Chapter I: Preface

In this book the writer has endeavored to relate a story of stirring adventure and at the same time eliminate all sensationalism and improbable elements. The thread of the story was given him by a man who was familiar with the life and experiences of prospectors. Indeed, there is warrant for almost every event recorded in these pages.

The author has no desire to make his young heroes either preternaturally brilliant or possessed of too precocious brains. They are normal, healthy American boys fond of travel and adventure and naturally are meeting experiences such as come to men doing what they were doing in certain parts of our country. Self-reliance, determination, the ability to decide quickly and to act promptly, the strength of will which prevents one from abandoning too easily a course of action which has been decided upon,--all these are foundations upon which any successful life must rest. If these qualities can be acquired in the early years then life is just that much stronger and better.

The Go Ahead Boys, in spite of their many experiences are typical boys of America, and as such wish to express to the many friends they have made their hearty appreciation of the interest which has been expressed in their wanderings and adventures.

Ross Kay.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I A GHASTLY DISCOVERY 11

II A CLUE 21

III TWO UNBIDDEN GUESTS 30

IV TWO THIEVES IN THE NIGHT 40

V A START AND A LOSS 48

VI DIVIDED 57

VII TWO NAVAJOS 65

VIII WAITING 75

IX DOWN THE RUSHING RIVER 84

X A RATTLER 92

XI A PERILOUS FALL 101

XII A WRECK 109

XIII ALONE IN THE CANYON 118

XIV CLIMBING 126

XV THE SEARCH 134

XVI A STARTLING ARRIVAL 143

XVII A DEPARTURE BY NIGHT 151

XVIII RESTORING THE MAP 160

XIX A JOYOUS RETURN 169

XX TWO CROW TREE 178

XXI THE RETURN OF THE STRANGERS 187

XXII SPLIT ROCK 196

XXIII ON THE RIM 205

XXIV A SMALL CLOUD 214

XXV CIRCLES 224

XXVI CONCLUSION 234

THE GO AHEAD BOYS AND SIMON'S MINE