They scooped out more dirt, and the top of an old wooden box appeared.

Gage dug around it, then reached down to lift it out. His muscles strained. The box was heavy. Gage took a more solid grip on the box, hefted it out of the hole, and set it on the ground. In faded red letters, SHUR SHOT REMINGTON ARMS appeared on the side of the dovetailed box.

“Looks like this is it,” Gage said. “You ready?”

She swallowed and nodded, her long braid moving against her back. “I’m ready.”

Gage slid out his big knife and pried open the lid, set it aside. The box was filled with sand.

Gage growled something she couldn’t quite hear, but Abby was already digging through the sand, scooping handfuls out of the box.

Abby sucked in a breath at the quick glint of gold. Her heart thumped so hard a pain throbbed beneath her breastbone.

Reaching into the box, she sifted down and pulled out a shiny chunk of ingot much like the one she’d left in Denver. Next to it was a folded sheet of paper, clearly a letter. Abby handed the gold to Gage and opened the letter with trembling hands.

“What’s it say?” Gage asked.

She took a breath and started to read. “‘If the person who found this note is my granddaughter, then I am no longer on this earth.’ ” Her eyes suddenly welled. She glanced up at Gage, blinked to clear her vision, then went back to reading.

“‘Do not grieve for me, Abby. I was blessed with a long life filled with Excitement and glory. I do not regret a single day. I have left you my few worldly possessions, but in leaving you the map, I gave you the gift you wanted most in the world—a grand adventure.’ ”

Her heart sank. Sending her out on a wild trek through the desert—fulfilling her lifelong dream of adventure—was something King would do.

“Keep reading,” Gage said darkly.

“ ‘Do not despair, sweet girl. The Devil’s Gold is real.’ ” She couldn’t resist a quick look at Gage. He was frowning. Abby kept reading. “ ‘ If you are here, you know about the Peraltas. You’ve learned everything you need to know and have proven yourself strong Enough to go after the treasure.’”

Gage swore softly. “The old bastard couldn’t find it, so he wants you to keep searching.”

Abby ignored him, fresh excitement pouring through her. “‘According to legend, the Peralta family was wiped out by Apaches. But not all of them died. Those who survived returned to Mexico—taking a final load of gold bullion with them. It was the last trip they made.’ ”

She paused, her heart speeding up again.

“Go on,” Gage commanded.