"I didn't say I found it," was the grave reply.  "I said I came in here looking for it.  There was a party left Sicuani, over to the east, two weeks ago, and I trailed in behind.  You see, I had a fool idea that these people were on the track of a big gold find, and so just naturally sneaked along.  They had an automobile.  I walked. They had plenty of provisions.  I had no one to grub-stake me.  They feasted while I starved, but the way is rough and slow, especially when tires break, and I managed to keep up with them until two days ago.  Then they got away from me."