The argument was loud. The door slamming echoed down the hallway.

Tom Hart had been driving for over three hours. Jason, his 15 year old son was with him. Tom reflected on their plans. Both of them were keen to explore areas where bush rangers used to reign and rob. Stage coaches were a prime and relatively easy target. Rumors abounded about the bush rangers stashing their booty in caves and returning to it after the police lost interest. However, some did not return. Their booty remained. But where?

Tom looked over at his son. So peaceful now, but things had not been all that good between them. Arguments nearly every time they spoke. Somewhat useless and expensive counselling had taken them nowhere. There had to be some other way to smooth the waters. This trip may help.

He looked back to the road.

"Oh Shit!" slipped out of his mouth. Loud enough to wake Jason.

"What the hell. Have we hit something?"
"No Jason, but that sign might bugger up our plans"

Jason followed his fathers pointed finger and sighed as he read DETOUR. As plain as day. Black on Yellow.
Jason questioned:

"Well what do we do? Seems as though it may take us miles away from where we want to be."

"No other thing to do but follow the detour. It may bring us around to where we want to go."

Tom could see that the road to the left was dirt. It was well worn which was good. He turned slowly left and once straightening increased his speed. They had provisions for two nights and plenty of water. A two man tent, which he hoped was waterproof but maybe not big enough. He and his son would at least be physically close. Two metal detectors made up the inventory.

"Dad, perhaps it is a sign?"

"What sort of sign. Good or bad?"

"Good"

Jason's reply surprised Tom. Jason could be negative to life in general and the reply was quick and confident. Was it his newly found love of his life, Kerry? It had been hard to prise him away from her as they had only met three weeks ago. Bribery helped and Tom was up for a dinner for two when they returned.

Jason continued.

"The bushrangers often did not follow the true road. They covered many miles in the bush and sort of made their own roads. I figure that they made many discoveries, even when they had no idea what lay ahead."

"I guess you are right. It may well be good to remember that as we continue. It will not be easy."

"That's okay. Even if we do not find any gold we just might find other stuff."

"You bet Jason, you bet"

Tom was lifted by the conversation and direction that Jason was displaying. However, he was not happy with the distance they were travelling away from their intended camp and search site. A decision needed to be made.

Ahead he viewed a track running up a slight incline and a ridge that was lined with rocky outcrops and some gum trees and native foliage.

"Jason, I am going to go off onto a track just up the road here. Not sure what we will find but we need to settle into a place for the night. The terrain looks inviting for a bit of a search."

The track was bumpy but took them to a flat area. There was evidence of previous camps and the prevalence of rocky outcrops was a good sign for the hunt. Jason also thought so and quickly released his seat belt.

"Dad, I will get the detectors, I can see a few places we can get to rather easily."

"Okay, but be careful. Looks a bit slippery on the rock surface."

Jason was well on his way before the warning was completed. Tom unpacked the tent and other items needed to set up the camp and decided he would join Jason. His location was no secret as he could hear the occasional blip sound of the metal detector.

He strode to an area to the left of Jason's and began his search. It was not long before he discovered a cave entrance. Blocked by a rock fall. He called Jason.

"Jason get over here. There is a cave entrance"

Jason was beside him almost instantly and quickly assessed the situation.

"Dad, must be something in there. I can climb up the incline to the top of the outcrop. Sometimes caves have an opening at the top."

A bit of knowledge gleaned from their research Tom thought, as he looked around and saw Jason half way up the incline. He reluctantly followed but lost sight of Jason.

A cracking sound accompanied with "Aaaaagh" was not comforting to Tom. He immediately picked up his pace.

"Jason, Jason are you alright?"

There was no reply as he frantically scrambled up the incline. He was near to the top now and was desperate to hear a response.

"Jason, answer me if you can."

After what seemed an eternity to Tom, a response came through loud and clear:

"Dad. All okay, but I think I have done my ankle."

"Don't move. I am almost there."
Another two strides and Tom was there. A quick look into the cavern determined Jason was not far away at all. There were no second thoughts about entering the cavern. He was now with Jason.

"Okay, give me a look at the ankle."

"No fuss dad. Can still look for treasure"

"You let me determine that and besides you're worth more than any treasure"

Jason was quiet. He looked up at Tom. Never had he heard such words. There it was. His dad did love him.

"Dad, thanks for saying that to me. This trip was a good idea."

Tom smiled:

"Yes son, it certainly was a good idea. Even with the detours. Let's get you out of here."