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 mediatively. "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. Let us follow this one and see where it leads to."
"What's the next directions?" questioned Tom.
"'Go due southwest from the pine tree sixty-two paces,'" answered Dick, reading from the translation given him. "Which is southwest, Mr. Barrow?"
"Soon tell ye that," answered the guide, and brought forth his pocket compass. "That way." And he pointed with his arm.
With the compass to guide them they set off, the guide in the lead once more, and Dick counting off the sixty-two paces with great care. The way was up a hillside and over half a dozen rough rocks, and then into a hollow where the snow was up to their waists.
"No use of talking, this is treasure-hunting under difficulties," was Sam's comment. "Per-
