"I think I can understand why, Oliver."
"Then let us have it, Mark."
"He can't get it."
"Can't? What do you mean—that it is buried in some spot where he can't reach it?"
"That it is out of his reach, yes. It may be under the lava, as I mentioned before we left San Francisco, or it may be in some cave that is completely surrounded by fire. If it was easily gotten he would be a fool to leave it alone."
"Well, there is some mystery," sighed Oliver. "But I'm not going to bother my head about it any more to-night. I feel ready to drop out of the saddle right now."
"Then we'll stop," said Dan, and leaped to the ground. We were perfectly willing to follow. Directly before us were a spring and a small stream, and here we all got a drink and bathed our faces and hands, after which we cared for our horses, and then threw ourselves down to rest. I closed my eyes immediately, and regardless of the exciting events which had transpired, slept as soundly as ever.
When I awoke it was with a start, for the rain was falling upon my face. Looking around, I saw that Dan and Oliver still slumbered soundly. They were somewhat in the shelter of a palm tree, and to still further protect them I cast some of the leaves lying around over their bodies, and
