Even more carefully, if possible, did he scrutinize the rocks and the creek ahead.

He had already found life in the chasm, and he might find more.
The full light of day came quickly now, and with it the youth's progress became more rapid.

He figured that if he lost no time in further investigation of the creek he would arrive at camp by noon, and they would dig up the skeleton without delay.

There was little snow in the chasm, in spite of the lateness of the season, and if the roll of bark held the secret of the lost gold it would be possible for them to locate the treasure before other snows came to baffle them.
At the spot where he had killed the silver fox Rod paused for a moment.
He wondered if foxes ever traveled in pairs, and regretted that he had not asked Wabi or Mukoki that question.

He could see where the fox had come straight from the black wall of the mountain.