“I’d rather get the first sight of the hidden treasure,” declared Jack, who seemed to have more faith in the existence of the secret horde than did the others. “Anyone can see a mill,” he went on, “but it takes an eagle eye to spot treasure.” “And I suppose you think you’ve got the eagle eye!” laughed Bert. “Sure I have. Say, Dick, isn’t it almost lunch time?” “I don’t know. I’m not the cook this week. It’s up to Tom.” “Can we eat, Tom?” asked his roommate at Elmwood Hall. “Not until we get to the mill. Work before pleasure, my boy. That’s the rule here.” “Well then, get ready with the grub,” said Jack, quietly, “for there’s your mill,” and he pointed just ahead of them. “By Jove! So it is!” exclaimed Tom. They had gone around a turn in the river, and on one bank, situated on a little rise, were the ruins of an old stone mill. In its day it had been a big structure, built of field stone, and it must have been a substantial place to which the settlers for miles around probably came with their grain. But now it was in ruins, through the ravages of time and the hands of those who sought the treasure. As the boat approached it the boys could see where a flume had been built to take the water from the river, and direct it over a big wheel. Of the latter there was little left. Trees and underbrush grew up close to the old structure, near which were the rotting remains of a wharf where, in the olden days, likely, the craft of the settlers had tied up when they came with grist. “Say, it’s a wonderful ruin all right,” said Tom in a low voice. “Put over to shore, Jack, while I get a picture. Then we’ll get out and have a look around.” As Tom focused his camera, and clicked the shutter, there was a movement in the tangle of vines and bushes near what had been the main entrance to the mill. “Look out!” exclaimed Jack. “Some one’s coming!” CHAPTER X A CURIOUS CONFERENCE Holding themselves in readiness for whatever they might see, or for whatever might happen, the boys peered anxiously toward the place whence the noise and movement came. “False alarm!” laughed Tom, as a fox leaped into view and then, seeing human enemies, slunk out of sight. “It made noise enough for a man,” declared Jack. “I sure thought it was the hermit getting ready to repel boarders.” “And treasure seekers,” added Dick. “Well, let’s go ashore,” suggested Bert. “That is, if Tom is done taking fancy snap shots of the old ruin.” “Sure, I’ve got pictures enough for now, though I may want some from the other side,” assented our hero. Making the boat fast to the rotting wharf, the four lads climbed out and made ready to inspect the old ruin. “Look out!” suddenly called Tom. “That’s a weak plank you’re stepping on, Jack. You’ll be through it in another minute!”