CHAPTER XIV
on the butte
BREAKFAST, both for themselves and the burros, was the first thing to do. Buoyant in spirits after the depression of the cavern with its muggy atmosphere, braced by the fresh air that, while it renewed oxygen to their lungs, brought also a surging realization of the success of their quest, they went joking down their makeshift ladder, Harvey first, then Healy from ledge to ledge in the loop at the end of the rope, followed by Stone and Larkin. The burros were safe and sound though undoubtedly thirsty, for they greedily lapped up what water was not needed for the coffee though as it cooled it grew unmistakably stale and odorous of sulphur. Bacon was soon frying, the campbread on, and coffee brewed. Over the meal they held a council.
"No use blastin' down more of thet rock," suggested Harvey. "Got all we kin tote now. I'll meander down to Tonto Crick with the burros and give 'em a good feed. You chaps can be hauling up thet gold 'gainst my comin' back. We'll travel light an' leave ev'rything we can in the shape of tools. Mebbe you kin find some way of closin' thet rock ag'in, Stone?"
"I can try, anyway," said Stone. "We'll set up
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