“That’s the place I went into, a couple of years ago,” Old Ruff said, “and come mighty nigh getting lost the same as you. But, I didn’t see nothin’ of that hole in the top, nor didn’t diskiver any signs of them other chaps being in thar. You didn’t get a fair look at them?” “No; luckily they didn’t get a fair look at us. They cleared out before we came out to look around, and we didn’t stay to make their acquaintance.” “What do you s’pose they war doing underground?” asked Old Ruff, in a significant tone. The lads replied that they had not the remotest idea. “Thar’s gold in that cavern, boys, and that’s what them chaps war in thar for. I don’t s’pose they own any more of Oregon than we do, and sometime I’ll go into that big cellar and take a look around ag’in. Mebbe I might git my claws onto some of the yaller stuff. Afore you go back to the fort, Harry, we’ll take a look ’round, and see what chance thar is for a spec; but if it happens that we don’t get the time to do it, why you can come down ag’in from the fort and we’ll fix it then, sure. If there’s gold thar _you_ shall have your chance in, lad.” Harry now became aware of something which he could not understand, and which caused him no little uneasiness. He found that Old Ruff was covertly watching him, as though he held some kind of a suspicion, regarding his presence so far away from the fort. Once or twice, when he hastily raised his eyes, he saw the keen orbs of the trapper fixed upon him, with a sharp, penetrating glance. More than once, Harry was tempted to ask the meaning of this; but he noted that Old Ruff took particular pains to conceal his surveillance, and this made him fearful of offending him. There was a change too--though comparatively slight--in the deportment of Little Rifle. Now that they were reinforced by the shaggy old trapper, he appeared desirous of withdrawing into the background, and forcing the hunter to take his place in the familiar confidence with Harry. When the latter addressed or approached him, he manifested a singular coyness--his face flushed with embarrassment, while he frequently permitted his gaze to drop to the ground or turned his head away altogether. Outwardly old Robsart was all friendship, and was in his best mood. He recounted many of his adventures in catching and taming bears, for which, as is well known, he had a great passion. Before resuming their journey homeward, Old Ruff resolved upon an observation from the top of the ridge. Accordingly all three made their way to the crest. Harry produced his telescope, and a very careful reconnoissance followed. CHAPTER XV. A TOUGH STORY. Several miles distant, in the heart of a dense pine forest, was the camp-fire of a party of Indians. Old Ruff, taking the glass, saw by its aid the smoke making its way through the tree-tops; but he bestowed hardly a glance upon it, for he was in search of more important parties.