They soon found how hard it was not to go astray without their instructed mate.

The sides of the shaft became crooked and uneven, and the windlass sometimes could not be made to work.

But still they persevered, and went on by themselves for an entire week without a sign of gold.

During this time various fruitless expeditions were made by both the men in search of Maggott.

He was still at the same drinking-shop, but could not be induced to leave it.