“I wouldn’t want to go inside all that concrete, anyway,” said Sandy. “Neither would Phyllis. So that’s all right. We just want to see the interesting country around there.
“It’s pretty barren,” her brother said.
“I know that, Tom. Ever since Dad started the plant in co-operation with the government, I’ve been studying about the history and people of that area.”
“The Indians, you mean?” Tom asked.
“Yes. There’s a tribe not many miles from the plant. Phyl and Bud and I could spend our time visiting them and learning more about their customs.”
“It sounds okay so far,” Tom said.
His sister went on in a coaxing tone. “In fact, there’s a vague old Indian legend about a buried tribal treasure on top of Purple Mesa, a lonely, jagged-edged plateau not far from the Citadel.”
“Why hasn’t the treasure been removed if it really exists?”
“Nobody’s been up there because the sides of the plateau have been cut and eroded by sandstorms. They’re too steep for climbing.”
“And you think we should investigate the legend?”
DEAD-END TRAIL 85
Tom asked, a twinkle in his eye. “I suppose we could always use some extra gold.”
“Stop teasing,” said Sandy. “The story might be true. Tom, we could drop down on the flat top of the mesa by helicopter.”
“You certainly make it sound exciting,” her brother conceded. “Tell you what.
If Mother says okay, we’ll do it.”
“Thanks. I’ll ask her and the others right away. When do we leave?”
“I still have work to do on the robots. And the Sky Queen repairs haven’t been completed yet.” Then he laughed. “But cheer up, Sandy, we’ll go as soon as possible.”
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