far lighter than had seemed possible with that strong indication on the surface.

Cash's "enormous black ledge" had shown less and less gold as they went into it, though it still seemed worth while, if they had the capital to develop it further.

Wherefore they had done generous assessment work and had recorded their claim and built their monuments to mark its boundaries.

It would be safe for a year, and by that time--Quien sabe?
The Thompson claim, too, had not justified any enthusiasm whatever.