Sledge Hammer Tod shook his head doubtfully.
“Lost Valley it’s called,” he said. “Many have tried to find it, but have failed--miners of experience--for there is a rumor that gold is plentiful in it. And, not only is it hard to find, but there is danger from the Indians.”
“I thought all the Indians were on Government reservations,” commented Bob.
“Not all,” answered Tod. “Some broke away, and are still in the Colorado mountains, I believe. Perhaps the remnant of this tribe is in possession of Lost Valley. Anyhow, I don’t believe it would be safe to look for it, even if it was possible to find it, which I doubt.”
“My poor cousin,” said Professor Snodgrass, sadly. “I had given him up for dead, but now, to hear that there is a possibility of him being alive, makes me wish I could help rescue him.”
“How?” asked the scientist eagerly. “Do you mean that you are going to try to find Lost Valley?”
“I certainly am,” declared Jerry, firmly. “That is one reason why I came West in the _Comet_. I wanted to protect our mine, but, now that we are on hand before Noddy’s gang has arrived, I don’t believe there is much danger on that score. We can devote most of our time to finding the mysterious valley, and, once we locate it, we will rescue any who are left of the missing Deering Band. We will search for the valley in the airship!”
“You’ll never find it!” predicted Tod, with a dubious shake of his head.
“Say, you don’t know these motor boys,” spoke Jim Nestor, admiringly. “Once they set out to do a thing they generally finish it. I wouldn’t want to gamble that they couldn’t find that valley, Tod.”
“Well, they may stumble on it, if they hunt long enough, but the Indians will never let them get into it.”
“We’ll see,” declared Jerry, smiling grimly. “Anyhow, we won’t give up until we get there. If we can rescue those who are left it’s worth fighting the Indians to accomplish.”
“That’s right, and I’m with you!” cried Jim Nestor.
“And you can count on me, when it comes to a fight!” added Sledge Hammer Tod with energy.
The whole party now began an engrossing discussion of the missing Amos Deering and his friends. Tod told such other details as occurred to him, and Professor Snodgrass was so interested that he forgot to hunt for bugs.