Before they were awake next morning Yacka, true to his promise, went to the cave and returned with some of the finest rubies¹ and purest lumps of gold. He roused Edgar and Will, and showed them what he had done.  
‘It is as much as we can carry,’ he said, and they agreed with him.
 
The gold was heavy, and they had a long tramp before them.
 
Without further delay they collected their treasure, and made it secure in a strong skin loin-cloth, which was fastened by dried strips of leather, so that none of the stones could fall out.
 
‘This is like putting all our eggs in one basket,’ said Edgar. ‘I think we had better carry the best of the rubies about us.’
 
This was done, and the bag again fastened securely.
 
The Enooma accompanied them, and left them about a couple of days’ journey from the ranges.
 
At this point Edgar and Will bade them farewell, and Yacka promised to return and travel with them further north. The black had explained to them all that had taken place in the caves, and they did not care to remain longer in that district.
 
Yacka led them safely through the MacDonnell Ranges, and they reached Alice Springs, where they had a hearty² welcome.
 
‘We never expected to see you alive again,’ said Walter Hepburn. ‘You have been away close upon six months, and we thought you were gone for good. I hope you are satisfied with your experiences.’
 
‘We are,’ said Edgar. ‘We have seen many strange and wonderful sights.’
 
‘You must tell me about your adventures to-night,’ said Hepburn. ‘I have kept your horses safe, and they will be ready for the journey.’
 
It was a relief to Edgar and Will to obtain fresh clothes, for those they wore were almost in rags.
 
The night of their arrival they related to Walter Hepburn all that had befallen them, and he was amazed. He could hardly credit the account Edgar gave of the wealth found in the cave of Enooma; but when he saw the precious stones and gold spread out before him, he was completely overwhelmed.
 
‘This is pure gold,’ he said, as he handled a large lump of the precious metal. ‘And these rubies are exceedingly rich in colour, and worth a heap of money. We have found rubies in the creeks³ here, but nothing to be compared to these. Of course, you will return with a properly equipped expedition, and carry the bulk of it away?’
 
‘I am afraid that will be out of the question,’ said Edgar. ‘Yacka will not guide us there again, and I am sure we could not find the place.’
 
‘Yacka must be forced to act as guide,’ said Hepburn. ‘Such a treasure as you have discovered cannot be allowed to remain buried.’
 
‘I shall not be the one to use force against Yacka,’ said Edgar. ‘The black has acted honestly by us, and we must do the same by him.’
 
‘If you fellows do not have another try to find the place I shall,’ said Hepburn.
 
Edgar laughed as he said:
 
‘You are welcome to do so. For my part I have had enough of it, and am glad to have got back again with a whole skin.’
 
‘You must be careful not to let anyone know about here what you have with you. There are some desperate characters, and a mere⁴ hint as to the wealth you have, and your lives would not be safe,’ said Hepburn.
 
‘We have told no one but yourself,’ said Edgar; ‘and we know we can trust you. You are an old Redbank boy.’
 
After some persuasion⁵ Walter Hepburn agreed to accept a couple of fine rubies and a heavy nugget in return for the keep of the horses, and as a remembrance of their visit. As well as he was able Edgar described the country they had traversed and the appearance of the place where the caves were.
 
‘Even if you reach there safely,’ said Edgar, ‘you will not be able to find the entrance. We could see nothing of it, and even Yacka lost the run of it once.’
 
‘It is worth the risk,’ said Hepburn. ‘I wish I had gone with you. I am used to these wilds, and once I had been over the ground I am sure I could find my way back.’
 
They did not remain long at Alice Springs, as they were eager to return to Yanda and learn how their friends had got on during their absence.
 
The return journey passed in much the same way as their ride to Alice Springs from Yanda.
 
They had a plentiful⁶ supply of ammunition⁷, which Walter Hepburn had given them, and consequently were not afraid to shoot when in need of provisions.
 
Edgar noticed Yacka was restless, and did not seem at his ease during their journey, and he questioned him as to the reason.
 
‘I have a fear we are being followed,’ said Yacka. ‘I have seen no one, but still I fear it. Did anyone know you had gold and stones at Alice Springs?’
 
‘Only Walter Hepburn,’ said Edgar. ‘We were careful not to tell anyone else.’
 
‘You showed him the stones?’ asked Yacka.
 
‘Yes,’ said Edgar; ‘we spread them out on the table in his house, but no one else was there.’
 
‘But there are windows,’ said Yacka, ‘and someone may have looked in. It was foolish.’
 
‘I think you are wrong about anyone following us,’ said Will. ‘They would have attacked us before now.’
 
Yacka explained that he had not slept at night since they left the Springs. He had watched and waited and heard strange sounds. He felt sure they were being followed, but at some distance.
 
‘You must have a sleep to-night, anyhow,’ said Edgar, ‘or you will knock up. We can keep watch in turns.’
 
Yacka assented⁸, for he felt much in need of sleep.
 
They camped on a level patch of ground, where there was not much surrounding shelter, and where they felt secure against any surprise.
 
Worn out from want of sleep, Yacka stretched himself on the ground, and quickly fell into a deep slumber⁹.
 
‘He’s dead tired,’ said Edgar. ‘I have never seen him drop off into such a sound sleep. He generally has an eye open, and his ears catch every sound.’
 
‘Are you going to take first watch?’ said Will.
 
‘If you like,’ said Edgar. ‘I will rouse you when I become drowsy¹⁰.’
 
Will soon followed Yacka into the land of dreams, and Edgar, leaning his back against the trunk of a tree, watched them. The treasure was close to him, and the sight of it brought back to him the scenes they had witnessed. From these experiences his thoughts wandered to Wal Jessop and Eva, and he wondered how they had gone on during his absence. He was anxious to see th............