Tombstone · Chapter
Buried Treasure explained
This chapter explores the legend of a buried treasure supposedly hidden by outlaws Zwing Hunt and Billy Grounds at a mysterious location called Davis Mountain.
What happens
This chapter explores the legend of a buried treasure supposedly hidden by outlaws Zwing Hunt and Billy Grounds at a mysterious location called Davis Mountain. It recounts the deathbed story of Hunt, the map he allegedly drew, and the decades-long search by treasure hunters like Virgil Boucher and Bill Sanders. The chapter also includes skeptical commentary from Rube Hadden, who dismisses the tale as fiction, while encouraging the reader to maintain hope and faith in the dream of finding the treasure.
Themes in this chapter
Boom and Bust
The promise of a three-million-dollar treasure reflects the boom mentality of sudden wealth, while the repeated failures of searchers like Virgil Boucher illustrate the bust.
Frontier Mythology and Legend
The Davis Mountain treasure story is a classic frontier legend, blending outlaw exploits, hidden riches, and a mysterious map, akin to the Cocos Island myth.
Character and Reputation
Rube Hadden's dismissal of Hunt and Grounds as 'scared amateurs' and 'better mule-skinners than bandits' contrasts with the romanticized outlaw reputation in the treasure tale.
Characters to notice
- Zwing Hunt
Alleged outlaw who, on his deathbed, told a story of burying treasure at Davis Mountain and drew a map to find it.
- Billy Grounds
Young outlaw partner of Zwing Hunt, killed at age nineteen; his sister Maggie Clinger believes in the treasure.
- Virgil Boucher
Brother of Billy Grounds who spent over thirty years and made eighteen expeditions searching for the Davis Mountain treasure.
- Rube Hadden
Skeptic who dismisses the treasure story as bunk, claiming Davis Mountain does not exist and the tale is a fabrication.
- Billy Breakenridge
Identified Zwing Hunt's body after Hunt was killed by Apaches, confirming Hunt never returned to San Antonio.
Key passages
“treasure buried by Zwing Hunt and Billy Grounds at Davis Mountain, it’s pure bunk.”
The story of treasure hidden by Zwing Hunt and Billy Grounds at Davis Mountain is completely false.
Rube Hadden's skeptical opinion on the treasure legend.
“Zwing Hunt was killed by Apaches. There’s no doubt about that.”
Zwing Hunt was definitely killed by Apaches.
Rube Hadden asserts that Hunt died at the hands of Apaches, contradicting the deathbed story.
“All you have to do—perhaps—to make it yours is first to find Davis Mountain.”
The only thing you might need to do to claim the treasure is locate Davis Mountain.
The chapter's ironic encouragement to treasure hunters.