and Mrs. Brewster thought it was the tale of the trip and the
trials throughout the blizzard, and they cared little for what had
passed as long as all were safe and happy again. But Polly blurted out
the truth to make them listen.
"I found Montresor's gold mine, Paw!"
It hit the mark! In the shock the news made upon the Brewsters, no one
noticed Polly's slip on the old pet title. After a long tense period of
silence, however, Sam Brewster said: "Daughter, it can't be true!"
"'Tis, though, Mr. Brewster! Polly and I crawled through the tunnel
until we came out into that marvelous cavern of gold," and Eleanor
sighed audibly as she thought of that sight.
"What cavern! You-all must be clean locoed with the blizzard and the
long ride!" cried Mr. Brewster, testily.
The girls laughed appreciatively, for they understood just how those
who remained at home would feel at such news!
So Polly sat upon her father's knee and told him the story of the mine,
from the time Choko fell over the cliff until they left the panther at
the foot of the tree.
"And here's the plan and claim, and there's the gold!"
Polly drew the nuggets from her dress and took the papers from her
sombrero, and placed them in her father's hands.
Mrs. Brewster dropped upon her knees to the floor to look at the map
and the ore, while her husband was examining the large nugget. The four
girls had no idea how anxious they were about this ore until they saw
Mr.
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