[footfootfoot]

If he was serious about getting the lead, he should dig a pit, soak it with water then line the bottom with smooth stones about the size of walnuts to a depth of 3 inches. then pile dirt on top of the stones to a depth of about 6" and then build a fire on top of this. Not too big because you don't want to burn the lead. when the dirt heats up the lead will melt and drip down into the stones and hit the wet earth and cool. as the fire becomes coals, more dirt can be added by the shovel slowly enough that it doesn't put out the fire. After it all cools, remove the dirt/slag and stones, there should be a bunch of lead in the bottom.

That's my theory.