But, Grinder, I want you to
understand that you aren't to play us false," went on the eldest Rover.
"If you do we'll have no mercy on you, remember that!"
Half an hour later the boys and their guide set off on their first hunt
for the treasure. With great care John Barrow led the way over the rocks
and other rough places. He carried a long pole, which he plunged in the
snow before him whenever he was afraid there was a hollow ahead. Soon
they gained the spot where Dick thought the blasted tree might be
located.
The snow was scraped away, first in one direction and then another,
until a spot several yards in diameter was cleared. No tree-stump was
brought to light, although they found a slight hollow in which were
several big roots.
"This might have been the tree once," said John Barrow meditatively.
"Years make great changes, you know. The trees fall, rocks and dirt
slide down hill, and that makes a big difference in the looks o'
things."
"All we can do is to follow the directions on the map," said Dick. "I
think we'll be bound to strike the right clew, sooner or later.
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