diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-23 17:22:43 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-23 17:22:43 -0800 |
| commit | 870a8d74faca1acb9387176b1554631bf9fc09c7 (patch) | |
| tree | 28b9a40243a9dd89ec26862c7192bf7a92720f9d | |
| parent | 0daae5fd925a7d3e2a85d2b70b3a4f9d8dd797f3 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-0.txt | 8314 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-0.zip | bin | 136522 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h.zip | bin | 684861 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/64070-h.htm | 10042 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 78743 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i002.jpg | bin | 91977 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i003.jpg | bin | 31428 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i015.jpg | bin | 6743 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i016.jpg | bin | 9277 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i049.jpg | bin | 47483 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i131.jpg | bin | 124435 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i181.jpg | bin | 149613 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/i272.jpg | bin | 1235 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64070-h/images/icon.jpg | bin | 4640 -> 0 bytes |
17 files changed, 17 insertions, 18356 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f8180d1 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64070 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64070) diff --git a/old/64070-0.txt b/old/64070-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index be5897f..0000000 --- a/old/64070-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8314 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Secret Chart, by James K. Orton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Secret Chart - or Treasure Hunting in Hayti - -Author: James K. Orton - -Release Date: December 22, 2020 [eBook #64070] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Image source(s): https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:407502 - -Produced by: Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy of - the Digital Library@Villanova University) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET CHART *** - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_), and text -enclosed by equal signs is in bold (=bold=). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: “Gil led his cousin forward.” See page 42.] - - - - -THE SECRET CHART - - - OR - TREASURE HUNTING IN HAYTI - - BY - LIEUT. JAMES K. ORTON - - Author of “The Last Chance Mine,” “Beach Boy Joe,” etc. - - [Illustration] - - PHILADELPHIA - DAVID McKay, PUBLISHER - 610 SOUTH WASHINGTON SQUARE - - * * * * * - - Copyright, 1902 - By STREET & SMITH - - The Secret Chart - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I.--A Discovery 5 - - II.--At Sea 13 - - III.--A Message 21 - - IV.--The Castaways 29 - - V.--Mischief 37 - - VI.--Mutiny 45 - - VII.--Set Adrift 53 - - VIII.--Turning the Tables 61 - - IX.--Bound South 69 - - X.--Hayti 77 - - XI.--Conjectures 85 - - XII.--A Strange Spectacle 93 - - XIII.--In Trouble 101 - - XIV.--The Cave 109 - - XV.--A Discovery 117 - - XVI.--Andy 125 - - XVII.--A Successful Scheme 133 - - XVIII.--Treasure Hunting 141 - - XIX.--The Wreck 149 - - XX.--The Underground Passage 157 - - XXI.--A Trap 165 - - XXII.--Run to Cover 173 - - XXIII.--Secret of the Cave 181 - - XXIV.--The Treasure Chamber 189 - - XXV.--To the Rescue 197 - - XXVI.--A Pitched Battle 205 - - XXVII.--Under Cover 213 - - XXVIII.--A Second Alarm 221 - - XXIX.--In the Tunnel 229 - - XXX.--The Story 237 - - XXXI.--An Opportune Arrival 244 - - XXXII.--The Departure 252 - - * * * * * - -THE SECRET CHART. - - - - -CHAPTER I. A DISCOVERY. - - -Near the mouth of Spuyten Duyvil Creek the yacht _Day Dream_ lay at -anchor on a certain day in September, two years ago. - -The driving rain only served to give her white hull, with its trimmings -of gold, an additional luster, bringing into yet bolder relief the -polished mahogany and walnut inboard woodwork. - -Two sailors and an old colored steward remained below to escape an -unnecessary wetting, and the fifty-ton beauty tugged at the cable as -if trying to escape from her moorings before her caretakers should be -aware of the fact. - -On the river bank, half-hidden by a clump of trees, was the old stone -house owned by Henry Mansfield, formerly a captain in the China trade, -but now retired. Having accumulated considerable wealth, he believed it -would be more pleasant to remain ashore permanently; but, after a short -time of idleness, his love for the sea returned with redoubled force, -and, as a result, the _Day Dream_ was purchased. - -On her the captain spent considerably more than half his time, and now -the little craft was provisioned for a long southern cruise, much to -the delight of the owner’s son Gilbert, and his nephew, Nelson Duncan, -who had, after no slight difficulty, succeeded in gaining permission to -make the voyage. - -The boys were on shore overhauling their traps, preparatory to leaving -early next morning, and having considerable trouble in deciding just -what should be left behind. - -“We’ve laid out a big pile of stuff,” Gilbert said, as he surveyed the -guns, fishing tackle, clothes, and a general assortment of odds and -ends, which both he and his cousin had thought would be necessary to -their comfort and pleasure during the voyage; “but if we throw anything -out, it will be just what we may want most when the yacht is at sea.” - -“But how are we to get so much aboard?” - -“In case your trunk and mine won’t hold it all, there’s an old chest in -the attic, which will be the very ticket. If it doesn’t stop raining -pretty soon, we’ll have to get a piece of tarpaulin to cover them while -going out to the schooner.” - -That the old chest would be needed was learned very soon, and Gil said, -with a sigh: - -“There’s no question but that something must be left. We’ll pack the -most important, and then decide as to the rest. Come on, it won’t take -long to overhaul what is in the attic.” - -The only idea in the minds of the boys was to secure that which would -serve as a receptacle for their goods until the same could be carried -to the schooner, and, on finding the well-worn chest, it was only -natural to first make sure that it was empty. - -The rusted lock was fastened, and, eager to complete the work as soon -as possible, Gil knocked the hasp off by kicking at it, after which the -lid was thrown open. - -At first glance one would have said that it contained nothing, but on -turning it upside down several articles rolled out. - -Idle curiosity, rather than a belief that anything important would be -found, caused the boys to pick up the contents, and Nelse cried, as he -went toward the window: - -“Say, Gil, here’s a piece of an old newspaper, containing what appears -to be an old story. Where did the chest come from?” - -“I don’t know. Read what you have found, if it is interesting.” - -“There is a long account here, but if you can keep quiet a few moments, -I’ll make it out, in spite of the many creases and the dirt.” - -Then Nelse began the following: - -“North of that wild promontory which projects itself into the tropic -waters of the Mexican Gulf at the northwestern extremity of Hayti, -and four miles to seaward of the ancient town, lies a rocky inlet -known as Tortuga de Mar. In size and aspect it is insignificant. Yet, -lilliputian and unfamiliar though it now is, it gave birth to the most -merciless and picturesque class of marine cutthroats known to history.” - -“Keep that until we start,” Gil said, impatiently, as his cousin paused -to take a long breath. “Just now we want to get our traps aboard, -instead of reading some musty tale.” - -“Wait a moment, and find out what it means. We’ve got plenty of time,” -Nelse said, and then he continued: - -“Back in the opening decades of the seventeenth century adventurous -criminals from throughout the Antilles began to collect on the islet, -and in a few years Tortuga became the recognized headquarters of the -Spanish Main. From it as from a fever germ went out a fire of blood, -piracy, and lawlessness which spread over the waters of the Western -World. - -“Tortuga was settled in the first years of this century by Spanish -pioneers from the island known as Hispanola, or ‘Little Spain.’ It was -given the fanciful name of Tortuga de Mar, ‘The Sea Tortoise,’ from its -resemblance in shape to that amphibian. The settlers were a worthy and -simple folk, for the most part fishermen, who, for a few months in the -twelve, varied life by hunting the wild cattle which fed in the wooded -coast lands. - -“Scarcely had they become well established on the Tortoise, when, one -morning in May, 1632, they were mystified at the sight of a pinnace -load of strange seamen landing on the key which faces the mouth of -their harbor. Fifteen restless spirits from the French colony of St. -Christopher had, with the adventurous recklessness which marked that -day and those waters, set out for the best location which fortune -and a west wind should put in their way. They were allowed to put up -sapodilla shelters at the harbor mouth, and also to shoot their French -bullets into wild bulls on the opposite coast. - -“In a few weeks it became evident that the rascally strangers could -slaughter and _boucan_ more beeves in a day than the entire Spanish -community could in three. _Boucanning_, by the way, was a peculiar -process of curing flesh by jerking, salting, and drying in the -sunshine, the term being derived from an aboriginal word applied by -the cannibal Caribbes to the curing of human flesh. Such was the skill -of the intruders in converting the bulls into a superior, merchantable -product by means of the _boucan_ that the Spanish derisively applied -the native word to them. - -“As Tortuga lay directly in the path of European vessels bound for -Mexican ports, the fifteen Frenchmen immediately built up a thriving -business in _boucanned_ beef. Doubloons, pieces-of-eight, and moidores -became to them as shells or seabeans to the Spanish fishermen. Word -went back apace to St. Christopher, throwing that island into such an -uproar that the craze to go _a-boucanning_ carried its most unruly -seamen to the Tortoise. - -“Frenchmen came down upon the islet like a swarm of mosquitoes, and -overran it before the simple Spanish folks could recover from their -astonishment. Ominous growlings were heard among the original settlers, -but for such trivial matters as round Spanish oaths the intruders cared -never a whit. Just before dawn, December 1, 1633, the Spanish islanders -met at the plaza of their little town, and descended headlong upon the -intruders at the _boucanning_ beaches. Then began a massacre, during -which the intruders were cut down wherever found. - -“Immediately after this the _boucanning_ foreigners formed themselves -into a band composed of a collection of couples. Each two hunters made -common property of all possessions of either. They bound themselves -by every oath to an imperishable brotherhood. Each swore to avenge -with death any insult offered to the other. The two hunted and lived -together by day, slept together by night, and were as one flesh; and -always as the band ranged the coast valleys, grew the purpose of -avenging the Tortuga massacre. - -“A few months later the Frenchmen took the islanders by surprise. A -carnival of butchery ensued. When it was completed the village was -burned. The most lawless of the murderers was one Pierre Le Gros, a -sailor of oxlike frame and weight, hailing originally from Dieppe, -who, with twenty-seven fellow spirits, stole a small sloop from a -Tortugan skipper, and started on a nautical foray on whatsoever Spanish -merchantmen fate might cast in his course. - -“The act was of sufficient gravity to daunt even the chosen crew of -cutthroats captained by Pierre, had the proposed prey been anything -but Spanish, since it was plain piracy. For two days the sloop ran on -before a northerly wind, swinging down into the Caribbean Sea, but -sighting no craft. On the third afternoon out Pierre spied a galleon, -one of the Panama pearl fleet, which had been separated from its sister -vessels in a recent hurricane. Until night shut down, he craftily kept -away toward the windward horizon. Then, under cover of the darkness, -he swiftly and silently approached, coming alongside at daybreak. The -entire twenty-eight buccaneers boarded the galleon, leaving their sloop -adrift. - -“Six men rushed headlong to the gunroom, taking immediate possession. -Six more went to the clumsy steering apparatus, while Pierre, with the -remaining fifteen, hove the morning watch overboard and made for the -cabin. On bursting into the captain’s room, Pierre found the worthy Don -playing at cards with his officers, and discussing a goodly measure of -Madeira. - -“Before the captain could speak, the pirates swarmed into the -apartment, and covered the group with their pistols. In less than three -minutes the prize was theirs. The crew were marooned, and the galleon -taken to France, where, she and her cargo quickly disposed of, the -buccaneers left with all speed to rendezvous at the Tortuga. - -“When the intelligence of this exploit reached the Tortoise, the entire -island was thrown into a hubbub. Nothing was thought of but to go -buccaneering for galleons. Brig after brig and ship after ship were -fitted out, and in a year this species of piracy became a recognized -business. Ten years later the Spanish commerce in these waters had been -almost entirely destroyed. The sea was forsaken for the richer prizes -on land. The rich capital of Campeche was sacked, to be, in turn, -followed by Panama, and the curers of beef had become such a power as -to attract the attention of every nation.” - -“Is that all?” Gil asked, as Nelse ceased reading. - -“Every word, and it isn’t such a bad sort of story, except that there’s -not more than half enough. I wonder why your father has been keeping it -in the chest?” - -“I don’t believe he knew it was here. But look at the rest of this -stuff! Do you suppose these have anything to do with the piece of -newspaper?” - -As he spoke, Gil picked up the other articles, and he and Nelse were -gazing at them in perplexity when Captain Mansfield entered the attic. - - - - -CHAPTER II. AT SEA. - - -“Well, what are you boys hunting for? Pirates’ gold?” Captain Mansfield -asked, with a hearty laugh, as he looked over Gil’s shoulder. - -“We came here for this old chest, because our trunks won’t hold all -we want to carry, and in it found these things, which I don’t suppose -amount to anything; but I can’t make out why you or any one else would -want to keep them.” - -As he spoke, Gil laid on the lid of the box the different, apparently -useless, articles which had fallen out when the hasp was broken. They -all had that peculiar musty, salty odor, which tells of months spent in -the forecastle, while the good ship plows her way across this or that -ocean, one day aided by favoring winds, and on the next battling for -life with the spirit of the tempest. - -First the newspaper story was placed before Captain Mansfield; then a -small coil of thin, well-waxed cord; then a piece of hard, dark-colored -wood about four inches long by two wide, with the following marks -rudely cut, as if with a sheathknife: - -[Illustration] - -A fragment of an old British admiralty chart, showing a portion of the -northwestern end of the Island of Hayti, was next examined, and then -Gil unfolded a rough drawing, of which the sketch below is an exact -copy: - -[Illustration] - -“Do you know where these things came from?” Gil asked, after his father -had gazed at the odd collection for several moments in silence. - -“I never saw them before.” - -“Wasn’t this your chest?” - -Captain Mansfield examined the outside of the box intently, apparently -more interested in the find than the boys, and then said, slowly: - -“It belonged to an old sailor whom I found in Hong Kong many years ago. -He was in the last stages of consumption, and begged me to bring him to -this country. I advised him to remain in the hospital, for it seemed -certain he would die at sea; but he persisted, and on the fortieth day -out we were obliged to give him a sailor’s burial. The night he died -we were doing our best to save the ship, she having been partially -dismasted in a typhoon, and when he asked for me, I was needed on -deck. He sent word by one of the men that I was to keep his chest, -which I did, although it seemed nothing more than a dying man’s whim. -It was probably brought here with my dunnage, and I have never thought -of it since. Now I can fancy what sort of a yarn he wanted to tell me.” - -“Do you suppose these things refer to buried treasure?” Nelse asked, -excitedly, remembering what had been read. - -“He probably thought he knew where some of the buccaneers had hidden -their booty. Take ten old sailors together, and it is safe to say -that five of them believe they can find gold which has been hidden by -pirates.” - -“Is what we read in the newspaper true?” Gil asked. - -“There can be no question about it. There have been several reliable -histories of these sea robbers written, and by looking in an -encyclopædia you will learn how fragmentary this article is. New -Segovia, in Honduras, was sacked by them. Maracaibo and Gibraltar, -in the Gulf of Venezuela, were plundered by the buccaneers under the -command of D’Ollonois. Morgan, with two thousand men, crossed the -Isthmus to lay siege to Panama, and destroyed it. Coxon ravaged the -coast of Peru, and I might go on telling of their crimes until next -week without finishing the story. All this doesn’t prove, however, that -your find contains a clew to buried gold.” - -“But why not try to learn if these things really amount to anything?” -Gil suggested, eagerly. “You have said you didn’t care where we went, -and this would give us a purpose.” - -“Yes, and one involving no end of hard work; but if you boys want to -make the venture, and can decide where this particular spot is located, -I’ll head the _Day Dream_ for the place, and give you a chance.” - -Nelse and Gil began to express their gratification; but the latter’s -father interrupted them by saying: - -“Don’t thank me. Treasure hunting is very different from what you -fancy, and one day’s work, under a tropical sun, no matter how -promising your clews may be, will result in a most intense desire to -leave such jobs to other idiots. It is time now to get your traps on -board, for the storm gives promise of clearing away, with a favoring -wind, and the _Day Dream_ will be under way before sunrise.” - -Then Captain Mansfield left them, and the boys set about obeying his -orders by first wrapping the supposed guides to a large amount of -wealth carefully in brown paper, after which the remainder of the work -was quickly accomplished, for their minds were so filled by belief -in their ability to unearth a pirate’s hoard, that many things were -left behind, which, under less exciting circumstances, would have been -thought absolutely indispensable. - -An hour later the two were sitting in a snug corner of the yacht’s -kitchen, talking with the old darky who was “de captin ob dis yere -place,” and who rejoiced in the name of Andrew Jackson Washington -Storts. - -“De skipper am pow’ful fond ob loafin’ ’roun’ in de schooner,” Andy -said, by way of opening the conversation. - -“But this time it’s to be a regular cruise,” Gil replied. “We’re going -for gold, and, unless a regular hurricane strikes us, there’ll be no -shortening of sail until we make a harbor on the coast of Hayti.” - -“Wha--wha--wha’s dat?” Andy asked, in mingled surprise and alarm, and -turned suddenly to face the boy. - -“It’s nothing to be frightened about; we’re only going to Hayti.” - -“After pirates’ gold?” - -“We shall make a try for it, although father don’t think the venture -will be success----” - -“Don’ do it, honey, don’ do it. Yo’ neber was dar, an’ yer ain’ got any -call fur to go.” - -“You’ll think we’ve had a call when you see what was found in the chest -of a sailor who died aboard uncle’s ship,” Nelse said, laughingly. - -“You’se gwine kase ob wha’ a dead man tole yer?” and now Andy exhibited -every sign of fear. - -“Of course a dead man couldn’t tell us anything,” Gil replied, -impatiently. “We don’t believe in ghosts.” - -“But yer will, honey, ef dis yere craft anchors anywhere ’roun’ Hayti -near the gold wha’s got blood on it.” - -“So you’ve heard about treasure being buried there?” Nelse cried, -excitedly. - -“I’se done more’n hear ’bout it, chile. Ef I should go fur to tell yer -all I’se seen, de berry hair would tumble away frum yer head.” - -“Tell us about it, and we’ll risk our hair,” Gil said, coaxingly. - -“Yer doesn’t know wha’ you’se askin’, chile. I’d done gone die dead ef -I should splain half I’se seen in dat hole ob de debble. Does yer hab -any idee who’s libbin’ dere?” - -“The natives of the island, I suppose.” - -“Jes’ listen to me, chillun, an’ den go ashore same’s I’se gwine fur -to do ef de captain ’sists on headin’ dis yere schooner to dat place. -Dere’s voudoos ’roun’ de coast,” and the old man looked over his -shoulder, as he spoke, as if believing some horrible punishment would -be meted out to him for so much as mentioning the dreaded name. - -“What are they?” Nelse asked, surprised at the exhibition of fear. - -Andy looked at the questioner as if in pity because of the ignorance -displayed, and after a short, impressive pause, replied, solemnly: - -“Ef yer doesn’ know, honey, Andy Storts ain’ de one wha’s gwine fur to -put yer in any trubble. Dem as goes to dat ar place ain’ nebber gwine -ter cum back, an’ yer better foller me ashore, kase I don’ hanker arter -bein’ dead.” - -As he spoke, the old darky began gathering up such of his belongings as -were in the galley, literally trembling with fear meanwhile, and the -boys regarded each other in silent amazement until the trampling of -feet overhead caused Gil to dart up the narrow companionway. - -An instant later he shouted: - -“Come here, Nelse! The storm has cleared off, and we are under way.” - -An exclamation of dismay burst from Andy’s lips, and, dropping the -articles from his arms, he rushed to the deck. - -[Illustration: “Andy rushed to the deck.” See page 18.] - -The _Day Dream_ was already several miles from her anchorage, sending -the spray up from her glistening cut-water as she glided swiftly, with -every inch of canvas drawing, toward the sea. - -The exhilaration of the sail caused the boys to forget Andy and his -fears temporarily, and they watched the graceful craft threading her -way in and out among the many vessels and steamers, now apparently -about to be run down by some iron monster, and again threatening a -saucy tug with a blow of her fore foot. - -Captain Mansfield was standing near the helmsman, watching over the -safety of his yacht, when the old darky approached him in the highest -state of excitement. - -“I’se done gone altered up my mind, captin, an’ carn’ go on dis yere -cruise,” Andy cried, forgetting, in his terror, that he had no right to -speak to the master of the schooner under such circumstances. - -“Hold your tongue and go back to the galley! I’ll listen to you when we -are outside.” - -“I’se gwine ter be set ashore, sah.” - -“You’re going to be thrown overboard, if you don’t stop that noise -and get away from here,” was the stern reply, and, fearing present -danger rather than that in the future, the steward beat an undignified -retreat, but at the same time firmly resolved he would not allow -himself to be carried to sea in the _Day Dream_. - -Gil and Nelse had heard the short conversation; but there were so many -things to occupy their attention, that they dismissed it for the time -being, as something too trivial to require a second thought. - -And each moment the _Day Dream_ was drawing nearer and nearer to the -entrance of the harbor. The wind was favoring, and Captain Mansfield, -true to the instincts which had animated him while in command of a -ship, thought only of showing his celerity in leaving port. - -Down through the narrows the little craft speeded, leaving behind a -wake of silver to show her course, and from there to the lower bay, -still holding the wind at its best drawing point, until she was finally -bowing and courtesying to the long swell of the Atlantic, while in -the galley old Andy remained on his bended knees, praying that stress -of weather might force her into some port before reaching Hayti, at -which he could make his escape from the terrible dangers which he -firmly believed threatened all who should attempt to recover the buried -treasure which had been gained only by the shedding of blood. - - - - -CHAPTER III. A MESSAGE. - - -It is not to be supposed that the boys escaped a severe attack of -seasickness when the _Day Dream_ was tossing about on the Atlantic -swell. - -Both had indulged in a certain amount of yachting in the river and -sound; but the violent leaps and plunges of the schooner were something -so entirely different from what they had been accustomed to, that all -power of resistance was lost immediately giddiness and nausea seized -their victims. - -Therefore it was that the first two days out were not particularly -enjoyed by the boys; but, at the expiration of that time, even the -suggestion of fried salt pork failed to disturb them, and once more -they were in a condition to speculate upon the possibility of finding a -buried treasure. - -That old Andy had not succeeded in going ashore they knew, because of -having seen him several times; but his fears had not been allayed, as -could be told by the expression on his face. He had the appearance -of one who fancies he is menaced by a sudden and immediate danger, -and glanced from time to time over his shoulder, looking, as Nelse -expressed it, “as if he believed half-a-dozen pirates were trying to -sneak up on him.” - -Half-an-hour after their first appearance on deck since the yacht left -Sandy Hook, the boys paid the cook a visit, and hardly were they inside -the galley when he broached the subject uppermost in his mind by asking: - -“Has you’se done gone tole de captin ’bout wha’s gwine ter happen ef -dis yere schooner fools ’roun’ de shore ob Hayti?” - -“We haven’t done much of anything else than attend to our stomachs for -the last two days, Andy,” Gil replied, with a laugh. “Why don’t you -speak to him about it?” - -“I’se had ernough ob dat kin’ ob work. De night we done lef’ port I -tole him as how dis nigger wouldn’t stay aboard, an’ by jes’ de po’est -kin’ ob luck dere was a rope’s end handy fur him to grab.” - -Andy rubbed his back, thus preventing any necessity for further -disclosures, and the boys laughed heartily, thereby causing the old man -to lose his temper. - -“Dere ain’ no fun in dem tings, an’ de captin’s gwine ter fin’ out de -se’rus side ob life ef he keeps dis yere craf’ headed like she am now.” - -“It’s foolish for you to trouble your head about what we may find in -Hayti,” Nelse replied, earnestly, “for even in case we should touch at -the very spot where these voudoos hang out, you needn’t go ashore.” - -“Dey kin cum at yer anywhere,” Andy said, with an ominous shake of -the head, and then he turned so suddenly, in order to look over his -shoulder, lest the phantoms of the pirates should be pursuing him, that -he nearly toppled headlong. - -As a matter of course, the boys enjoyed this hugely, and their mirth -only served to kindle his wrath anew. - -He closed his thick lips tightly, as if to say he would not allow -himself to be coaxed into speaking again, and Gil was on the point of -trying to soothe him, when a shout from above caused him to remain -silent. - -“The captain says the boys are to come on deck and see what we have -picked up.” - -Gil and Nelse obeyed hurriedly, and were not a little surprised at -seeing nothing more than a dead bird lying on the main hatch. - -“Did you shoot it?” Gil cried, in surprise, wondering how it happened -that they had not heard the report of firearms. - -“It was dead, floating, and we picked it up,” Captain Mansfield replied. - -“What for?” - -“I saw something red had been tied under the poor thing’s wing, and -wanted to find out what it meant. By doing so, we shall be able to -rescue several unfortunate men from considerable suffering, if not -death.” - -“What do you mean?” Gil asked, in astonishment, and in reply his father -held up a small piece of brown paper. - -“This was what we found wrapped in a tarred cloth, with a bit of red -flannel to attract attention. The cord was a piece of gut, which has -swelled until the messenger choked to death.” - -Gil took the paper almost reverentially, and, as Nelse looked over his -shoulder, read the following: - - Shipwrecked men on Walker Key at the northern slope of Little Bahama - Banks, dying from thirst. - -This message from the sea, brought by a bird, and discovered only by -the merest chance, caused the boys the most intense astonishment, and -Gil asked, breathlessly: - -“Do you believe it can be true, father?” - -“People do not do such things for sport. It must have cost them -considerable labor and ingenuity to catch this gull, and if they are -yet alive, we’ll soon relieve their sufferings.” - -“Are you heading for there now?” - -“Yes, and it is very nearly a true course for us. We had only to shift -the helm a couple of points.” - -“When shall we arrive?” - -“To-morrow noon, if this wind holds. Go into the cabin, and by looking -at the chart which is spread out on the table, you will learn exactly -where the sufferers were when this gull was set free.” - -The boys went below, after looking once more at the bird which had -performed its mission, even in death, and then it was not difficult to -ascertain very nearly the position of the schooner, for the course had -been traced in pencil on the chart up to that morning. - -“We can’t be delayed very long,” Gil said, after they had gratified -their curiosity, “for if the men are yet alive they’ll be ready to -leave the key at a moment’s notice; but I suppose it will be necessary -to put them ashore somewhere before we go to Hayti.” - -“You are talking as if we knew exactly where to find the place marked -out on the paper we found.” - -“Well, don’t we?” - -“I wouldn’t like to say that I do.” - -“It doesn’t seem as if there could be any question about it. The piece -of newspaper referred to what had taken place on the Tortuga de Mar, -and the fragment of chart showed that island----” - -“Yes, and a portion of Hayti as well.” - -“But the drawing represents a small body of land.” - -“Look at it again, and you’ll see that only a part has been shown. How -do you know it does not represent the end of some other key?” - -“The newspaper shows that.” - -“I don’t think so,” Nelse replied, firmly. “What we read was the story -of how buccaneering first came about, and, of course, it was necessary -to speak of the small key where it had its birth.” - -“If that was its only use, why did the owner of the things we found -keep it so carefully?” - -“Probably to show his shipmates that at least a portion of his story -was true.” - -Until this moment Gil had had but little time to speculate upon the -supposed treasure, owing to the fact of his having been taken sick -so soon after the discovery in the attic was made, and now a very -unpleasant doubt came into his mind. - -It no longer seemed such an easy matter to find the place designated, -and he began to fear the treasure hunting would be brought to an end -before it had really commenced. - -“I shall believe the Tortuga de Mar is the place until we have searched -over it pretty well,” Gil said, after a long pause. “Then, if nothing -is found, we’ll say the drawing must refer to some spot on the island -of Hayti.” - -“But what about the voudoos which are causing Andy so much alarm?” - -“What’s that?” a voice asked from the companionway, and an instant -later Captain Mansfield was in the cabin. “Where did you boys ever hear -anything about voudoos?” - -“Andy says they’ll kill us if we attempt so much as to anchor near -where any pirate hoard is supposed to be hidden,” Gil replied, with a -laugh. - -“So that is why he insists on being put ashore?” the captain said, half -to himself. - -“Is there any real reason why he should be afraid?” Nelse asked. - -“Certainly not. It is true that there are a large number of negroes, -more especially in Hayti, who believe in that sort of mummery; but you -can hunt for the treasure just as long as you please without fear of -being molested by any of them.” - -“And you are willing we should make the attempt?” - -“Dig away as much as you please; but I fancy a couple of days’ work -will give you all the searching that’s needed.” - -“Will you help us find the spot as shown by the drawing?” - -“I’ll spend a short time at it, providing we have safe anchorage for -the schooner.” - -This was even more than Gil had dared to hope, and his spirits revived -wonderfully. - -“Then we shan’t have any trouble in bringing away a lot of gold,” he -cried, and from that moment until it was time to retire, save when -they were eating, he and Nelse studied the tracing on the piece of -brown paper. - -When the boys “turned in,” the wind was blowing steadily from the same -quarter as when the message from the shipwrecked ones was received, and -there appeared to be no doubt but that the _Day Dream_ would make the -key at the time set by Captain Mansfield. - -Even the idea of the treasure did not prevent the boys from thinking -very much of the sufferers, whom they hoped to be able to relieve, and -on awakening next morning, the first question was as to whether the -necessary rate of speed had been maintained. - -“We’ll be there on time,” Captain Mansfield replied, cheerily. “Before -twelve o’clock we shall have performed a good deed at the expense of -but little trouble, or have the satisfaction of knowing we did all that -was possible, under the circumstances.” - -Old Andy seemed to have resolved that he would find cause for fear in -everything which happened. - -“We’se gwine straight to de debble,” he grumbled, when the boys spoke -with him about the shipwrecked men. “Dere’s no use ter try an make me -tink a bird knowed enuf after he was dead, to float alongside dis yere -schooner so’s we could get de writin’, kase it don’ stan’ to reason.” - -“That part of it was chance, of course,” Gil replied, “and I can’t -see that there is anything strange in the men doing all they could to -attract attention.” - -“Wha’ men?” - -“Those who have been shipwrecked.” - -“Dere’s sumfin wrong ’bout de whole bizness, kase where’s de sailor -man what kin ketch a gull? I’se tellin’ you, honey, dat de voudoos hab -foun’ out whar we was gwine, an’ am beginnin’ to----” - -He did not have an opportunity to finish the sentence, for at this -point the boys literally roared with laughter, and he turned away -indignantly, refusing to speak again until some one from the deck -shouted: - -“The key is in sight. If you boys want to get the first glimpse of the -shipwrecked sailors, it is time you were tumbling up here.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. THE CASTAWAYS. - - -Gil and Nelse, who had expected to see an island of fair proportions, -were considerably disappointed on reaching the deck at the scene before -them. - -A long, low stretch of sand, hardly rising above the level of the -ocean, could be distinguished directly ahead, and was about as -uninviting a place as one could find. Toward the eastward the surf -broke with considerable violence, and this it was, rather than the key -itself, which attracted attention to the spot. - -Already preparations were being made to lower one of the boats, and Gil -asked his father: - -“How near can we go to land?” - -“It isn’t safe to venture very far across. It is all shoal water to the -westward of us, and I shall hold the schooner off about a mile.” - -“Do you see any signs of them?” - -“The smoke is enough to show they’re keeping a pretty sharp lookout,” -and Captain Mansfield pointed to a thin thread of blue, which had been -unnoticed by the boys until this moment. “That is a signal which they -started the moment we hove in sight; but it’s dying down, now we’ve -shown our intention of running toward them.” - -Ten minutes later the boys could distinguish, by aid of the glass, a -number of figures on the beach, and Nelse said, with a laugh: - -“Andy will be more certain than ever that the voudoos have had a hand -in this business when he finds out how many extra men he is obliged to -cook for. It looks to me as if there were at least a dozen.” - -“Fully as many as that,” Captain Mansfield added, “and we shall be -crowded uncomfortably for a while; but, fortunately, Nassau isn’t so -far away that we need worry very much about lack of room.” - -At this moment the old darkey came on deck, and Gil shouted: - -“There’s a whole crowd of them! The voudoos have sent us lots of -company.” - -Andy looked from the captain to the key in a sort of bewilderment, and -one of the sailors, who stood near him, said: - -“You’ll have your hands full now, cookee, for we’re likely to add -twelve or fifteen to this schooner’s crew.” Andy raised his arms above -his head, as if in despair, and then turning suddenly, ran below to the -galley, from which place he did not emerge again until it was time to -serve dinner. - -The schooner was hove to, when it seemed to the boys as if she was a -very long distance to the eastward of the key; but, as a matter of -fact, she was on the edge of the bank, and as near in shore as it was -safe to venture. - -One of the small boats was lowered, and two sailors rowed toward the -shore. - -The mate of the yacht--Job Jenkins, a young man not more than -twenty-five years of age--was leaning over the rail near where Gil -and Nelse stood, and after watching the men as they pulled the tender -around to the western shore of the key, to avoid the heavy breakers, he -said, petulantly: - -“I ain’t a-sayin’ but what it’s our duty to take that crowd off; yet -it’s bound to use up the rest of this day, and by sunset there won’t be -so much as a breath of air stirring.” - -“Better a calm than a hurricane,” Gil replied, with a smile. - -“I’m not so sure of that. The yacht can hold her own under considerably -more than a capful of wind, and I had rather see her driving through -the worst kind of a smother than lying here with that mob on board.” - -“Mr. Jenkins, can you make out any wreckage hereabouts?” Captain -Mansfield asked, lowering the glass which he had been using. - -“No, sir, and that is just what has been puzzling me. I don’t -understand how so many could have reached the key without some kind of -a craft, and if any vessel large enough to carry such a crew had gone -ashore within the past three weeks, the hull should be held by the -sand.” - -“It has an odd look,” the captain replied, as he walked farther aft to -get a view from another point. - -By this time the tender had gained the shore, and the shipwrecked -party, after quarreling among themselves, made a rush for the boat. - -“At least four trips will be necessary in order to get them all on -board,” Jenkins suggested, and Captain Mansfield replied: - -“Unless they are in a bad condition, which doesn’t appear to be the -case, let them do a portion of the work. One man is enough to take the -boat back, and the strangers can pull out to us.” - -Gil and Nelse watched eagerly as the first load approached the yacht, -and a scrutiny of the newcomers was not at all favorable to them as -good specimens of sailors. - -They were a thoroughly disreputable-looking set, bearing no evidences -of hardship, and the boys fancied all were more or less under the -influence of liquor. - -“Well,” Captain Mansfield said, as the first one, a bushy-whiskered -man, who appeared to be the leader, came over the rail; “you don’t seem -to be in as desperate straits as I fancied would be the case when I -found the gull.” - -“So you got the writin’, eh?” the man replied, with a laugh. “I thought -Johnson was wastin’ his time when he laid ’round a couple of days -tryin’ to catch the bird; but it has turned out mighty lucky for us, -after all.” - -“What vessel are you from?” - -[Illustration: “What vessel are you from?” See page 32.] - -“The brig _Mary and Jane_, from Savannah for Nassau, with an assorted -cargo. There must have been a fire in the hold when we left port, for -we fought it from the second day out until it got the best of us, and -we had to leave the old hooker.” - -“Were you the captain?” - -“Not much. He and the mates took the only boat that would swim, and -left us to shirk for ourselves.” - -“Do you mean to say that they deserted the crew?” Captain Mansfield -asked, watching the man sharply: - -“That’s jest the size of it. My mates and I made shift to get to the -key, an’ there we’ve been ever since.” - -It was some seconds before Gil’s father spoke again, and the sailor -shuffled about uneasily under his searching gaze. - -“You said you were without water.” - -“We haven’t had a drop since we landed; but a couple of casks of rum -come ashore, an’ we’ve managed to get along with that.” - -“Did you scuttle the brig before leaving her?” - -“There was no chance to do anything of the kind. We kept her headed for -the key till the fire got the best of us, and she was in a light blaze -when we saw her last.” - -“How many are there of you?” - -“Fourteen all told.” - -“It’ll be snug stowing; but we’ll run for Nassau, and land you as soon -as possible,” and Captain Mansfield turned as if to intimate that the -interview was at an end. - -“You’ll have to take deck passage, for there are only four bunks in the -forecastle, and they are all filled,” Mr. Jenkins said, as he motioned -the men forward. - -“All right. Of course, we’re willin’ to stand our share of the work,” -the man replied, as he slouched along the deck with a swaggering air. - -“We’ve got crew enough, and in a small craft like this, you would only -be in the way.” - -Then the mate gave orders that the sailors should return with the -boat, and the little craft was headed for the shore once more, while -the newcomers covertly examined the yacht, as if they had a personal -interest in her sea-going qualities. - -The captain appeared to be so disturbed in mind that neither Gil nor -Nelse ventured to ask him any questions relative to the men whom he -was taking off the key; the boys stood amidships, where they could see -all that was going on, and as Captain Mansfield paced to and fro, only -stopping now and then to exchange a few words with Mr. Jenkins, Nelse -whispered: - -“I don’t think your father is any too well pleased at having so many -people aboard.” - -“I’m certain he isn’t, and can’t wonder at it. They are a tough-looking -set, and could make no end of trouble, if they were so disposed.” - -By this time the second load had come from the key, and were no more -prepossessing in appearance than the first arrivals. - -Captain Mansfield questioned them sharply, receiving in substance the -same replies as from the others, and when the boat was headed for the -shore again, he called Mr. Jenkins to him. - -Eager to know what was said, Gil motioned Nelse to follow him, and the -two went aft where the conversation could be overheard. - -“What do you think of the story they tell?” Captain Mansfield asked his -mate. - -“It isn’t reasonable, and I believe it has been cooked up for our -especial benefit. That all the officers of a brig should abandon the -crew doesn’t sound reasonable.” - -“I am of the same opinion. They have either deserted from their vessel, -or mischief has been done.” - -“In case it was nothing more than desertion, they would have had a -boat.” - -“The same argument holds good under other and more desperate -circumstances.” - -“Very true, sir.” - -“We may never learn the truth; but we can take every precaution against -trouble. Keep your eyes open, Mr. Jenkins, and don’t give them an -opportunity to play us any game.” - -“I will see to it that they haven’t much rope aboard this craft,” the -mate replied, and then the conversation was interrupted by Andy’s -announcement that dinner was ready. - -The third boatload had not come off when the boys went into the cabin, -and there saw the old darky looking thoroughly distressed. - -“What’s the matter?” Gil asked, while they were waiting for his father -to come below. - -“Say, honey, does you know how many ob dese yere sailors am comin’ -aboard?” - -“Fourteen.” - -“An’ am all ob dem gwine ter stay on de yacht?” - -“There’s no other place for them until we can make Nassau.” - -“Den you hark to wha’ de ole man am tellin’ yer,” and Andy looked -cautiously around to make sure no one from the deck could hear him. -“Dis yere cruise am boun’ ter end in trubble, an’ ef de captain keeps -de yacht pinted for Hayti, we’se nebber gwine ter git back.” - -“Is this another case of the voudoos?” Nelse asked, with a laugh. - -“Now, don’ make fun ob wha’ de ole man tells yer, honey, an’ ef dere’s -a chance to ’swade de captin ter turn ’roun’ when we strikes Nassau, go -fur him lively.” - -“It isn’t likely father would put the schooner about, simply because of -what the voudoos might do, and if we should say anything, it might only -make matters worse.” - -At this point Captain Mansfield came below, and Andy, looking decidedly -distressed, began to serve the meal. - - - - -CHAPTER V. MISCHIEF. - - -Mr. Jenkins’ predictions regarding the time necessary to bring the -castaways on board, and the weather, were verified. - -Not until nearly sunset did the little tender make the last trip to the -key, and by that time the calm was “raging.” There was not air enough -stirring to lift the thread of blue at the truck, and the atmosphere -had suddenly grown so hot as to be almost stifling. - -If Captain Mansfield had reason to distrust those whom he was trying -to aid, during the first interview, he had good proof of their evil -natures before the wind sprang up again. - -All the castaways were under the influence of liquor to a greater or -less degree, and those who came latest must have contrived to bring an -additional supply to their companions. - -Andy had prepared a substantial meal, which was served on deck, and, -instead of being grateful for the same, there was more grumbling than -might have been expected from sailors whose only food for many days had -been “salt horse.” - -The bushy-whiskered fellow, who acted as the leader of the party was -particularly aggressive, and, when Andy had set out a well-cooked, -generous amount of corned beef, potatoes and cabbage--such a spread as -they would not have received anywhere, save on a pleasure yacht--he -asked, in a surly tone: - -“Is this the kind of stuff you’re willin’ to put afore shipwrecked men?” - -“It’s de same as our own crew gets, an’ I ’lows as how you’se kin -make out ef yer berry hungry,” the cook replied, angrily, turning to -re-enter the galley. - -“Don’t answer me back, you black villain, or I’ll break every bone in -your body!” and the man sprang to his feet with a show of rage. - -“I’se gwine ter say wha’ I wants ter,” Andy replied, angrily. “I’se de -cook ob dis yere craft, an’ ef yer spectin’ ter git grub, dere ain’ no -call fur yippin’.” - -“Hold your tongue!” the fellow cried, seizing his tin plate of food and -hurling it at the old darkey’s head. - -Andy dodged the missiles, which, striking the companionway, were -scattered over the clean deck, and the infuriated man ran toward him -with the evident purpose of inflicting bodily injury. - -It so chanced that Captain Mansfield came from the cabin at the same -instant the plate was thrown, and, before anything more could be done, -he shouted: - -“Hold on there! What is the meaning of all this?” - -The words were sufficient to cause the man to halt suddenly, and, -turning around, he replied, in a sullen, insolent tone: - -“I don’t reckon on taking lip from any nigger, no matter who he is.” - -The cook was still standing in the companionway, and going forward -quickly, the captain asked him what had been said. - -The sailor would have given his version of the affair, attempting -to prevent the old darky from speaking; but Captain Mansfield said, -sternly: - -“Hold your tongue, unless you want to be set ashore again, and I’m not -certain I should take the trouble of using the boat.” - -Andy gave a truthful account of all that had occurred, and concluded by -saying, as he pointed to the food on the deck: - -“Dere it be, capt’in, de same as I send to de cabin.” - -By this time all the alleged shipwrecked men had laid aside their -plates to gather around the leader, standing very near the captain in -threatening attitudes, and, attracted by the noise, Mr. Jenkins came on -deck. - -Captain Mansfield looked squarely in the fellow’s face fully -half-a-minute before he said: - -“There is your supper. You will get no more to-night, and you are -either to eat or throw it overboard. In addition, you will clean the -deck at once.” - -The man stood in an attitude of defiance, glancing now and then at his -companions, but making no move toward obeying the orders; and Gil’s -father, turning to the mate, said: - -“Mr. Jenkins, if my instructions have not been carried out properly -at the end of five minutes, throw this man overboard. Call all hands, -including the boys, if you need assistance.” - -Then the captain walked aft again, and the castaways began whispering -among themselves as if trying to decide whether it would be safe to -defy him. - -Gil and Nelse stood near the wheel, where they could hear and see -everything. Both wanted to go forward, but the former’s father checked -them by saying, in a low tone: - -“Remain where you are, unless Mr. Jenkins should call; in which case, -you are to obey his orders implicitly.” - -The mate was evidently making ready to carry out his instructions. All -the men, save the man who had thrown the food, were sent back to the -main hatch, and the young sailor was looking at his watch in an ominous -manner. - -The castaway muttered something which the boys could not understand; -made a series of gestures to his companions, but, without receiving any -reply, and then in a sulky manner began throwing the food overboard. - -“Bring a swab here,” Mr. Jenkins called to one of the crew, and the -shipwrecked man used it vigorously until the stains had been removed -from the white planks. - -“Now, where am I to get my supper?” the fellow asked, sullenly. - -“We don’t serve two meals at the same time on board this craft, and, in -case you want to be carried to Nassau, I advise that you keep a civil -tongue in your head, for the captain is no fresh-water sailor, to allow -an old barnacle like you to back him down.” - -Then the mate walked aft, and the rescued party began to discuss the -situation in whispers. - -“That’s a fine crowd to ask honest sailors for assistance,” Mr. -Jenkins said, in a low tone, when he stood by Captain Mansfield’s side. -“If this calm lasts very long, we are bound to have trouble with them.” - -“Keep your weather eye lifting, and they can’t do much mischief. They -are all a little the worse for liquor now, but when that wears off -things will straighten out.” - -“It would be serving the whole boiling lot right to set ’em ashore.” - -“That would be inhuman, and, besides, neither you nor I care to say -that we’re afraid of a lot of sailors.” - -“You would be warranted in trying to avoid trouble, more especially -when there are so many aboard.” - -“We won’t discuss the matter any further, Mr. Jenkins. Keep them well -under your eye, and we’ll soon run down this bank.” - -Both Gil and Nelse understood that the captain, as well as his mate, -felt a trifle uneasy because of the strangers, who outnumbered the -available force of the yacht more than two to one; but forcing them to -return to the key was not to be thought of for a single moment, and it -only remained for the officers to be on the alert. - -Owing to the heat, and, possibly, because of the alleged shipwrecked -mariners, the boys found it impossible to close their eyes in slumber -at a very early hour on this particular night. - -Before retiring, Nelse had proposed that they pay Andy a visit, but -Gil objected on the score that it would only be to hear his croaking -relative to the visit to Hayti, and, feeling decidedly disturbed in -mind because of other reasons, time spent in the galley promised but -little pleasure. - -When the boys went below, the rescued party were stretched out -amidships, more comfortable there than they would have been below, and, -so far as could be judged by their respective positions, intent only on -seeking repose. - -Two hours later, after Gil and Nelse had tossed and turned in their -bunks, unable to sleep because of the almost stifling heat, the latter -said: - -“Let’s go on deck. There’s no chance we shall close our eyes to-night -if these mosquitoes continue so industrious, and we may as well be -where it is possible to get the benefit of whatever air is stirring.” - -“I’m ready to go, but we must move softly, in case father happens to be -asleep.” - -Because of this caution, the two gained the deck in nearly perfect -silence, and the night was so dark that they could not be seen by those -who might be on watch, save from a very short distance. - -On the starboard side aft Mr. Jenkins was pacing to and fro, the sound -of his footsteps alone disturbing the silence, and from the other side -came a subdued murmur, which told that the strangers were yet engaged -in conversation. - -Without knowing exactly why he did so, Gil led his cousin forward until -it was possible to distinguish what the rescued men were talking about, -and then that which he heard was sufficient to attract his closest -attention. - -The bushy-whiskered fellow appeared to be the chief speaker, and he -said, just as the boys drew near: - -“There are only five, counting the skipper and mate. The cook and the -cubs don’t amount to anything. This yacht is a clipper, and, with her, -we could soon find a market for what has been left on the key.” - -“Don’t you think we’ve done enough already?” a voice asked. - -“Yes, if all hands have turned cowards. We shall not get any deeper in -the mud by taking what has come to us, and, with a craft like this, -everything is possible. I wouldn’t want a better berth than to sail -such a schooner around the keys, stopping whenever we wanted two or -three days ashore, and going wherever we took a fancy.” - -“You know what that means,” the same voice said. - -“Supposin’ I do, haven’t we done the same thing already? We can go -ashore at Nassau, and then it may be a good many months before we dare -take what we’ve earned. I’m for making the most of a good chance.” - -“But how can it be fixed?” - -“Come nearer an’ I’ll tell you; there’s no need of yelling when there -are so many to hear.” - -The doubter moved across the deck, and Gil pressed his companion’s arm -in token that they should retire. - -“There’s no need of listening to anything more,” Gil said, when they -were so near the wheel that there was no danger the words would be -overheard. “Those fellows are plotting mutiny, and it is necessary -father should know it.” - -“Why not speak with Mr. Jenkins?” Nelse whispered. - -“Then we would be obliged to repeat the story twice. Come below!” - -Nelse followed without further remonstrance, and a few moments later -Captain Mansfield had learned sufficient to convince him that his -guests were not the most honest people in the world. - -“Are you certain no mistake has been made?” he asked, when Gil -concluded the narrative. - -“We heard everything very distinctly, and I am positive the words have -been repeated correctly.” - -“Call Mr. Jenkins, but do not let any one hear you,” and Captain -Mansfield sprang from his berth as Gil went toward the companion-way. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. MUTINY. - - -To find the mate and tell him he was wanted in the cabin did not occupy -many moments, and the rescued party, who had turned mutineers almost -at the same moment their appeal for help had been answered, apparently -paid no attention to the boy’s movements. - -Captain Mansfield repeated to Mr. Jenkins what Gil told him when the -two were alone and the companion-hatch drawn to prevent the possibility -of the conversation being overheard, and the expression which came over -the mate’s face showed how serious he believed was the situation. - -“I am not surprised,” he said, thoughtfully. “After the row with Andy, -we had good reason to look for anything in the way of rascality. What -do you propose to do?” - -“I hardly know.” - -“Although my opinion has not been asked, I should say we had better set -them ashore as soon as possible.” - -“To do that we would be precipitating the trouble, and, besides, I -hardly see how it can be done. When the first boatload was landed, -they might refuse to let the tender be brought back, even in case they -left the schooner willingly. It is not going to be an easy matter to -enforce obedience while they so far outnumber us. What is the look of -the weather?” - -“I think we shall have a fair sailing breeze by midnight.” - -“Then it will be best to make an attempt to land them at Nassau. -Arm yourself, and we will both remain on duty. At the first sign of -insubordination use your weapons promptly.” - -It could be seen that Mr. Jenkins was not pleased with this decision, -but he was too good a sailor to find fault with the commands of his -superior officer. - -He entered his cabin, reappeared a moment later with bulging pockets, -and went toward the companion-ladder, stopping there only long enough -to say: - -“You will not be needed on deck, captain. I’ll answer for that crowd -until daylight.” - -“It can do no harm to take excessive precautions, more especially when -they involve nothing more serious than the loss of sleep. If you see -the slightest sign of trouble, call me.” - -The mate went out into the gloom, and Captain Mansfield said to the -boys: - -“There is no particular reason why you should be frightened, but, at -the same time, it is well to be prepared for any emergency. Keep your -revolvers where they can be used at a moment’s notice, but do not make -any move toward using them without an express command from me to that -effect.” - -“Do you think the men will attempt to seize the schooner?” Gil asked, -in a tremulous voice. - -“Not a bit of it; but yet almost anything is possible, and that is why -I want you to be prepared. If we get a good sailing breeze at midnight, -we shall be in Nassau before those scoundrels can form a plan.” - -Then the captain went on deck to have a look around, and the boys -discussed the question of “turning in.” - -“I don’t believe it would be possible for me to close my eyes while -knowing those men are ready for mischief, and there can be no mistake -as to what we heard,” Nelse said, in a whisper. “Why can’t we sit here -in the cabin all night?” - -“Father wouldn’t like it, and, besides, if that crowd should see us, -they would know we had discovered their secret.” - -“Do you intend to lie down?” - -“Yes; but there is no necessity of undressing, and, in case anything -does happen, we shall be ready to do our share.” - -Nelse would have preferred to remain on deck, but he knew Captain -Mansfield would not agree to such a plan, therefore he followed his -cousin to the tiny room which adjoined the one occupied by Gil’s father. - -However uneasy they might be regarding the intention of the alleged -shipwrecked crew, it was impossible to remain awake very long after -lying down, and in less than half-an-hour the two were sleeping soundly. - -They were still in the very heart of slumber-land at midnight, when -the looked-for breeze sprang up, and, therefore, remained in ignorance -of the fact that the dainty white cloths of the yacht had been spread, -causing the beautiful little craft to heel coquettishly, as, with a -bone in her teeth, she darted over the black waters on a true course -for the Northeast Providence Channel. - -“She is looking up into it well now,” Captain Mansfield said, in a tone -of satisfaction, as the _Day Dream_ glided across the waves, “and we -can count on getting rid of our passengers before another sun sets, for -I believe this wind will continue to freshen until morning, when we -shall have all she needs to induce her to show her best pace.” - -The captain and his mate were standing well aft, with a trusty man at -the wheel, as the schooner gained headway, and Mr. Jenkins replied, in -a tone of relief: - -“If your predictions are correct, sir, there’ll be little to fear, for -as yet this crowd are without any plan of action. Why don’t you go -below for a while?” - -“I believe I will. Keep your wits about you, and don’t hesitate to call -me if anything looks wrong.” - -As he spoke, the captain went to his room, and in a comparatively short -space of time the sound of his heavy breathing could be heard, even by -the man at the wheel. - -The mate paced to and fro more than an hour, and then, fancying he -heard a movement among the men, who were supposed to be sleeping on -deck, he went forward to investigate. - -The rescued party appeared to be wrapped in slumber, as he made his -way among the prostrate forms, and, blaming himself for being unduly -suspicious, Mr. Jenkins continued on to the forecastle companion-way -before turning to retrace his steps. - -The sailor who should have been on the lookout was nowhere to be seen, -and the mate stood for a moment expecting him to come from below, -when suddenly a hand was clapped over his mouth, preventing him from -uttering the slightest sound. - -At the same instant he was lifted bodily from his feet and carried to -the main hatch, where the mutineers had no difficulty in binding and -gagging him without any more noise than might have been caused by one -of the men turning in his sleep. - -Now that it was too late, Jenkins saw the missing sailor lying close -beside him, unable to move hand or foot, and he understood that the -castaways had formed a very well-considered plan, which was already -more than half successful. - -“It’s time now to tackle that fellow at the wheel,” the leader of the -party whispered. “I’ll lounge back there; he’ll think I’m the mate -until it is too late to make any disturbance, and the minute I get him -by the mouth you must close in.” - -“Why not call up the captain first?” one of the crowd asked. - -“Because then we should have two on hand at the same time, and there’s -no knowing what them boys might succeed in doing. The easiest plan is -the best, and so far you’ve got no call to kick at the way I’ve managed -this business.” - -“Go ahead; I won’t say another word until the schooner is in our -possession.” - -Mr. Jenkins struggled hard to make some noise, which would serve to -alarm the man at the wheel, but his bonds and the gag had been tied -too skillfully to admit of the slightest movement, and he was forced to -remain inactive while the mutineers carried out their vile plot to the -end. - -In less than five minutes the helmsman was also a prisoner, and one of -the scoundrels took his station at the wheel, but careful not to change -the yacht’s course, in case the captain should chance to be awake -watching the tell-tale. - -Ten minutes later the leader of the mutineers, after ordering his men -to creep aft, where they would be hidden from view by the deckhouse, -entered the cabin and knocked lightly on the owner’s door. - -“What is the matter?” the captain asked, awakening at the first sound. - -“Mr. Jenkins wants to know if you will come on deck for a moment, sir,” -was the whispered reply. “The wind is freshening, and he would like to -haul around more to the westward.” - -Without waiting for an answer, the fellow went on deck; but he stood -close by the companion-way, after whispering to the man at the wheel: - -“Have that belaying-pin ready to knock him down, if he doesn’t give me -a fair chance of cutting off his wind.” - -Then the sound of footsteps told that the captain had left his room, -and twenty seconds later he appeared at the top of the ladder. - -Coming suddenly into the darkness as he had, and unsuspicious that -the summons was a false one, the work of making him a prisoner was -exceedingly simple. - -Struggle as he might, nothing could be effected, for half-a-dozen of -the scoundrels were upon him instantly the leader made the first move, -and now there was no longer any necessity of preserving such perfect -silence. - -“Three of you tackle the cook, and when that has been done, I’ll attend -to the cubs,” the leader said, in an ordinary tone, while Captain -Mansfield was being carried to the hatch and laid beside the mate and -sailors. - -“Its all done, and the nigger is lashed in his berth,” one of the men -reported before the prisoners thought sufficient time had elapsed for -the villains to reach the forecastle. - -“Did he give you any trouble?” - -“Not a bit, but acted as if he expected something of the kind. How long -will it take you to fix the boys?” - -“That part of it doesn’t amount to anything. Bring some rope down, and -I’ll end this business mighty quick.” - -Nelse and Gil were sleeping soundly when the mutineers opened the -unlocked door. Beside them were the revolvers, and these the ringleader -took possession of, as he said to his followers: - -“Now truss ’em up; but there’s no need of using the gags, for they -can’t do any harm, no matter how loud they yell.” - -The first intimation the boys had that anything out of the usual course -had happened was when the men began roughly to tie their hands and -feet, and then only a single glance was necessary to tell exactly what -had been accomplished. - -“Turn them out on deck, and we’ll make ourselves comfortable here for -a while before doing the rest of the work,” the leader said, and, as -if they had been so many bundles of merchandise, Gil and Nelse were -conveyed to the main hatch, there to be flung roughly down. - -From this time until fully an hour had passed the mutineers paid no -attention to their prisoners. Two men were all that were needed on -deck, and the others proceeded to make free with the cabin stores, as -could be told by the sounds of revelry. - -With sufficient wind to keep the canvas full and drawing, the little -yacht sped on over the long swells, while her rightful crew could not -so much as enjoy the poor consolation of conversation. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. SET ADRIFT. - - -The orgie in the cabin was continued until nearly daylight, and during -all that long, weary time the boys could talk to, but not with, their -companions. - -They were the only ones who had been left ungagged, and were free to -discuss the matter, but without being able to elicit a single answer. - -“It isn’t hard to fancy how the whole thing has occurred,” Gil said to -Nelse; “but the question is, what do they propose to do with us?” - -“We shall find out mighty soon, I reckon, and the part which has the -most interest for us is whether they will cut our throats or content -themselves with simply making us walk a plank, after the fashion of -oldtime pirates. I counted on finding the buccaneers’ treasure when we -started, but I didn’t suppose we should find the buccaneers themselves.” - -While the boys indulged in this rather mournful style of conversation, -the other prisoners writhed to and fro in the vain effort to slip their -bonds, and at each useless attempt Gil would look around, wondering if -it were not possible to aid them in some way. - -“Because we can speak, it seems as if we should be able to do -something,” he said, after his father had literally exhausted his -strength trying to get his hands free. “I’ve read in stories of fellows -who could chew ropes apart, but I don’t know how to set about it.” - -“That’s because such a thing isn’t possible,” Nelse replied, very -decidedly. “We can’t so much as move, and, as for getting our heads -where it would be possible to bite at the bonds, it is simply out of -the question. After this I shall never believe in those yarns.” - -“It might be done, if I could raise myself sufficiently to get at the -ropes.” - -“That is a great, big ‘if’ under these circumstances, and I shall put -all those stories down as foolish lies after this night.” - -It was as if the desire to aid tired the boys, for before this -conversation had been continued half-an-hour both were perspiring -profusely, while they felt weary, although having remained inactive. - -It was a relief for all hands when the golden shafts of light which -came over the water proclaimed the rising of the sun, and the revelers -emerged from the cabin to complete their act of piracy. - -The leader lost no time in acquainting his prisoners with the fate in -store for them. - -Coming toward the hatch with unsteady movements, which told only too -well how his time had been occupied, he first ordered that the gags -should be removed, and then said to Captain Mansfield: - -“I ’low it seems kinder rough for us to turn you out, but that’s what -we’ve decided to do, an’ there’s no use in kickin’ up rusty about it.” - -“Do you mean that we’re to be set adrift after doing all we could -to relieve your distress?” the captain asked, huskily, for the gag -had been in his mouth so long that it was difficult to speak with -sufficient distinctness to make himself understood. - -“That’s about the size of it,” the man replied, with a drunken leer. -“There’s jest a chance we might get into trouble at Nassau, because the -_Mary and Jane_ was lost----” - -“Then you are responsible for the destruction of that craft, eh?” - -“Hold your tongue, or you may be askin’ questions that’ll get you into -trouble, for my mates won’t stand any nonsense.” - -“Then cut your own talk short. You have committed a deed which will -eventually bring you to the gallows, and there is no reason why there -should be any delay in finishing the job like the pirates that you -are,” Captain Mansfield said, impatiently. - -“That’s exactly what we’re goin’ to do. Search the crowd for fear -they may have revolvers with them,” the man said, with an assumption -of authority, which would have been comical under less desperate -circumstances. - -But few moments were required in order to execute this command, and -when the work was concluded the helpless men had been robbed of -everything valuable upon their persons. - -Captain Mansfield no longer attempted to speak; it was as if his -anger was too great to admit of words, but he watched jealously every -movement made by his enemies. - -The sun was flooding the sea with a golden radiance when the mutineers -lowered one of the boats, put into her a small cask of water and some -provisions, and then stood as if waiting for the rightful crew of the -_Day Dream_ to take their departure. - -At such a time resistance would have been worse than useless, and, when -his bonds had been removed, the captain said, as he walked toward the -rail: - -“I warn you that the time will come when this high-handed proceeding -must be atoned for, and, if you have any regard for your own necks, you -will give us more of a show for life.” - -“What do you want now?” the leader asked, with an oath. - -“Two boats, and something to serve as sails. With eight people on board -one of these little tenders the first strong puff of wind will send her -to the bottom. Give us as good a show as you would want for yourselves.” - -“It’s a precious sight better than you deserve,” was the brutal reply, -as the helpless ones were hurried over the rail, their united weight -loading the craft down to the gunwales. - -From the time the gag had been removed until he clambered into the -boat old Andy had not spoken; but when the painter was cast off and -the schooner began to draw away from them, his anger burst forth in a -torrent of threats and reproaches. - -He called down all manner of curses on the heads of sailors who would -turn pirates immediately after having been rescued from such a desolate -spot as the key, and predicted the result of these high-handed -proceedings in language so energetic that Captain Mansfield said, -sharply: - -“Be quiet, Andy. You are doing them no harm, and couldn’t better our -condition if you talked all day.” - -“I’se gwine ter let sich low down trash know wha’s ercumin’ to ’em.” - -“They’ll know it soon enough without any assistance from you. Just now -we’ve something more important to think about, for unless we can make -harbor on one of the keys which lie hereabouts before a heavy blow -comes on, our chances for living will be pretty slim.” - -“Isn’t there any hope we can get our things back?” Nelse asked, -ruefully. “The thieves have even taken my watch.” - -“I don’t fancy we shall see even the smallest portion of our property -again,” the captain replied, with what was very like a sigh. “They will -get to fighting among themselves, and wreck the little craft before -long, unless, which is not likely, a war vessel happens to overhaul -them.” - -“Shall we get out the oars?” Mr. Jenkins asked. “We should be near -Spanish or Powel Key, and by rowing to the eastward it ought to be -possible to run the land down by sunset.” - -“You are right, and it’s to be turn and turn about for all hands. -Unfortunately only two can work at a time, because we have no more -oars, and the tricks shall be an hour for each man.” - -From this moment until nearly nightfall but little conversation was -indulged in; each occupant of the boat had been robbed of all his -effects, and this, in addition to the outrage, was well calculated to -make them feel the reverse of cheerful. - -The wind, which had so much weight in it at sunrise, died away entirely -about ten o’clock, and the heat was most intense. Not even the lightest -breath of air came off the glassy water, and one hour was quite as long -as the strongest could remain at the oars. - -At three o’clock in the afternoon a well-wooded key was seen dead -ahead, and two hours later the victims of their own charitable act were -on shore. - -“We will stay here twenty-four hours,” Captain Mansfield said, as the -boat was pulled up into a narrow cove which extended some distance -inland, and terminated in a veritable thicket of mangroves. “Then we’ll -work our way down the bank in the night, when we sha’n’t be so nearly -prostrated by the heat.” - -It was a great relief to the boys to be able to stretch their legs on -shore, and when a spot was cleared that all might lie down without fear -of being disturbed by centipedes or similar disagreeable things, they -began to think the situation was not as grave as it might have been. - -A hearty meal of ship’s bread and canned meat was followed by a desire -to sleep, and the entire party lay down to rest, for it was not -necessary to stand watch. - -Toward midnight the wind sprang up from the eastward, but only to die -away again a few hours later, and Captain Mansfield said to the mate, -in a tone of satisfaction, as the two arose just as day was breaking: - -“If there were any vessels nearby last evening we should get a glimpse -of a sail when the sun rises, for that breeze must have given them a -slant toward this key.” - -“By swarming up one of the largest trees we can have quite a range of -vision, and something ought to be heaving in sight before night. I’ll -stand the first trick.” - -“With nothing else to---- Hark!” - -As the captain spoke a creaking sound was heard, and he finished the -sentence by saying, joyfully: - -“It seems that we sha’n’t have long to wait. There is some kind of a -craft becalmed within a quarter of a mile of the shore.” - -“There can be no question about that. Shall we hail her?” - -“It isn’t necessary. She can’t get away until the breeze springs up, -and we may as well know who we are asking for assistance. I am not -putting as much faith in my fellow-man as I was before our experience -of yesterday.” - -The two walked down the bank of the cove to the beach, where a full -view of the seaboard could be had, and there waited for the rising sun -to show them the newcomer. - -The shaft of radiance soon came out of the sea, gilding each crestless -wave with a glory of brightness, and revealing to the watchers the -spars of a jaunty-looking schooner so near the land that it seemed as -if one could have tossed a pebble on her deck. - -Mr. Jenkins stood staring at the little craft in open-mouthed -astonishment as if doubting the evidence of his own senses, until -Captain Mansfield pulled him roughly back into the shelter of the -foliage, as he whispered excitedly: - -“It’s the _Day Dream_ herself.” - -“For a moment I thought my eyes were playing me a trick,” the mate -said, with a long-drawn breath of bewilderment. “What are we to do? -Show ourselves?” - -“Not yet. We must form a plan of action, for if this calm holds until -noon the little craft shall be in our possession again.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. TURNING THE TABLES. - - -The first thing to be done was to warn the remainder of the party that -the mutineers were close at hand, lest some incautious noise might -betray the fact of their being on the key, and to this end Captain -Mansfield hurried to the head of the little cove. - -Old Andy was the only one awake, and to him the captain whispered: - -“The villains who seized the _Day Dream_ are becalmed within twenty -fathoms of the shore. See to it that----” - -The darky looked up in alarm, his eyes seemingly starting from their -sockets, and he was on the verge of giving vent to a cry of fear when -Captain Mansfield seized him by the throat. - -“Don’t you dare so much as wink, or I’ll choke the breath out of your -body,” he whispered, angrily, and the old man sank to his knees the -very personification of terror. “Now listen carefully, and see that you -do as I tell you. See to it that there is no noise made here. When the -others awake tell them to remain quiet until I return.” - -There was no longer any danger that Andy would betray the secret by an -incautious move. The threat terrified him even more than the knowledge -of the mutineers’ whereabouts, and Captain Mansfield retraced his -steps to the point where he had left the mate. - -During the short time he had been absent the general condition of -affairs on the schooner’s deck was changed considerably. - -The mutineers had come from below, probably after a night’s debauch, -and the sound of angry conversation told that a quarrel was imminent. - -“What has happened?” the captain asked Mr. Jenkins, in a whisper. - -“I don’t know. They came out of the cabin a few seconds ago, and this -row appears to be a continuation of what started below.” - -“It will be a fortunate happening for us, if they get into a fight.” - -“Possibly,” the mate replied, hesitatingly; “but I fail to see how it -is going to be possible for us to accomplish anything without weapons -when that crowd are well armed, if they have taken the trouble to -search the cabin, which I reckon has been done long before this.” - -“We shall find a way out of it, if the calm continues. Give me a chance -to get over the bow before they know we’re in the vicinity, and I’ll -take the risk of their weapons.” - -The discussion on the yacht was fast degenerating into a regular row. -The men were talking so loudly that a reasonably good idea of the -condition of affairs could be gained by the listeners. - -Several of the mutineers were insisting on making this particular -key a sort of rendezvous, and demanding that a certain lot of goods -(probably something they had saved from the _Mary and Jane_) should be -brought here. - -Another faction, and among them the leader, wanted to run for the -Florida Straits, in order to remain hidden among the keys until search -for the yacht should be abandoned. They believed, and with good reason, -that Captain Mansfield would not tamely submit to the loss of his -vessel, and, since the weather had been favorable for navigation in a -small boat, it was more than probable those who had been dispossessed -would succeed in reaching Nassau. - -Greatly to the disappointment of the two concealed among the foliage -on shore, the men did not come to blows, although each instant it -seemed as if such would be the case. After squabbling for twenty -minutes or more the mutineers appeared to have come to some kind of an -understanding, and a quantity of the cabin stores were brought on deck -for breakfast. - -Each one appeared to be his own cook, and the wastefulness displayed -would have brought tears of vexation to Andy’s eyes. A tin of beef, -which one fellow opened, was tossed overboard after he had taken out -two slices. - -A box of biscuit was left on the house that each might help himself, -and the greater portion used in firing on a wager at a floating bottle. - -This kind of horseplay came to an end finally, and then the -half-drunken crew began lowering one of the boats. - -“It is possible that our opportunity is near at hand,” Captain -Mansfield whispered. “It looks as if some of them were coming ashore, -and it is time the rest of our party were ready for action. Creep back -softly, and send them to me. Then pole our boat as near the mouth of -the cove as is safe.” - -By a chance as fortunate and unexpected as had been the coming of the -_Day Dream_, all the mutineers but two prepared to go on shore, and, -as nearly as Captain Mansfield could judge, each man had armed himself -either with a rifle or revolver, thus exhausting the supply of weapons -on board. - -“It will be nothing more than child’s play now, provided they do -not land too near here,” he whispered to himself, and just as the -boats pushed off from the schooner, Gil and Nelse crept close to the -watcher’s side. - -“Is there any chance of our getting the yacht again?” the former asked; -but his father motioned for him to be silent. - -The remainder of the party came up before the mutineers were -half-a-dozen yards from the vessel, and a few moments later Captain -Mansfield saw, to his dismay, that the men intended to land directly in -front of his hiding-place. - -It seemed as if this must be a deathblow to all his plans, and the boys -mentally braced themselves for the struggle both believed to be at hand. - -The men rowed leisurely, singing and laughing, evidently fancying -themselves the only human beings in the vicinity, and the little tender -struck the beach not more than a dozen feet from where the anxious ones -were concealed. - -The bows of the boats were pulled up on the sand to prevent them from -drifting away, and then the mutineers pushed straight on into the -thicket, probably bent on exploring the key to learn if it would serve -them as a rendezvous. - -They were making so much noise that the watchers might have conversed -in ordinary tones; but Captain Mansfield did not take any such chances, -when he whispered to Gil: - -“You and Nelse go back to where Jenkins is waiting with the boat. Send -him to me, and get on board. Move cautiously down to the very mouth of -the cove, and stay there, with oars in the rowlocks, until you see us -push one of these crafts from the shore. Then row for the schooner the -best you know how.” - -This was no time to ask questions, and the orders were obeyed instantly. - -Mr. Jenkins was but a short distance away, and when Gil had repeated -his father’s instructions the mate hurried off, leaving the boys to -carry out their part of the programme unaided. - -“Father is probably going to try to get hold of the other two boats,” -Gil whispered, as he clambered inboard, “and if the mutineers see us -while we are pulling out to the schooner we shall have the chance of -learning how it seems to be shot at.” - -“I’d rather receive a pretty serious wound than let those scoundrels -go off with the yacht again, now there’s a possibility of our gaining -possession once more,” Nelse said, and by the time he ceased speaking -both were in the little craft, each with an oar ready to pull at the -first signal. - -The voices of the mutineers now sounded from a distance, and it was not -likely they could have a view of the water because of the intervening -foliage; but yet Captain Mansfield’s party gave no sign of action. - -Ten minutes passed, and Gil was beginning to grow alarmed lest his -father should wait too long, when a light splash of water was heard, -and one of the tenders shot out from the shore with the two sailors -rowing and Andy at the helm. - -“Now bend to it,” Gil whispered, hoarsely. “Watch to see that one -doesn’t pull the other around, for there mustn’t be any wild steering.” - -The boys were out of the cove just as the captain and Mr. Jenkins -launched the last boat, and all three crafts were dashing over the -glassy sea in fine style, sending tiny showers of spray up from their -bows, when a loud yell was heard. - -The two fellows on the schooner had caught a glimpse of the captain’s -party, and were shouting for their friends. - -“It’s a question of reaching the other side of the yacht before they -heave in sight, or we may come to grief,” Gil said, grimly, as he bent -his back to the oar until the ashen blade bent under the vigorous -strain. - -“Board her over the rail amidships, boys!” Captain Mansfield shouted, -and glancing around for the merest fraction of time, Nelse saw that the -sailors were steering for the schooner’s bow, while the other boat was -being sent toward the stern. - -By thus dividing the force, the mutineers would be beset both from -front and rear, while Gil and Nelse created diversion on one side, and -the struggle could not be long protracted. - -The men on the yacht were yelling at the full strength of their lungs, -and stood near the bow with handspikes raised ready to fell the first -who should attempt to come on board; but they could not guard the -stern at the same time, therefore the captain and mate succeeded in -clambering over the rail before the fellows were fully aware of their -purpose. - -The boys had just pulled around the _Day Dream_ when the main body of -mutineers burst out of the bushes, and the shower of bullets which they -sent, without waiting to take accurate aim, did no injury to any one. - -Mr. Jenkins had opened the battle by hurling a handspike with such good -effect that the taller sailor was knocked over like a ninepin, and -the other, realizing how useless it would be to contend against such -odds, leaped into the sea, swimming for dear life as those on the shore -continued to discharge their weapons. - -“Keep under the rail as much as possible,” Captain Mansfield shouted, -as he set the example by crouching where he could get a view of the -shore without exposing too much of his body. “They can’t have any very -great amount of ammunition, and it isn’t likely either of that crowd -has got the nerve to swim out here.” - -Andy was the only one who did not follow this suggestion instantly. The -old darky was so elated at the complete turning of the tables that it -seemed absolutely necessary to give vent in some way to his joy. - -He danced around the deck in full view of the angry men on shore, -shouting in a sing-song tone: - -“Wese done got de bes’ ob dem villyns! Glory to de Lam’! Wese ’board de -yacht once mo’! Glory to de Lam’! Wese gwine---- Hi, yi, yi!” - -These last exclamations were by no means a portion of his song of -triumph; but just at that moment a bullet from one of the rifles had -grazed the top of his ear, causing more pain than a really serious -wound would have done, and, with a howl of terror, he flung himself -down by Captain Mansfield’s side, where he alternately moaned and -continued to cry: - -“Glory to de Lam’!” - - - - -CHAPTER IX. BOUND SOUTH. - - -After having fired four or five rounds of ammunition without other -effect than the grazing of Andy’s ear, the mutineers appeared to have -grown tired of such useless work, and ceased to waste their cartridges. - -The calm was still “raging.” There was not wind enough to have caused -any perceptible motion in a feather, and those who had taken possession -of their own again could not do otherwise than remain idle, waiting for -that which, by filling the white sails, would carry them far from their -enemies. - -On the shore the mutineers sat watching the schooner, unable to do -anything toward regaining her, and, as Jenkins expressed it, “eating -their hearts out” with anger, because they had been so foolish as -to take all the weapons ashore, leaving the ship-keepers virtually -defenseless. - -The man who had been bowled over by a belaying-pin recovered -consciousness after the firing ceased, and, with a very disagreeable -sensation in his head, sat on the main hatch, probably wondering what -was to become of him. - -“Are you going to keep that thing?” the mate asked of Captain -Mansfield, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb at the -disconsolate-looking mutineer. - -“Let him swim ashore when there’s a chance of our crawling away from -this key.” - -“Why not use him first?” - -“How do you mean?” - -“If a breeze should spring up now those fellows on the beach would -amuse themselves by making targets of us while we were raising the -anchor and making sail.” - -“I have thought of that; but do not see how it is to be avoided.” - -“Make this fellow do such work as he can, with our assistance, while -we remain under cover. Give me the word and I’ll guarantee to have the -little craft ready for the first cat’s-paw which comes over the sea, -and without exposing myself.” - -“Act as you please, Mr. Jenkins. It is no more than fair that he should -do something to repay for the trouble and loss which his crowd have -cost us.” - -The mate could have asked for no more congenial task, and Andy was in -an ecstacy of delight as the mutineer was forced to play the part of a -barricade for the others. - -At first the man appeared disposed to rebel against doing the work -demanded of him; but Mr. Jenkins said, sternly, brandishing a -belaying-pin to give greater emphasis to his words: - -“You ought to have a pretty good idea by this time that we shouldn’t -feel very bad to be obliged to break your head, and that’s exactly what -will happen if you don’t step lively. It may be well to tell those -scoundrels on the beach who it is doing this work, otherwise they might -put a bullet into your hide.” - -The fellow began to realize that his captors were not to be trifled -with, and very meekly went to the rail, where he shouted: - -“Hi! Mike! This crowd have got the drop on me, an’ I’m bound to do as -they say; so don’t shoot, will yer?” - -“Why not swim ashore? They can’t do anything, if you only show a little -nerve, ’cause we’ve got all the shootin’ irons.” - -“My leg’s about the same as broken, ’an I couldn’t swim a stroke.” - -Mike was silent for a few seconds, and then he asked: - -“Is the captain countin’ on leaving us here?” - -“You have brought it on yourselves, and can be mighty certain that -we wouldn’t raise a finger to help you now, if the whole gang was -starving,” Captain Mansfield shouted from his place of vantage under -the rail. - -The mutineers began to understand that a speedy punishment was about to -overtake them, and the leader cried in a whining tone: - -“We’ll die for the want of something to drink, if you leave us.” - -“There’s little chance the world will be so lucky as to get rid of you. -I shall notify the authorities at Nassau of your whereabouts, as well -as of the likelihood that at least a portion of the brig’s cargo will -be found on Walker Key, and I reckon you’ll not be left alone very -long.” - -This acted like a douche of cold water upon the mutineers, who -were also, probably, wreckers, and they exhibited every symptom of -uneasiness. - -“It is time for you to go to work,” Mr. Jenkins said to his prisoner. -“Get into the boat with me, and we’ll pull the schooner’s head around -so your friends won’t have so good a chance to interfere with us while -we weigh the anchor; but remember that if you attempt to give me the -slip, I’ll split your head open with this,” and the mate flourished the -belaying-pin savagely. - -Sheltered from those on the shore by the yacht herself, this portion -of the task could be done in comparative safety, and while one of the -sailors payed out on the cable the craft was swung around stern on. - -Then the men managed to rig up the quarter-deck awning as a screen, -without exposing themselves very much, and all hands could now work -while hidden from view of the angry scoundrels on the shore. - -After this had been done the anchor was weighed, and then the two in -the boat pulled and tugged at the oars until the _Day Dream_ was fully -a mile from the shore. - -This had not been accomplished without some show of remonstrance from -the mutineers. When the yacht first began to move through the water, -and they understood what was being done, a volley of bullets was -discharged at random, many finding their way through the canvas screen; -but finally this useless evidence of rage ceased, probably because the -ammunition had been exhausted. - -Not until they were beyond range did Mr. Jenkins allow his prisoner to -cease his efforts, and then, wiping the perspiration from his face, he -said: - -“Now there is nothing to prevent your going ashore, if you feel so -disposed.” - -“Will you let the men pull me in to that point?” - -“Not much. What is to prevent your swimming?” - -“I couldn’t do it, even if there were no sharks hereabout, as there are -sure to be. My leg feels as if it was broken.” - -“You got off cheaply, and that’s more than can be said for the rest of -the gang, since they will have to answer to the authorities for what -has been done. If you don’t want to swim, get on board, for I sha’n’t -give you the chance of stealing one of these boats.” - -The man obeyed without another word, and once on the schooner he -crouched under the rail forward as if anxious to escape observation. - -Meanwhile, as soon as the yacht was at a reasonably safe distance from -the shore, Gil and Nelse went below to learn what the mutineers had -done there, and the scene which met their gaze was well calculated to -fill them with mingled feelings of anger and dismay. - -One would have said that a hundred men had been amusing themselves with -trying to see how much mischief could be done in a given length of -time. The contents of the staterooms were dragged into the cabin, where -they might be examined leisurely, and left lying on the floor. Food of -all kinds was scattered in every direction, and as much wasted as would -have served the rightful crew of the yacht for many days. - -“We ought to be thankful we have got the _Day Dream_ back in any -condition,” Gil said, with a long-drawn sigh; “but it is more than -provoking to think we gave that crowd the opportunity of destroying -things.” - -“All the weapons, watches and money are gone,” Nelse added; “but from -what your father said I don’t fancy the amount of cash is enough to -make them very rich, and we’ll soon repair damages, so it won’t pay -to mourn a great deal. Let’s do what we can toward setting things to -rights.” - -While the boys were engaged in this work, Andy was surveying his -quarters, and if harsh words could have injured the mutineers, not one -would have been left alive five minutes after he saw the condition of -his kitchen. - -They had not spent so much time in the galley as aft; but the same -scene of wanton destruction met the cook’s gaze, and he attributed the -greater portion of it to the voudoos, whose especial domains the boys -had threatened to invade. - -“Dere’s gwine ter be de berry debbil raised on dis yere cruise, ef de -captain consists in runnin’ to Hayti,” he muttered, while trying to -repair the damage. “I’se done gone boun’ ter tork ter dem boys ag’in, -kase dey mus’ know wha’s sartin ter happen, ef dat pirates’ gol’ ain’ -got out ob dere min’s.” - -During this time those on deck had not been idle. Every inch of -canvas belonging to the yacht was spread to catch the first breath of -air which should come over the sea, and the captain and mate amused -themselves by watching the mutineers, who still remained on the beach -as if unable to understand that they had lost the little craft so -suddenly. - -“There comes what we are waiting for,” Mr. Jenkins said, as he pointed -toward the west, where a faint ruffling of the water into a deeper blue -betokened the rising of the wind. “Now, what is to be done with the -fellow forward?” - -“Call him aft, and let him decide the question.” - -The man obeyed Mr. Jenkins’ summons in a slouchy, shamefaced manner, -touching his hat when he reached the quarter-deck, and standing there -as if expecting punishment was about to be meted out to him. - -“We hope to be under way in a short time,” Captain Mansfield began, -“and you are to say what is to become of your precious self. I should -be warranted in taking you to Nassau in chains; but it will be too much -trouble.” - -“I would like to be set ashore, sir.” - -“You can leave at any time; but I don’t propose the men shall exert -themselves in your behalf by so much as pulling an oar.” - -“I can’t swim,” the man said, piteously. - -“That may be; but if we row you ashore your precious friends will -probably gain possession of the boat, considering the fact that they -are well armed, while we would be helpless.” - -“I can rig up a sort of raft on which he could manage to reach the -land,” Mr. Jenkins ventured to say, observing that the captain -hesitated. - -“Very well; if he chooses to go in that manner, I have no objection,” -and Captain Mansfield turned away, for he was eager to be rid of the -mutineer, but did not propose to take any risks. - -Two empty casks, with a plank from one to the other, formed quite a -seaworthy raft for one man, and ten minutes later, just as the oncoming -breeze filled the yacht’s sails, the mutineer was paddling for dear -life toward the key. - -There was no time to watch his movements, for the _Day Dream_ began to -draw away from the land in a manner which told that the run to Nassau -would be quickly an accomplished fact, providing the wind held. - -Once more the yacht was bound south, and, despite all the misfortunes -which Andy persisted in believing were caused by the voudoos, Gil and -Nelse allowed themselves to dream again of the pirates’ gold. - - - - -CHAPTER X. HAYTI. - - -One could easily fancy how much the mutineers must have been punished -by seeing the schooner moving swiftly away from the land, knowing as -they did that the officers of the law would soon come in search of -them, and more than one on board the _Day Dream_ was satisfied with -this as atonement for all the discomforts suffered during the last -thirty hours. - -It was impossible to say whether the fellow who had just been released -ever reached the shore, although all the chances were in his favor. The -last that could be seen of him through the glass was when the schooner -rounded the point of land which marked the eastern-most extremity of -the key, and then he was paddling for dear life. - -It surely seemed as if the wind had come to stay for some time. It -continued to increase in weight until nightfall, when the yacht had -as much as she needed in such waters, and Mr. Jenkins confidently -announced to Gil and Nelse that they would be at Nassau before sunset -on the following day. - -Time proved this prediction to be correct. - -By six o’clock on the same day the yacht had been recaptured, all -evidences of her late unlawful crew were wiped out both fore and -aft, and when the boys retired the thought of their slight losses, as -compared to what might have been, went very far toward consoling them. - -“Father will buy us such things as we may need when we get into port,” -Gil said, confidently, to his cousin, “and if he doesn’t think it -necessary to replace our watches, no great harm will be done, if we are -obliged to look at the cabin clock in order to learn when the meals -should be served.” - -“I’m not worrying about the stuff those fellows took from us,” Nelse -replied; “but am only afraid uncle won’t allow us to hunt for the -treasure because of what has already happened.” - -“That will be all right, as you will see, so let’s try not to think any -more of what has happened.” - -At noon on the following day, the boys almost forgot the disagreeable -adventures with the mutineers when they landed at Nassau with Mr. -Jenkins, and made a tour of the sponge yards, while Captain Mansfield -went to inform the authorities of those whom he believed were -responsible for the loss of the _Mary and Jane_. - -It was a particularly pleasant day which they spent ashore, viewing -the many wonders wrested from the bed of the ocean, and on returning -to the schooner neither thought to ask what had been done until -Captain Mansfield was speaking with the mate about the officers of the -ill-fated brig. - -“There can be no question but that those fellows had a hand in the -wrecking of the _Mary and Jane_,” he said. “The captain and mates -landed here last week, and told me to-day there could be no doubt as -to the facts. On three different occasions it was found that the brig -was many points off her course, and I fancy the men knew exactly where -she would be foundered.” - -“Will the authorities send to arrest them?” Gil asked. - -“Certainly, and the officers of the brig intend to urge it; besides, -they propose to start at once for Walker Key in the hope that some of -the cargo may be there.” - -“Were the men really deserted?” - -“Not a bit of it, according to the captain’s story, and after what we -have experienced I would believe him against a thousand such as tried -to run away with the schooner. It seems that when the brig struck, -the men were ordered into the boats; but they refused to leave until -the spirits had been divided. The crowd we met insisted on using the -gig, and, holding her fast alongside, proceeded to get drunk. A heavy -sea was running, and after the officers had expostulated with the men -for some time, they believed there was nothing left but to look out -for their own lives. The vessel was fast breaking up, and the crew in -a drunken condition, when the captain’s party finally put off to try -to reach this port, which they did in four days. A schooner was sent -out from here; but nothing could be found either of the crew or of the -craft, and it was generally believed that she slid off into deep water -and sank.” - -“Now what will happen?” Gil asked. - -“I think it is safe to say the fellows will find themselves in a very -disagreeable position before many days have elapsed,” Captain Mansfield -replied, and then he was summoned on deck by the arrival of the goods -which he had purchased to replace those stolen by the mutineers. - -From this time until they were ready to “turn in” the boys had plenty -to occupy their attention. The new weapons, additional stores, and such -other articles as the captain had bought, were inspected. The things -were stowed in their proper places, and then once more the question as -to whether the treasure could be found came up for discussion. - -Not until a very late hour were the boys ready to retire, owing to -the many exciting topics of conversation, and both were awakened next -morning at sunrise by Mr. Jenkins, who said, cheerily: - -“Turn out lively, lads, for there is a good deal to be seen from here -until we are well through the channel, and the yacht is already under -way.” - -When they came on deck the _Day Dream_ was opposite the southernmost -point of Great Abaco Island, and the singular formation of rock known -as the “Hole in the Wall” was in full view. - -The schooner was gliding slowly along under the influence of the gentle -morning breeze, and Gil and Nelse had a good opportunity of seeing the -odd sights, foremost among which was Spanish Wells, the name of the -town on St. George’s Key, at the extreme northwest point of the Island -of Eleuthera, where the houses are built on raised platforms, like many -in the Malay Archipelago. - -The mate explained that this singular style of architecture was adopted -because of the hermit-crabs, which sometimes come ashore in vast -numbers, ravaging the land and entering every building not on stilts. - -Then the cocoanut groves, two miles farther along the coast, were seen, -the flame-colored and scarlet blossoms serving to form a most gorgeous -picture. - -A hasty breakfast, and the boys were on deck again to see the “Glass -Window,” a curious and perfect arch of limestone eighty-five feet -above the surface of the sea. Not many years ago, so Mr. Jenkins said, -a pleasure party were dining there, when suddenly a great tidal-wave -came rushing in from the ocean, dashed up under the arch, and swept the -greater number of the merry-makers away. - -Such waves, coming without the slightest warning, are frequent here. -The natives call them “rages,” and believe they are caused by storms -some distance off on the Atlantic. - -Still farther down the coast is New Gregory’s Harbor, where the -wonderful cave, extending more than eleven hundred feet under the -ground, is located; but, of course, this could not be seen from the -schooner. - -There were, in fact, so many wonderful things to attract the curious -during this run down the chain of islands that the boys actually grew -tired of the variety, and in sheer weariness turned their attention to -what both seemed to think was the true purpose of the voyage. - -“Will it be many days before we arrive at Hayti?” Gil asked the mate, -and the latter replied: - -“If the wind favors we shall wind this portion of the cruise up in -short order. The captain intends to run down as far as Silver Key -Passage, and then we can head nearly due west.” - -“Let’s go and tell Andy how near we are to the home of the voudoos,” -Nelse suggested, and the two went at once to the galley, where the -information was imparted without loss of time. - -The old darky looked at them pityingly for some seconds, and then, -shaking his head mournfully, he said: - -“You’se rushin’ on ter destruction, dat’s wha’ you’se doin’, an’ when -de time cums dat dere’s no help fur you, I’se sartin nobuddy won’t call -Andy Storts er fool.” - -“What are you going to do when we land?” Gil asked, trying hard to -prevent himself from laughing. - -“I’se done gone ’range up a plan ob my own.” - -“And decided not to desert us?” - -“Dere’s no kin’ ob use tryin’ ter run away frum de debbil, kase it -carn’t be did. Ef de captain’s boun’ fur ter git hisself in trubble, -an’ you boys won’t try ter dissuade him from it, I’se gwine ter take -keer ob myself. Don’ dat stan’ to reason?” - -“You are right, Andy,” Nelse replied, laughingly; “but please tell us -what your plan is.” - -“It carn’t be did, honey, kase de voudoos wud git hol’ ob it, an’ den -whar’d de ole man be? I’se bin studyin’ an’ studyin’ sence we got de -schooner back, an’ now I’se feelin’ toller’bly easy in my min’.” - -“Then by not telling us the secret, you show yourself willing that we -shall come to grief.” - -“Honey, dem as rushes ’roun’ whar dey don’ b’long mus’ take de -chances, an’ ole Andy couldn’t dissuade yer ter took his adwise.” - -With this sage remark, spoken in the most sepulchral of tones, the cook -turned his attention once more to the savory dish he was preparing for -the cabin table, and it was all in vain that the boys tried to prolong -the conversation. - -From this time until the schooner finally came to anchor off the -northern shore of the Tortuga de Mar, nothing of especial interest -occurred to vary the monotony of the voyage. - -The wind favored them in the most satisfactory manner, and the little -craft glided among the many keys in perfect safety until on a certain -night about ten o’clock the longed-for spot was reached. - -The boys had been on deck in a perfect fever of excitement during the -entire day; but, owing to the darkness, it was impossible to gain any -idea of the small body of land where they believed so much treasure -would be found by them. - -“We must curb our impatience until morning, I suppose,” Gil said, with -a sigh; “but I would have liked a chance to compare the conformation of -the land with our chart.” - -“Are you going to bed now?” Nelse asked. - -“What would be the use? I couldn’t close my eyes in sleep yet awhile.” - -“Then let’s slip into the galley, and see if Andy is putting his -wonderful plan into operation. I am eager to find out how he proposes -to assure his own safety while the debbil is getting hold of us.” - -Gil was more than willing to act upon this suggestion, since it would -serve to help pass away the time until they wished to “turn in,” and -the two went below to the kitchen, where, to their great surprise, the -door was found securely locked. - -They knocked again and again without receiving a reply, and as one of -the sailors passed, Gil asked: - -“Do you know where Andy is?” - -“In there, and he don’t mean to open the door for anybody. I reckon -he’s up to some of his funny business, ’cause he’s so afraid of what -may be found on the island.” - -The boys tried again to make the old darky answer; but he steadily -refused, and they were finally forced to return to the deck. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. CONJECTURES. - - -During this evening Gil and Nelse could do no more than speculate as -to whether it would be possible to find a conformation of the coast -similar to the one shown by the rude chart, and since this question was -to be settled definitely in such a comparatively short space of time -neither Captain Mansfield nor Mr. Jenkins would so much as take part in -the conversation. - -Even the exciting thoughts of discovering pirates’ treasure were not -sufficient to prevent them from feeling sleepy after a while, more -especially when all save the watch had turned in, and at midnight they -crept into the little stateroom. - -Both the boys lay down with the determination to be on deck at the -first sign of dawn, and yet the sun was half an hour high before either -opened his eyes. - -Nelse was the first to awaken, and he cried, in a tone of deepest -anxiety, as if believing the delay might in some manner result to their -injury: - -“Get up, Gil! If this is the way we set about hunting for gold there -won’t be a very good chance of finding any. We should have been on deck -two hours ago.” - -This summons was sufficient to bring Gil to his feet instantly, and, -after a hurried toilet, the two were leaning over the rail aft, with -the well-worn and enigmatical piece of brown paper spread out where it -could be studied at their leisure. - -When they first gained the deck Andy was coming from the galley to the -cabin with the morning meal; but both the would-be treasure seekers -were in such a high state of excitement that they actually forgot their -curiosity of the previous night, and did not even think to ask what -steps he had taken to insure his safety against the dreaded voudoos. - -“If that was intended as a chart of the Tortuga de Mar the schooner -is in the best possible place for you to go ahead with the work,” Mr. -Jenkins said, as he approached the boys. “There’s the point of land, -with a rock or bit of coral to the nor’ard of it, an’ dead as the -bowsprit shows is the cove with what I take to be soundings; but have -you fellows figured out the meaning of the other things?” - -“We think the drawing of the schooner with a lead-line on which is the -figure eight, hanging from her bowsprit means that only a small craft -with a draught of not over eight feet can get in there,” Gil replied. - -“I reckon that’s right, though it was a waste of time an’ lead pencil -to make the craft after showing the soundings.” - -“Then the letters and figures on this stick, and the straight lines -on the side, refer to the same thing, which is that from a certain -tree--for those scratches must have been made to represent foliage--at -a distance of eighteen feet and eight inches north, then five feet -west, the treasure will be found.” - -“Well, you’ve figured it out better than I expected,” Mr. Jenkins said, -approvingly; “but how do you know whether the measurements are in feet, -yards or fathoms?” - -“That part of it is guesswork, of course. I don’t think it can mean -fathoms, because of the fraction eight, therefore it will only be -necessary to try the feet and yards, which can’t be such a great amount -of work.” - -“No,” the mate replied, slowly and thoughtfully, “not if this is the -place, or if you find the right tree, or if there’s any treasure -buried on the island; but according to my way of thinking it’ll be a -decently hard job to decide exactly where the sights should be taken -from, considering the fact that this part of the island is fairly well -wooded.” - -Then Mr. Jenkins walked away, for the cook had announced that breakfast -was served, and the boys were again plunged into a disagreeable state -of uncertainty because of the difficulty they would undoubtedly have -in trying to decide which was the landmark referred to on the supposed -chart. - -Andy did not so much as look at Gil and Nelse when they came into the -cabin. It seemed as if he tried to avoid meeting their eyes, and during -all the time they were talking with Captain Mansfield relative to the -finding of the tree, he stood just inside the pantry making some of the -most extraordinary gestures possible. - -“There is nothing to prevent your going ashore with Mr. Jenkins, if you -feel so disposed,” Gil’s father said, as he finished his meal. “I am -not inclined to any such exercise, but can manage to pass the time with -some degree of comfort while the search is made.” - -The boys had hoped the captain would become interested in the proposed -work when they were where an investigation could be made; but this last -remark showed that he did not intend to have anything to do with the -decidedly mythical treasure. - -Mr. Jenkins, however, was not only ready but eager for a trip ashore, -and, without waiting for orders, he caused one of the tenders to be -lowered. - -If there were any inhabitants on this end of the island they had kept -well out of sight, and to guard against a possible attack by wild -animals the boys armed themselves with revolvers as well as rifles. - -There was plenty of work aboard for the sailors, therefore the -treasure-seekers were expected to do their own rowing, and, with all -hands except Andy watching from the rail, they started, heading -directly for the cove. - -Gil suggested that, in order to make certain the narrow strip of water -was the one they were anxious to find, soundings be made. If the depth -of water should coincide with the fifteen, ten and eight of the chart -it would afford a certain degree of proof, but to this Mr. Jenkins -objected. - -“It would be only a waste of time,” he said. “The bottom so near -inshore shifts every year, and you couldn’t even rely on a Government -chart.” - -“I thought from what we read in the newspaper clipping that the island -was small,” Nelse said, as the boat neared the shore. “It looks pretty -big from here.” - -“Twenty-two miles long and five wide, according to the geographies,” -the mate replied, with a laugh, “so you see there’s plenty of room -for adventure in case Andy’s voudoos really make this place their -headquarters.” - -“Do you believe in anything of the kind?” - -“That the negroes of Hayti practice the rites of voudooism there can be -no doubt; but of course the cook has exaggerated matters.” - -By this time the little tender’s bow had been run up on the sandy -beach, and, after looking carefully around to make certain no one was -lurking in the vicinity, the party landed. - -The boat was made fast, and Gil led the way on what now seemed a -hopeless task, that of finding a tree so old as to give promise of -being the one from which the proper bearings might be taken, if -indeed there was anything proper or positive in the document they had -discovered. - -The foliage was dense; so matted in places as to render it difficult -for the travelers to force a passage through, and thus they were -obliged to go blindly on, passing near perhaps the very object for -which they were searching. - -There were many birds to be seen and heard, but no other form of animal -life was found during the tramp, except once when a hog, probably a -descendant from those brought to the island by the original buccaneers, -dashed out of the thicket, almost overturning Nelse, and disappearing -again before either of the party had an opportunity to fire a single -shot. - -At the end of an hour, when they were three miles from the beach, as -nearly as could be judged, the mate threw himself on the ground as he -said, impatiently: - -“It is foolish to keep on in this manner. We haven’t come across a tree -of any size after walking this distance, although we know there were -very many to be seen in the immediate vicinity from the schooner’s -deck.” - -“The undergrowth is so dense that we shouldn’t know it if one was a -dozen feet away,” Nelse replied, fanning himself vigorously, for the -heat at this point, where the cooling breezes from the sea could not -penetrate, was almost stifling. - -“Then there’s all the more reason why we should go back, mark out a -course, and follow it by a compass.” - -“But I counted on finding what we wanted straight across from the end -of the cove,” Gil said, disconsolately. - -“It isn’t yet certain that it can’t be discovered,” the mate replied, -laughingly. “We are not woodsmen enough to travel a beeline without -anything to guide us.” - -“It’s positive we’re wasting time roaming around in this manner, so -let’s go back.” - -“Hold on a little while. I am so nearly roasted that there will be -nothing left of me but perspiration if I am forced to take any exercise -right away,” Nelse cried, in affected distress. - -Each member of the party was more than willing to indulge in a _siesta_ -just at this time, and, following the example set by the mate the boys -stretched themselves out at full length, regardless alike of snakes or -the worshipers of voudoo. - -Everything was conducive to slumber, save the winged pests which were -particularly active, and, despite even these, all three were soon -sleeping soundly; so much so, in fact, that two half-naked negroes -passed within three feet of where they were lying without arousing them. - -This was possible owing to the fact that the strangers walked with -exceeding caution, finding an open way through the foliage where -seemingly none existed, and circling around the sleepers without so -much as a rustling of the leaves. - -These men must certainly have been aware that the schooner had come to -an anchor off the island during the night, for they evinced no surprise -at seeing the whites, but scrutinized them carefully, as if trying to -judge of their character. - -For fully five minutes the fellows continued the silent examination, -and then they glided through the thicket toward the direction where the -yacht was lying. - -A quarter of an hour later Mr. Jenkins awakened, and called cheerily to -the boys: - -“Come, it’s time to turn out if we want to get back without running the -risk of losing our way. When the sun gets behind the trees we shall be -all at sea so far as direction goes.” - -The short nap had refreshed the boys wonderfully, and they were on -their feet at once, ready for the tramp. - -“Father will laugh when we tell him that, after being on shore so -long, we haven’t seen the kind of a tree we were searching for.” - -“You may have better luck to-morrow,” the mate said, cheerily, as -he led the return march, and the little party traveled so rapidly -that in a trifle more than an hour they were pulling toward the _Day -Dream_ from the cove, all unconscious of the half-a-dozen black forms -concealed in the thicket near the water’s edge watching their every -movement. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. A STRANGE SPECTACLE. - - -Although Andy had paid no attention to the departure of the boys and -the mate, he was watching eagerly for their return, and Gil said, -laughingly, as he saw the old darky’s woolly pate just outside the -forward companionway hatch: - -“I suppose he thought we would never come back; that the voudoos were -sure to catch us. We must ask him how it is he feels secure now, when a -short time ago he was confident we should not live to get home again.” - -“He has probably conjured up some kind of a charm,” the mate replied, -as he leaped aboard the yacht, painter in hand, and at that instant the -cook disappeared very suddenly. - -Captain Mansfield was taking his ease under the awning aft when the -boys came over the rail, and from the expression on their faces he knew -the forenoon’s work had produced no satisfactory results. - -“Treasure-hunting in such a climate isn’t what it is cracked up to be, -eh?” he cried. - -“We haven’t found what we wanted yet, but we may be more successful -to-morrow,” Gil said, just a trifle sheepishly. - -“Take your time about it, but let me know when you begin to grow -discouraged, for this isn’t the safest anchorage I have seen, in case -the wind comes from any northerly quarter.” - -It really seemed as if Mr. Jenkins had been seized with an attack of -the treasure-hunting fever, for, without waiting to eat dinner, which -was already prepared, he produced his glass and began searching the -thicket. - -“Are you looking for an old tree?” Nelse asked. - -“Yes; we may as well get our bearings at once, and save just so much -time to-morrow morning.” - -“Do you see any?” - -“No less than three. I’ll mark out a course to each, and neither of -them are so far from the shore but that we can visit all in half a day.” - -At this moment Andy came from the galley on his way to the after -pantry, and, motioning to Gil to do the same, Nelse followed him. - -“Well, you see we went on shore and escaped being devoured by the -voudoos,” he said, when all three entered the cabin. - -“Don’t say nuffin ’bout it, honey,” the cook whispered, imploringly. -“Dis yere schooner ain’t outer de reach ob dem debbils till she’s boun’ -home.” - -“Tell us what you did to protect yourself?” Gil asked. “We tried to get -into the galley last night in order to learn the same thing, but you -wouldn’t open the door.” - -“You’se crazy, chile, ter tork so loud when we’se in dis yere place. -I couldn’t tole yer nuffin ’bout it, kase den de charm would spile. -Ef yer don’ go ashore ag’in there’s er chance ob gittin’ off wid our -lives.” - -“Then it is a charm you’ve got!” Nelse cried, gleefully. “Let us see -it, Andy.” - -“I’se done gone ’bliged to keep cl’ar ob you chillun ef dar’s any mo’ -said ’bout it,” the cook replied, angrily. “We’se in a mighty bad -scrape, an’ I’se got my han’s full takin’ keer ob Andy Storts widout -tryin’ fur ter bring mo’ trubble by torkin’.” - -This ended the conversation, so far as the old darky was concerned, -for, after placing certain additional dishes on the table, he betook -himself to the seclusion of his galley. - -Mr. Jenkins could apparently think of nothing but the supposed -treasure, and during a greater portion of the remainder of the day he -pored over the rude chart, discussing with the boys the possibility -that it might refer to some other island. - -Andy took great pains to stay out of the way all this time, and they -saw nothing of him until supper was served; but even then he refused to -speak. - -That evening Gil and Nelse slung hammocks under the awning, intending -to sleep on deck because of the excessive heat which rendered the cabin -suffocatingly close, and the mate ensconced himself in a folding-chair -which could be stretched out in the semblance of a bed. - -It was nine o’clock. Save for the low, musical murmur of the sea on the -sandy beach, not a sound could be heard, and the boys were fast sinking -into the arms of the dream-god when Mr. Jenkins whispered, excitedly: - -“Look there! I reckon there’s considerable in Andy’s yarn about -voudoos.” - -This was sufficient to cause the boys to leap from their hammocks very -suddenly, and, gazing in the direction pointed out by the mate they saw -nothing more remarkable than the glow of a fire about half a mile to -the eastward of where they had landed during the forenoon. - -“There’s not much startling about that,” Gil said, in a tone of -disappointment. - -“It shows there are human beings ashore near here, although we failed -to find any traces of them.” - -“But it doesn’t prove that they are other than honest fishermen or -planters,” Nelse added. - -“I’m not so sure,” Mr. Jenkins replied, in a musing tone. “If there was -nothing out of the ordinary run going on over there why should a fire -have been built?” - -“It won’t take us long to learn,” Gil cried, for his last remark had -aroused his curiosity. “What is to prevent our rowing over that way? -The tender hasn’t been taken out of the water, and, although we’ve had -plenty of exercise to-day, a little more won’t do us any harm.” - -“I’m with you if the captain makes no objection,” the mate said, -as he sprang to his feet, and Gil’s father, who had overheard the -conversation, replied: - -“Do as you please, but don’t stay away too long, for at this season -of the year it is impossible to say when a breeze may spring up which -would make our anchorage a dangerous one.” - -“It isn’t likely we shall want to land,” Gil said as he went to the -cabin for his and Nelse’s revolvers, and five minutes later the little -party were rowing toward the reflection of the fire, Gil and Nelse at -the oars, and Mr. Jenkins steering. - -“Be careful,” the mate had said, in a low tone, as they left the side -of the yacht. “On such a night as this sound travels a long distance -over the water, and you don’t want to splash about much.” - -This admonition was unnecessary. The thought that they might be on the -brink of some wonderful discovery rendered both the boys cautious, and -he who could hear anything as the little craft glided toward the shore -would need to have a very acute sense of hearing. - -Perhaps half-an-hour elapsed before they were near that portion of the -shore from which the light had been reflected, and then it was learned -that the blaze was some distance inland. - -It was possible to distinguish voices in an unmusical song or chant, -but nothing could be seen, and Mr. Jenkins whispered: - -“We might just as well have stayed on the schooner, so far as learning -anything is concerned. Shall we go back, or do you boys want to creep -up on those fellows?” - -It was evident that the mate wished to land, but preferred to have it -appear as if he was doing so simply to oblige his companions. - -“I would like to see what is going on in there,” Nelse said, and Gil -added, after a moment’s thought: - -“There can be no harm in trying it. Those who are making that noise -would hardly dare to raise a row in case we betrayed our whereabouts, -and, besides, armed as we are, it should be possible to hold our own -against quite a crowd.” - -The boat’s bow was run gently on the sand, and Mr. Jenkins stepped -softly over the side to hold her while the boys got out, after which -she was carried a full length up on the shore. - -“I’ll go ahead,” the mate whispered, “and you take good care to keep -close to me, for it would make a bad mess if we should get separated in -the darkness.” - -“Go on; we’ll take care of that part,” Gil whispered, and the advance -was begun slowly, for it was no easy matter to make one’s way among the -dense foliage with the necessary degree of silence. - -As the party advanced the sound of voices became more distinct, and -finally it became positive that some odd sort of a performance was -being given in this wild place. - -When about three hundred yards had been traversed the mate came to a -sudden halt, and, as he pulled aside a cluster of saw palmettos the -boys had a full view. - -Instinctively they had crouched to the ground when Mr. Jenkins’ -movements told that the journey was ended, and, screened by the -underbrush, it seemed positive they were hidden from that strange party. - -The fire had been built in a small cleared space at the foot of a huge -palm tree, and over the flames was suspended an iron pot, from which a -most disagreeable odor arose. - -For the time being, however, the spectators had no thought for anything -save the actors in this strange spectacle. - -No less than twenty coal-black men, naked, save for a cloth about the -loins were dancing to and fro near the blaze, bending their bodies in -every possible position, and making the hideous noise with greatest -energy. Now and then one would circle around the pot several times in -succession, howling yet louder, while his companions remained silent, -and at the end of the dismal song would throw something into the -boiling mass, after which the uproar increased until another member of -the party performed the same ceremony. - -Gil was very positive he saw first a snake and then a toad thrown into -the pot, and it hardly seemed possible the cooking would be followed by -eating. - -The faces of the dancers were painted with vivid red lines, as if the -coloring matter was blood, and two of the eldest members had the same -kind of ornamentation covering their entire bodies. - -When the crowd had apparently exhausted themselves by this sort of -exercise, they crouched around the fire, looking more like gigantic -frogs than human beings, and the old fellows stirred the contents of -the pot, making the most uncouth gestures meanwhile. - -Then it appeared as if the “broth” was done. - -The performers began to dance and sing once more, and Gil had just -thought that it was time for them to retrace their steps, when the two -highly-decorated performers set about ladling the disgusting-looking -stuff into cocoanut shells. - -A dozen portions were taken from the pot, and handed to as many men, -each of whom immediately started through the thicket in a different -direction, one passing so near Nelse that it seemed as if he leaped -directly over the boy, and the remainder of the crowd redoubled their -howls and contortions. - -Mr. Jenkins pressed the hands of his companions to intimate that it was -time for them to leave, and the boys rose to their feet, following him -at a comparatively swift pace, to the spot where the boat had been left. - -“We must have missed our way somehow,” the mate whispered, when they -finally emerged from the thicket, and saw no signs of the craft. “I -could almost swear that this is the place where we landed.” - -“So it is,” Gil replied, in dismay. “Here is the imprint of her keel -in the sand. Some of those fellows who left with the soup have stolen -her.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. IN TROUBLE. - - -Not until Mr. Jenkins examined the beach in every direction for a -distance of ten or fifteen yards from where they came out of the -thicket, would he be convinced that the tender had been stolen. - -Then, when he saw the imprints of bare feet, showing that the thieves -had carried the little craft thirty or forty feet toward the eastward -before launching her, and even found the spot where her bow had rested -on the sand, probably while the negroes got on board, he was almost -beside himself with rage. - -“I ought to be kicked every hour in the day until we get home again,” -he said, angrily. “Anybody, except a fool like me, would have had sense -enough, when those fellows left the fire, to realize that the boat -might be in danger; but I never gave her a thought.” - -“Neither did Nelse nor I,” Gil added, “consequently we rank quite as -high in the fool scale. There’s no way out of it, but admit to father -that we allowed the tender to be stolen, and try to look pleasant when -he makes sport of us.” - -“I wish we were where we could tell him,” the mate said, half to -himself. - -“That can be easily arranged. It will only be necessary to discharge -the revolvers three or four times, and I guarantee father will send -some one ashore to learn if there is any trouble.” - -“I don’t think it would be just safe to do that. The crowd we saw back -there would most likely prove to be ugly customers, if they had any -idea we saw their capers, and it might not be pleasant to bring them -down upon us by reports of the weapons.” - -“Do you believe they are voudoos?” Nelse asked, in a voice which was -not remarkable for its steadiness. - -“There can be no question about it.” - -“But what are they doing?” - -“I reckon old Andy is the only one of our folks who can answer that -question.” - -“It begins to look as if we had good cause to be afraid,” Gil said, -gloomily. - -“Not a bit of it,” the mate replied, cheerily. “We have only to loaf -around here two or three hours, and then some one will come ashore to -look for us. The most serious portion of the whole business is that -the captain is bound to haul us over the coals for losing the boat and -putting him to so much trouble.” - -Owing to the darkness and the distance, it was not possible to see even -the outlines of the yacht; but the forlorn party knew in what direction -she lay, and they seated themselves on the sand just outside the fringe -of bushes, straining their ears to hear the first sound which should -tell that friends were coming. - -Half an hour elapsed. - -Mr. Jenkins had just ascertained this fact by looking at his watch, -when the sound of oars caused all three to leap to their feet in joy. - -Surprise and delight that the time of waiting had been so short -prevented them from noticing that the craft was coming from a direction -opposite the location of the schooner, and as they went to the water’s -edge, Gil hailed: - -“Boat ahoy! Here we are! Our craft was stolen, and to save ourselves -from possible trouble, we didn’t try to attract your attention.” - -Then he paused for a reply; but none came. The light splashing of -water told that the boat was still approaching, and Mr. Jenkins cried, -impatiently: - -“Ahoy there! Where are you from?” - -Now even the sounds of the oars ceased, and the little party were so -engaged in trying to distinguish the craft amid the gloom, that they -failed to hear the light patter of naked feet directly behind them. - -“It must be----” - -Mr. Jenkins did not finish the sentence, for at that instant he was -seized from behind and dragged backward on the sand before he could -make the slightest outcry. - -Gil and Nelse were served in the same manner at the same time, and when -either of the three realized what had happened, they were powerless to -move or speak. - -Two negroes held each of the prisoners as in bonds of iron, while a -third covered the captive’s mouth with an enormous hand to prevent any -outcry. - -The mate attempted to show fight; but struggle as he might, it was -impossible to do more than render his own position painful, and this -he understood in a very short time. - -The _Day Dream’s_ boat, which had played such an important part in -their capture, was now rowed to the shore, and from her leaped two -other negroes, who, after assuring themselves that the white strangers -had been secured, lifted the tender from the water, carrying her -straight up from the beach. - -When they had disappeared in the thicket, the prisoners were raised to -their feet, and one of the captors, who appeared to be the leader of -the party, spoke harshly in a tongue which neither the mate nor the -boys understood. - -From the tone, it was easy to guess that he was warning them of the -consequences in case they should make any outcry; but this seemed -superfluous, in view of the fact that the black hands were still held -firmly over their mouths. - -Half-led, half-dragged, the little party was forced through the -thicket, in the direction from which they had just come, and not a word -was spoken until all were within the circle of light cast by the fire -around which the negroes had been dancing. - -Here the black men held a very lively conversation, all talking at the -same time, and pausing now and then only to examine more closely the -prisoners. - -Gil believed they were discussing the question of what should be -done with their prizes, and this seemed yet more probable when the -two highly-decorated old men spoke at great length, while the others -listened, all nodding their heads in token of approval when the -speeches were brought to a close. - -Meanwhile, Mr. Jenkins appeared to be more alarmed than were the boys; -but his fear came from other sources than the present disagreeable -situation. - -The soughing of the wind among the trees told, to his experienced ear, -that a breeze was springing up from the northeast, and if it increased -to no more even than what might be expected at this season of the year, -he knew it would become necessary for the yacht to put to sea, or run -down the other side of the island for a harbor. - -In either case they would be left comparatively alone among those who -could be considered in no other light than as enemies, and the prospect -was not cheering. - -The negroes had not yet decided what should be done, when the report of -a musket was heard in the distance, and the prisoners looked at each -other meaningly, for they knew it was a signal for them to return at -once. - -This noise caused the black men to come to a speedy conclusion, and -after the old fellows had given what were evidently very minute -directions as to future movements, the fire was extinguished. - -The prisoners, guarded as before, were marched through the thicket on a -course nearly at right angles with the one by which they had come from -the beach, and had not proceeded more than a quarter of a mile when -shouts were heard from the shore. - -“Gil! Mr. Jenkins! Shipmates ahoy!” - -Captain Mansfield had sent a boat ashore in search of the missing -members of his crew, and one can fancy some portion of the prisoners’ -mental distress at knowing friends were so near and they unable to make -their whereabouts known. - -Again Mr. Jenkins attempted to free himself; but after receiving -several warning pricks from the point of a knife, in token of what -might follow in case he persisted in fighting, he gave up the struggle. - -Again and again did the cries come to their ears, borne on the wind, -which was steadily and rapidly increasing, and then another report of a -musket told that this last boat had been recalled. - -Gil and Nelse were almost frantic. Both realized that the negroes would -not have dared to commit such an outrage, unless they were so strong in -numbers as to resist an attack, and the thought of what might be their -fate on this island, which had already been the scene of so many bloody -dramas, was ample excuse for any display of weakness or terror. - -The negroes marched rapidly on for at least half-an-hour, and then, -coming suddenly, as if from the very bowels of the earth, a bright -flame appeared directly in front of the leaders. - -As their eyes became accustomed to the gloom, the boys saw that the -blaze proceeded from half-a-dozen torches, held by as many men, who had -come out of what appeared to be a cave in the side of a hill. - -Here quite a lengthy conversation ensued, and then the prisoners were -led through a passage sufficiently wide for three men to walk abreast, -to a small cave situated about fifty feet from the opening. - -Further on, the glow, as of a fire, could be seen, thus showing that -beyond their halting-place was another and a larger underground -chamber, where, probably, those who had been performing the uncouth -antics near the beach found a shelter. - -The prisoners were thrust into the small cave, or excavation, without -ceremony, and the others went on, apparently indifferent as to what -might be done by the whites. - -The place was so dark that no idea could be formed of its size, or what -it might contain, and even if it had been light, Mr. Jenkins would -hardly have given it any attention at that moment. - -He stood near the entrance watching until the men had entered the cave -at the end of the passage, and then he ran toward the entrance. - -Before he had taken twenty steps, a blow from a club brought him to his -knees, showing that sentinels were on the alert, and he crawled back, -dazed and bleeding from an ugly cut on the head. - -The boys had not followed; but they understood from the noise what had -happened, and, aiding their companion to enter the underground prison, -seated themselves beside him. - -“What a fool I was to fancy we were left unguarded,” the mate said, as -he felt the warm blood trickling down his face. “Strike a light, Gil, -and see what condition my head is in.” - -Fortunately, the boys had a small supply of wax matches, and one of -these burned long enough to examine the wound. - -A single glance was sufficient to show that it was not serious, -although it would probably cause considerable pain, and Nelse tied his -handkerchief around it to stay the flow of blood. - -“I hope we shall have a chance to dress it better before twenty-four -hours have passed,” Gil said, with a vain attempt to speak cheerfully. -“Father will surely come on shore in search of us when the sun rises, -and he should be able to follow such a broad trail as we must have left -in coming here.” - -“Your father is at sea by this time,” Mr. Jenkins replied, almost -sharply. “Didn’t you notice that the wind was blowing half a gale -before we arrived here? To save the yacht, he had to get up anchor, and -it may be a week before he can get back.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. THE CAVE. - - -Neither of the boys had thought that it might become necessary for -the _Day Dream_ to leave her anchorage; but as the mate spoke, both -remembered what Captain Mansfield said shortly before they left, and -the knowledge that their friends had been forced to abandon them -brought with it the deepest despair. - -They could hear the wind, as it swept across the mouth of the -underground passage, and this told plainly that if the schooner had -not left this particular portion of the coast, she would probably be a -wreck before morning. - -During a long while the mournful party crouched upon the damp earth -silent, each occupied with his own gloomy thoughts, and then Gil said, -as he arose to his feet: - -“We mustn’t give way in this manner! Other people have been in worse -scrapes and come out all right by keeping a stiff upper lip, and -watching for some chance to help themselves. We are acting like babies.” - -“You are right, lad,” and Mr. Jenkins stood erect, clasping Gil’s hand. -“Let’s see what kind of a place we are in, and then, perhaps, matters -won’t appear quite so desperate. I’d give all the wages due me if I -knew why these black villains have brought us here.” - -“It can’t be to kill us, for that could have been done without any -trouble when we were on the beach,” Gil replied. - -This remark seemed to give Nelse courage, and he said, joining the -others: - -“There’s no use speculating about what can’t be found out until they -choose to tell us. Let’s do as Mr. Jenkins proposed, and find out where -we are. I’ve got a box full of matches, and they ought to give light -enough to show how the place looks.” - -While speaking, he had ignited one of the tapers, and all three gazed -around eagerly. - -There was but little to be seen. An excavation, evidently formed by the -hand of man, about twelve feet deep and eight wide, with nothing in it, -save a pile of charred wood, where a fire had once been built, made up -a complete description of their prison. - -“It isn’t the most comfortable-looking place I ever saw,” Gil said, -trying hard to appear cheerful; “but we might at least kindle a small -fire, since the materials are so near at hand. If our friends make any -objection to the plan, they can’t do much more than put it out.” - -A blaze, however small, would be better than the profound darkness, and -the boys raked the fragments of wood together, partially covering them -with sand to prevent a too rapid consumption of fuel. - -It was necessary to use three matches of their now precious hoard, -before the flames fastened upon the blackened sticks; but the outlay -seemed none too great when the dispiriting gloom was thus partially -dispelled. - -The one question uppermost in the minds of all was, why they had been -made prisoners, and, after gathering around the fire, this thought -would have caused another painful silence, but for the mate, who said, -briskly: - -“The darkness will seem all the more intense when this wood has been -burned, and what little we have won’t last a great while.” - -“I don’t see how we can help ourselves,” Gil replied, with a sigh. - -“I am going out through the passage on a hunt for more.” - -“And get another blow on the head? Tied up as you are in that -handkerchief, which is covered with blood, you look sufficiently like a -pirate without trying to add to your peculiar beauty.” - -“But this time I’ll go toward the big cave, where our particular -friends are probably enjoying themselves. Light enough comes from there -to show if any one is on guard, and I’ll guarantee that these villains -don’t get a second chance to hit me with a club.” - -As if fearing his companions might try to dissuade him from his -purpose, Mr. Jenkins crept on his hands and knees to where he could -have a view of the passage. - -While it was impossible to distinguish anything distinctly, he was able -to satisfy himself that there was no one between the two caves, and he -rose to his feet as he whispered: - -“I’m bound to have some idea of what them chaps are doing, whether I -get any more wood or not. Stay here, and I’ll be back in five minutes.” - -“We had rather go with you,” Gil replied, as he approached the mate. - -“It wouldn’t be safe. If they should happen to see me, and kick up a -row, the passage is so small that the three of us would get all tangled -up. You can watch from here, and have some idea of what I am doing.” - -He started as the last word was spoken, and the boys could see his form -outlined against the faint light until he reached the entrance to this -second chamber, when he apparently disappeared in the gloom. - -“Where has he gone now?” Nelse asked, in a whisper. - -“I reckon he’s simply leaning against the side, out of the range of the -fire, watching those who are inside.” - -Gil’s surmise was correct. Jenkins was standing where he could get a -fairly good view of the interior, and that which he saw caused him -mingled feelings of surprise, bewilderment and fear. - -In the cave, which was circular, and about twenty feet in diameter, -were seventeen negroes, seated back against the wall of earth, thus -leaving the greater portion of the floor space free. Four small fires -were burning, as if to designate the points of the compass, and -between these stood the most repulsive-looking old negro the mate had -ever seen. His wool was gray, and hung in matted locks nearly to his -shoulders. His toothless mouth appeared to be the focus of a mass of -wrinkles so deep as to destroy all semblance of a face, and gave his -head the appearance of a bag with one end puckered by a drawing-string. - -The skin of some animal served as a sort of petticoat for the old -fellow, and around his neck was wound an odd sort of necklace, -seemingly composed of small bones, the ends of which reached nearly to -the ground. His feet were bare, as was the upper portion of his body, -and in each hand he held a long knife, the blade dripping with blood. - -When Jenkins first saw the hideous creature, he was standing silent and -motionless, as if wrapped in deep thought; but after a few seconds he -aroused himself, began walking around each fire in turn, muttering in -guttural tones, and drawing the blade of the knife across his chest, -causing the blood to flow in tiny streams with every stroke. - -The spectators watched him as if spellbound. No one so much as moved, -and Jenkins could have sworn that they were literally holding their -breath. - -Weaving his way in and out among the piles of burning wood, the old -fellow continued to hack and cut at himself until the entire upper -portion of his body was covered with blood, and then, crouching upon -the earth, he gazed steadily into the flames for several moments. - -Jenkins was about to turn away, believing the performance had come to a -close, when the negro sprang to his feet with a quick, agile movement, -and looked around upon his companions like one just awakening from a -dream. - -Now it could be told from the expression on the black faces that all -believed they were about to hear some wonderful revelation, and after -a certain length of time, probably made as long as possible in order -to render his words the more impressive, the old man began to speak, -slowly at first, but increasing in vehemence until it sounded more -like the snarl of an angry animal than the result of a human voice. - -He spoke in a language which Jenkins did not understand, but, under -the circumstances, it was not difficult to fancy the long harangue had -especial reference to the prisoners. - -During at least fifteen minutes he continued in the most impassioned -strain, and then ensued the same scene the mate had witnessed near the -beach. - -All present began the apparently meaningless dance and song around the -fires, and Jenkins, thinking he had seen enough of this mummery, made -his way back to those whom he knew were awaiting his return. - -There was no thought of gathering wood as he crept cautiously through -the passage, and when he reached the place allotted to the prisoners, -all was dark and still. - -“Are you here, boys?” he asked, in a low tone. - -“Yes, you almost stepped on us. What are they doing over there? We -heard the same kind of a chant that attracted our attention when we -landed to begin this foolish trip which has ended so disastrously.” - -“They are cutting those silly capers over again. This is what I saw.” - -Then Jenkins gave a detailed account of all that had taken place in the -chamber, from the time of his arrival, and when he had finished, Gil -asked: - -“What do you suppose they are up to?” - -“I reckon Andy could tell you, for there can be no doubt but that these -are a lot of voudoo worshipers, and the fellow with the knife must be -a priest, or something of that kind.” - -“Do you suppose they could know that we were in search of pirates’ -treasure?” Nelse asked. - -“Not unless some of them understand English, and heard us talking when -we came ashore this morning.” - -“That might be,” Gil said, half to himself; “but so long as we hadn’t -found any, I can’t imagine why we should have been made prisoners.” - -“Perhaps it was because we saw them at their dances,” Nelse suggested. - -To Gil this did not seem a very plausible explanation, but since he -could advance nothing better, it was accepted as the true reason. - -“We have got to get out of here somehow,” Mr. Jenkins said, after a -long pause. “They may not intend to do us any harm, but we won’t take -the risk, if it can be avoided. Toward morning I’m going to make one -more effort to find out how many are on guard at the entrance. If we -could only get hold of our revolvers! I know who has them, and it is -certain he isn’t with the mummers, therefore he must be outside.” - -“With his eyes wide open, to prevent you either from escaping, or -trying to get your own again.” - -“We will see about that. We won’t make any move until nearly morning, -therefore it’s a good idea to get some sleep, if possible. Lie down, -and I’ll call you before daybreak.” - -The conditions were not favorable for slumber, but yet the boys were so -tired that in a very short time both were sleeping quietly, and the -mate, seated near the entrance to the excavation, was keeping strict -watch, with apparently not the slightest idea of closing his eyes. - -He could hear the discordant chant from the inner cave, now rising -high, and again dying away until it was lost in the distance, and this -was continued so long that, despite his will, the unconsciousness of -sleep came upon him. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. A DISCOVERY. - - -While Mr. Jenkins slept, the fantastical worship in the inner cave was -brought to a close; the party separated, each man going in a different -direction across the island, as if to ascertain the general condition -of affairs, and before they were reunited, the sun had risen. - -The wind continued from the same quarter with unabated fury, and one -needed only to see the trees bending before the blast to understand -that the _Day Dream_ could not come to an anchorage near that portion -of the coast for some time to come. - -The prisoners were not disturbed until nearly two hours after daybreak, -and then the mate was brought to his feet very suddenly by a vicious -kick from a burly negro, who had evidently been selected to act the -part of guard. - -Just for an instant Jenkins was disposed to show fight; but before he -could do anything so rash, the thought of the consequences prevented -him from raising his hands. - -The situation was sufficiently grave without his making it worse by a -useless show of resistance. - -“Get up, lads!” he cried, wishing to arouse his companions before the -brutal guard could deal them a blow, and the boys sprang to their feet -instantly, not understanding where they were for several seconds, and -then, as the unpleasant truth came slowly back to them, Gil asked: - -“What’s going on now?” - -“I don’t know, my boy; but this dark-complexioned gentleman has been -trying his toes on my ribs in such an energetic fashion that I fancy we -are to make some kind of a move. Whatever happens, keep close to me, -and don’t provoke the crowd by turning rusty when we’re where we can’t -help ourselves.” - -“How is the weather?” Nelse asked. - -“About the same as when we arrived here. There’s no chance of seeing -the yacht to-day.” - -This brief conversation was interrupted by the remainder of the black -party, who now came from the outside, and the prisoners were made to -understand by signs that they were to leave the cave. - -With the boys on either side of him, Jenkins marched out, the huge -black walking close behind the three, and the others clustered around -in a manner which precluded any possibility of an escape. - -The captors were evidently making their way back to the sea once more, -and to both Gil and Nelse this fact was in some slight degree pleasing, -since it seemed to bring them nearer the _Day Dream_. - -“How is your head?” Gil asked, when they had walked a short distance in -silence. - -“It doesn’t feel particularly comfortable; but I reckon it’ll be all -right after a while.” - -“If we could bathe it, you would look better. That bloody handkerchief -and the matted hair gives you the appearance of a veritable pirate.” - -“I don’t feel like one, at all events,” Mr. Jenkins replied, with a -laugh. “Just now I’m more of a cannibal than anything else, for it -seems as if I could eat a donkey and then look over my shoulder for the -rider.” - -“Do you suppose they intend to starve us?” - -“That’s a hard question to answer. It isn’t likely they’ll take any too -good care of us, and we stand a chance of going hungry for some time to -come.” - -“Such a thing wouldn’t trouble me, providing I could see a way out of -this scrape,” Nelse said, with a long-drawn sigh. “If the yacht can’t -come to an anchor while the wind is so strong, we needn’t expect help -to-day.” - -“There’ll be a change in the weather when the sun sets,” the mate -replied, encouragingly; but at the same time he did not believe his own -statement. - -The very old negro was evidently the chief of the party, and he led -them through a narrow path, cut amid the dense tangle of foliage, until -they arrived at the very spot where the prisoners had witnessed the -dance around the pot while hidden among the trees. - -Here they were met by the two aged and highly-decorated blacks, who had -acted as masters of the ceremony on the previous evening. - -All the repulsive-looking crowd evidently understood that they were -in no immediate danger of being hunted out by those interested in the -prisoners, for they moved with the utmost deliberation. - -“The scoundrels know our shipmates can’t get here to-day, and are -going to make the most out of the performance, whatever it may be,” -Jenkins said, angrily, as two of the men began to lash him securely to -a tree in such a manner that he could do no more than turn his head -from side to side. - -The boys were fastened in the same fashion, and so near together that -it was possible for them to hear each other when speaking in a low tone -of voice. - -After the prisoners were thus disposed of, the blacks began to prepare -breakfast by roasting over a bed of coals fifteen or twenty small -animals, which resembled rabbits, the three leaders retiring to the -depths of the thicket as if for consultation while this work was being -done. - -The cooks had not even taken the trouble to dress the game; but the -odor of the roasting flesh was so appetizing, and the prisoners were -so hungry, that all three waited with the liveliest impatience for the -meal to be made ready. - -“I’m certain I can eat a whole rabbit; but I don’t suppose we’ll -be allowed to have as much as we want,” Nelse said, watching the -operations eagerly. - -“We had better not count on regularly filling ourselves up,” Jenkins -replied, grimly, as a very unpleasant suspicion began to creep into his -mind. - -When the feast was prepared, the old men were summoned, the remainder -of the party standing at a respectful distance until they had satisfied -their hunger, and then all hands set about devouring the food in a -literally savage fashion. - -Holding it in their hands and smearing themselves with fat and blood, -until their black faces looked even more hideous than before, the men -gorged themselves, crunching the smaller bones as dogs would have done, -and only when the last morsel had disappeared did they cease. - -Meanwhile, the prisoners could do no more than gaze at the revolting -spectacle, which, fortunately, partially caused them to forget their -hunger, and not a word was spoken until Jenkins, seeing that his -companions were rapidly giving way to despair, tried to arouse them. - -“It’s no very great hardship to go hungry for twenty-four, or even -forty-eight hours,” he said, cheerily. “If we think of eating, it’ll -only make matters worse, so let’s sheer off on some other tack.” - -“That is not so easily done,” Nelse replied, gloomily. - -“I don’t know about it. Look around and see what an odd sort of a -forest this is, compared to such as we have at home.” - -“We’ve had time to be pretty well acquainted with it since landing -yesterday. There doesn’t seem to be anything strange here, except it is -the big palm tree near where the old scoundrels are sitting. That----” - -Gil would have started to his feet in surprise, had it not been for the -bonds, as he cried: - -“It is the very tree we were hunting for! There are none others as -tall, and it’s surely old enough to have served as a landmark when our -chart was made.” - -“I believe you are right, my boy,” the mate said, after a short pause. -“It would be strange if these villains have shown us just what we -wanted to find.” - -“I can’t see that it will do us any good, even if we knew a big -pile of gold was absolutely buried in the immediate vicinity,” Nelse -replied, grumblingly; but at the same time he continued to gaze at the -palm, and it could be seen that, for the moment, the pangs of hunger -were forgotten. - -The possibility of their having finally arrived at the desired place, -through no inclination or volition of their own, was sufficient to -furnish them with a fruitful topic of conversation, and but little -attention was paid to the blacks until the departure of several of the -younger men caused Gil to ask: - -“Where do you suppose they are going?” - -“Most likely to watch out for the yacht. It isn’t certain your father -won’t make an attempt to put in here in search of us, although I don’t -think one of our boats could land, and they want to make sure of not -being interrupted.” - -During the next half-hour the negroes remained idle, lounging near the -scene of the feast, and then the messengers returned. - -Whatever report they made must have been satisfactory, for immediately -the fire was rebuilt, the pot slung on two crotched sticks, and the old -fellows took up their station nearby, as if to repeat the mummery of -the previous evening. - -Now the prisoners understood that they were to take some part in the -ceremony, for three of the men stood directly in front of them, while -the priests began once more the doleful chant. - -“They are going to kill us,” Nelse cried, in alarm, but forced to -remain motionless before the blacks, each of whom held a short-bladed -knife in his hands. - -Mr. Jenkins no longer attempted to cheer his companions. He believed, -as Nelse did, and with good reason. - -While the old men sang, those who had evidently been selected as -executioners advanced slowly, brandishing their weapons, and making -gestures, while the remainder of the party stood nearby, gazing -intently, as if at some fascinating spectacle. - -Neither of the prisoners spoke. Death seemed so close at hand that -the numbness of despair was upon them, and each watched the gleaming -circles of steel as the knives came slowly toward them. - -When the three men were not more than five feet away from him, Gil -fancied he heard a slight noise directly in the rear, as if some one -was lighting a match; but since none of the blacks paid any attention -to it, he fancied he was mistaken, and tried to prepare himself in some -slight degree for the supreme moment. - -Now the circle of spectators grew smaller; the old men forced their way -through, that they also might witness what was possibly one of their -fiendish rites, and the gleaming steel almost touched the victims. - -The two boys closed their eyes that they should not see the deadly blow -when it was delivered, and Jenkins believed he had not many seconds -to live, when a singular, hissing noise was heard directly behind the -helpless ones. - -Instantly it seemed that a shaft of fire came from the foliage, with a -scream as of some living creature. - -Opening their eyes suddenly, the boys saw this thing of flame tear its -way through the crowd, throwing sparks right and left, and striking two -of the blacks with sufficient force to hurl them to the ground. - -The negroes fled with loud yells of terror, as the “thing,” apparently -caught by the foliage, continued to send forth showers of flame, and -before the last man disappeared, both Gil and Nelse had fainted. - -The strain upon them had been too great, and over-taxed nature gave way -beneath it. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. ANDY. - - -At this particular time Jenkins paid but little attention to the boys. -He fancied the sudden appearance of the stream of fire was simply a -portion of the horrible ceremonies, and believed the negroes’ terror to -be only simulated. - -When the last black disappeared in the foliage, a noise directly -behind him caused him to look for their return from that quarter, and -his surprise can be better imagined than described when he saw Andy -standing in front of him, his wide mouth open to its fullest extent in -silent enjoyment of the complete rout. - -“Where in the name of all that’s wonderful did you come from?” he -cried, and would have followed this with other questions, had not the -cook whispered hurriedly: - -“Dere ain’t no time ter tork now, kase we’s boun’ ter be outer dis yere -place before dem debbils cum back. Don’ speak a word.” - -With remarkable celerity, Andy cut the bonds of vines, and while -Jenkins was rubbing his arms and legs to restore the circulation, the -cook released the boys. - -It was as if the sudden change of position served to restore them to -consciousness, and by the time the cook had made his arrangements for -flight, they were aware of the rescue. - -Gil would have followed Jenkins’ example, and overwhelmed the negro -with questions; but the mate whispered: - -“Keep quiet, now; we can hear all about it later.” - -Andy’s first care was to gather up the rope-like vines and throw them -on the fire, after which he ran into the thicket, returning a few -seconds later with a large package wrapped in sailcloth. - -“I’se gwine erhead, an’ you’se mus’ cum erlong mighty fas’ ef yer don’ -wan’ ter see dem imps ergin.” - -Without waiting for a reply, he started toward the coast to the -westward, running so rapidly, laden though he was, that the others had -quite as much as they could do to keep pace with him. - -During fully half an hour the flight was continued, and just when Nelse -was on the point of saying that he could hold out no longer, however -great might be the danger, Andy halted in the midst of a palmetto -thicket. - -“We’se gwine ter stay hyar fur erwhile,” he said, speaking with -difficulty, because of his heavy breathing; “but dere mus’ be a mighty -snug watch kept, kase dem debbils are boun’ ter fin’ out wha’s been -ergoin’ on.” - -“Tell us how you happen to be here, and where the yacht is?” Gil asked, -as soon as it was possible to speak. - -Andy’s story, interspersed as it was with threats against and -commentaries upon the voudoos, would require too great a space to be -related in his own words; but the substance was as follows: - -After the boat had returned to the yacht, and the sailors reported -they could find no trace of the missing ones, Captain Mansfield was -utterly at a loss to account for the singular disappearance. He knew -there were no wild beasts on the island that could have attacked and -killed the entire party, therefore it seemed positive the mate and the -boys were detained by human beings. - -To search for them in the darkness would have been useless, therefore -he intended to wait until morning, when he proposed going on shore -himself; but the coming of the gale prevented this plan from being -carried into effect. - -It was absolutely necessary the yacht should be gotten under way, and, -in the absence of the mate, equally essential for the safety of all on -board, that the captain should remain in command. - -Knowing they might be obliged to remain away two or three days, and -distressed at the thought of leaving the missing ones to the mercy of -those who had probably captured them, Captain Mansfield called for some -of the crew to volunteer to go on shore and prosecute a search during -his absence. - -None of the sailors cared to venture, and then it was that Andy offered -his services, which were accepted the more eagerly because of all -on board, he could probably accomplish more, owing to the partial -acquaintance he had with the natives of this and the adjoining islands. - -He took a small amount of food with him, and, in addition, a number of -signal rockets with which to make his whereabouts known as soon as it -should be possible for the yacht to come in shore again. A revolver and -a dozen cartridges, together with a canteen of water, made up the full -list of his stores. - -It was only after the greatest difficulty that the sailors succeeded in -setting him ashore, for the sea began to run high immediately the wind -sprang up, and he remained in the thicket near the beach until sunrise, -when, almost before he was ready to commence the search, the voudoos’ -chant told him where the prisoners were likely to be found. - -Creeping cautiously up to where a view of the party could be had, -he realized that it would be the height of folly to make an attack -single-handed, and remained inactive, fully believing the prisoners -were to be killed, until he chanced to think of the signal rockets. - -It was a poor experiment upon which to depend as a means of saving the -lives of three people; but, fortunately, it succeeded admirably, and -there was no question but that the blacks fancied the sparks of fire -had been produced by some supernatural agency. - -“How did it happen that you dared venture on shore?” Gil asked, when -the story was ended. “You said nothing could tempt you to run the risk -of meeting the voudoos, and there can be no mistake about the men who -came so near killing us.” - -“I’se dun gone got er charm, an’ when de sailors wouldn’t cum ershore, -dere was nuffin lef’ but fur me ter do my level bes’.” - -“And it couldn’t be improved upon,” Jenkins said, as he patted the old -fellow’s woolly head. - -“It was mos’ly de charm,” Andy replied, modestly. - -“That had precious little to do with it,” the mate said, emphatically. -“The rocket and the man behind it did the business, and a thousand -charms wouldn’t have frightened those villains away so quickly.” - -“What made you spend so much time burning the vines with which we were -tied?” Nelse asked. “They couldn’t have been used again.” - -“I wasn’ erfeared ob dat, honey; but we wanter make dem debbils t’ink -dat de ghostes dun took you off, ropes an’ all.” - -“And it was a good idea, Andy,” Jenkins said. “Now, if we can only keep -them at a proper distance until the yacht heaves in sight, we shall be -all right.” - -“I’se gwine ter dribe de whole bilin’ offer dis yere island,” the old -man said, decidedly, much as if he was proposing a very simple piece of -business. - -“How do you count on doing that?” Gil asked. “You said they could do no -end of mischief, even when hundreds of miles away?” - -“I’se got de charm, honey, an’ I’se got de rockets. Ef we kin creep up -on ’em once, I’ll start annudder fiery sarpent what’ll make de voudoos -t’ink de las’ day hab cum.” - -“If that could be done, we would have a chance to find out whether -the pirates’ treasure is hidden near the old palm tree,” Nelse cried, -excitedly. - -“Now, honey, don’ you’se go ter speckerlatin’ erbout dat any mo’. It’s -wha’s got us all in dis yere trubble, an we’se gwine ter keep clear ob -it, ef I’se got a vote in de bizness.” - -“There’s plenty of time to talk about that,” Jenkins interrupted. “The -villains are here yet; it isn’t any sure thing they can be frightened -away, and while they remain, we shan’t be able to do much of anything -but keep ourselves out of sight.” - -“Isn’t it about time we thought of eating something?” Nelse asked, -suddenly. “Andy said he brought food from the yacht, and I would like -to have a bite.” - -“Take it all, honey, de ole man ain’ wantin’ any now,” and the cook -unstrapped a well-filled haversack from his shoulders. “I’se had -what’ll do me fur de nex’ four days.” - -“We’ll make an equal division whether there is any chance of your -growing hungry or not,” Gil said, as he began to distribute the food. -“It is necessary that we husband it as much as possible, unless we can -count on seeing father pretty soon.” - -“He won’t be able to make this portion of the coast until the wind -blows itself out,” the mate replied, “and I advise that we go on short -rations to-day.” - -This remark was hardly necessary, since the amount of provisions Andy -had brought did not suffice to make one satisfactory meal for the -party, and every crumb was devoured before the hunger of either was -more than half satisfied. - -When the haversack of canvas had been emptied, the cook said, as he -examined the wound on Jenkins’ head: - -“I’se gwine ter fix yer up a little, Marse Jenkins, an’ den we’d better -light out ob dis yere place, kase dere’s no tellin’ when dat crowd’s -cumin’ back ter see wha’ made de sparks fly.” - -The mate would have objected to Andy’s spending any time on what -he considered a trifling matter; but the cook did not wait for -remonstrances. Using the water in the canteen, regardless of whether -his companions were thirsty, he first bathed the wound, and then -bandaged it properly with strips torn from Gil’s shirt, after which he -said, with an air of pride: - -“I ’lows you’se gwine ter git ober dat little scratch widout much -trouble, an’ ef dere’s no objection, we oughter keep on till we light -on a better place dan dis yere bunch ob trees.” - -After the generalship he had shown, there was no reason why the cook -should not take command of the party, and he assumed the leadership -by setting out at a rapid pace toward the coast, the others following -close behind him. - -Not until they were within sight of the sea at a point two or three -miles from where the boys and the mate were made prisoners did he halt, -and then it was to say: - -“I’se gwine ter skurmish roun’ fur ter see whar dem debbils am hidin’.” - -“Why shouldn’t we go with you?” the mate asked. - -“Kase dere’s no tellin’ how de charm’s gwine ter work fur all han’s, -an’ de res’ ob de crowd had better stay hyar till de ole man gits back.” - -“The boys can take care of themselves for a while, and I’ll keep you -company,” Jenkins said, decidedly. “We can’t afford to run the chance -of an accident just now.” - -Andy did not fancy being obliged to take a protector with him; but -the mate was determined to share all the danger, and the two plunged -into the thicket, after impressing upon Gil and Nelse the necessity of -remaining hidden during their absence. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. A SUCCESSFUL SCHEME. - - -When the mate and cook started out to ascertain the whereabouts of the -natives, the former carried the revolver, and the latter had strapped -to his back the bundle of signal rockets. - -At the time their only idea was to learn what the blacks were doing, -and to that end Andy led the way back toward the cave, circling around -in such a manner as would permit an approach from the south. - -After traveling at a rapid pace for twenty minutes or more, the cook -came to a halt, exclaiming as he did so: - -“Dere’s no use tuckerin’ our legs all out at de start, kase dere’s -plenty ob time.” - -“How is it that you know this island so well? You move around as if you -had always lived here.” - -Andy tried to evade the question by speaking of the weather and the -possibility that the yacht could approach the northern coast by the -following morning; but Jenkins insisted on an answer, and finally the -old fellow said: - -“I mought jes’ as well tell de trufe; but I don’ hanker after habin’ de -capt’in know erbout it.” - -“Have you ever taken a hand in this voudoo business?” Jenkins asked, -sternly, as he watched the old man’s face closely. - -“Nebber! Nebber! I’se done gone bin in a good many scrapes, but nuffin -like dat. Six or ten years ago, when I was young an’ flighty like, -annuder colored man an’ me runned away frum a brig what we’d shipped -in, an’ hid hyar. De voudoos cum mighty nigh killin’ us erfore we got -took off, an’ dat’s how I’se sich a pertic’lar ’quaintance wid de -island.” - -“Then you have seen these fellows before?” - -“Ef dey ain’ jes’ de same, dey looks a drefful sight like em.” - -“And you knew where the cave was before I said anything about it?” - -“’Deed I didn’t, fo’ a fac’. I nebber seen it; but I reckon it was -’cause we kept mighty near de beach all de time watchin’ fur a vessel.” - -“What did you find to eat?” - -“Dere’s plenty ob oysters ’roun’ de shore, an’ it’s a prime place fur -turtles. Dere ain’t no danger ob goin’ hungry ef de _Day Dream_ don’ -come back fur a week.” - -“I’m glad to hear that, for the yacht may be away some time--I don’t -see any signs that this wind will haul around very soon--and the food -supply promises to become serious to us. If you are rested, let’s push -on; the boys may grow frightened if we stay too long.” - -Andy acted upon this suggestion at once, and the two did not halt again -until they had reached a point from which a view of the entrance to the -cave could be had, while they were screened by the foliage. - -From the first glance it appeared as if the blacks had not returned -to their underground hiding-place; but after waiting five minutes, a -woolly head was seen at the entrance for an instant, and then drawn -back very quickly, as if its owner did not dare to expose any portion -of his precious body very long at a time. - -“I’se gwine ter plump one ob dese yere rockets right inter dat hole,” -Andy whispered, as he began to unwrap the package. - -“Don’t do anything so foolish,” the mate replied in the same cautious -tone. “They would then see the stick, and know it wasn’t the work of -supernatural beings. Besides, we can use them to better advantage by -waiting until the whole gang come outside.” - -“Wha’ you’se mean by dat?” - -“Some of them have still got the revolvers taken from the boys an’ me. -If we could manage to put our hands on them it wouldn’t be much of a -job to hold the crowd in check for as long as we wanted to stay.” - -“But how’s we gwine ter do dat wid de rockets?” - -“I don’t know; we’ll wait a while, and perhaps something may turn up in -our favor.” - -Andy was eager to continue his work of terrifying the blacks, but he -managed to restrain his impatience, as Jenkins requested, and during -the next hour the two remained silent and almost motionless, watching -intently for the appearance of their enemies. - -During this time two or three of the party had peeped out several -times, without showing any more of their bodies than was absolutely -necessary, and Andy had begun to grumble because of the delay, when the -entire crowd emerged. - -They were walking in couples, with the old fellows, who had put on a -yet larger supply of paint, leading the way, and, from the look of -anxiety on their faces, it was plainly seen that even the alleged -priests felt very uncomfortable in mind. - -Andy held one of the rockets at such an angle as would send it in the -midst of the party when it was fired, resting the base against a tree -to avoid the recoil; but Jenkins prevented him from lighting the match -until the crowd were a dozen yards beyond the entrance to the cave. - -“Now give me your revolver,” the mate whispered, “and be sure to take -good aim. If you miss, all that has been done will be wasted.” - -The old darky, probably remembering when he had been chased by this or -a similar gang, adjusted the rocket very carefully, and then ignited -the fuse. At the same instant Jenkins discharged every barrel of the -revolver, aiming low to avoid killing any outright, and this portion of -the scheme was a perfect success. - -[Illustration: “Andy adjusted the rocket and ignited the fuse.” See -page 136.] - -The rocket plowed its way through the entire line from the rear, as if -it had come out of the cave, and no less than five were thrown to the -ground, while it could be seen that two of the others had received the -attention of bullets. - -Those who were uninjured fled at the utmost speed into the thicket, -screaming with terror, and heeding not the cries of their companions, -who were begging for assistance. - -The leaders yelled louder than their followers, and thought only of -their own safety, while all hands dropped everything which might impede -their flight. - -In the foliage a short distance from where the overturned ones were -lying, the rocket, caught among the branches, hissed and sparkled, -causing the most intense desire on the part of those remaining to leave -that particular portion of the island as quickly as possible. - -While scrambling to their feet they did not cease to scream at the full -strength of their lungs, and once they were in a condition to run, -every man sought the shelter of the bushes. - -“Now is our time,” Jenkins said, hurriedly. “You rush out there and -hunt for the weapons--I fancy some of them were dropped during the -scramble--while I see what there is in the cave that we might want.” - -Andy ran like a deer in one direction, while Jenkins went in another, -and five minutes later the two returned laden with the spoils. - -The old darky brought into the thicket two revolvers with one -ammunition belt, four freshly-killed animals, such as the blacks had -roasted for breakfast, and three murderous-looking knives. - -Jenkins found two knives, a couple of hatchets, a small bag filled -with yams, and a spade, he saying, as he held up the last-mentioned -implement for Andy’s inspection: - -“I don’t know what we want of such a thing, but I was determined to -bring away as much as possible, and it may come in handy before we -leave.” - -“We’se boun’ ter make ’em pay fur de rockets, an’ de spade will count -on de bill. Hadn’ we better mosey ’long to de boys? Dey’ll be erbout -wild ef we don’ cum mighty soon.” - -“Lead the way, and I’ll follow; but be careful, for it won’t do to let -those fellows have a glimpse of us.” - -Andy understood only too well that their safety depended upon remaining -under cover, and he conducted the mate back to the place where the boys -had been left, by a circuitous route toward the east. - -“I’se ’lowin’ dat dem debbils hab all gone ober to the souf shore, kase -it’s frum dere dey kin strike across to de big island, so all we has -ter do is keep on our end, ef we don’ wan’ ter see ’em.” - -When the two were with the boys again nearly five hours had elapsed -since the time of their departure, and both Gil and Nelse were -decidedly disturbed in mind. - -“I had just decided that we ought to go out in search of you,” the -former said, as the cook and Jenkins threw themselves on the ground -nearly exhausted by the long, rapid tramp. - -“That would have been a foolish proceeding, even if we had got into -trouble,” the mate said, with a laugh. “If the scoundrels could down -us, it is safe to say you’d hardly been able to render any assistance. -It’s all right, though, an’ we can count on being left to ourselves -until morning at the earliest.” - -Then Jenkins told the boys of what had been done, and once more Nelse -and Gil began to have hopes that a search might be made for the -supposed treasure. - -“Can we have something to eat now?” Nelse asked. - -“Wait till dark, honey, an’ den I’se gwine ter git up a reg’lar -jubelee feast. We kin build a fire, an’ dey can’t see de smoke.” - -“The flames will show more plainly.” - -“Dey won’t, kase I’se de boy what knows how ter fix sich t’ings.” - -They were well aware that Andy understood best what should be done, and -both tried to wait patiently until the time when their hunger could be -appeased without too great danger. - -When the sun set the strength of the wind seemed to increase, and -Jenkins stated as his opinion that another twenty-four hours must -elapse before the yacht could be brought to the old anchorage. - -“It don’t make so much difference, now that the blacks are frightened, -and we can defend ourselves in reasonably good shape,” he said, -cheerily. “Unless they contrive to surprise us, I’ll answer for it that -we will hold our own against twice the number.” - -“At the same time I’d rather be on board the yacht until we know they -have left the island,” Nelse said, with a feeble attempt at a smile. - -“So had I; but since it is necessary to wait, we might just as well -look on the bright side of the affair. How long before you are going to -dish up some of those rabbits, Andy?” - -“I’se ready ter make a start now, an’ dat spade is gwine ter come in -mighty handy. Ef you’ll dig a hole, I’ll mosey ’roun’ fur wood.” - -It was dark, not so much as a star appearing in the inky blackness of -the clouds, and the little party could safely move to and fro at will, -provided they were careful not to make a noise. - -All hands assisted the cook, whose fireplace was so far beneath the -surface that the flames could easily be screened from view by bushes, -and never had the boys sat down to a more thoroughly enjoyable meal -than this one of roasted rabbits--more properly speaking, agoutis--and -yams. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. TREASURE HUNTING. - - -In this world, when one desire has been satisfied another springs up, -as the boys learned after eating a hearty supper, for as soon as their -hunger was appeased both felt the necessity of slumber. - -“It seems as if I hadn’t been to sleep for a week,” Nelse said, with a -yawn, as he stretched himself out at full length where the bushes would -screen him from the wind. - -“There is nothing to prevent your getting all you want now,” the mate -replied. “So scoop in a full supply.” - -“Don’t you think it is necessary to stand watch?” Gil asked. - -“Andy and I will attend to that business.” - -“But we ought to do our share.” - -“If we are here to-morrow night, you shall take your turn at it; but -just at this time it is important to keep a sharp lookout, and, tired -as you boys are, I wouldn’t like to trust the matter in your hands.” - -“You needn’t be afraid of our going to sleep when it is necessary to -keep awake.” - -“There are some things a fellow can’t prevent, no matter how good his -intentions may be, so we won’t waste any more time in a discussion.” - -Jenkins spoke in such a decided tone that the boys understood it would -be useless to continue the conversation, and in a very few moments both -were sleeping soundly, while the mate and Andy stood most vigilant -guard. - -Several times during the night the rustling of the leaves or soughing -of the wind caused the watchers to make short excursions from the -camping-place to learn if the enemy were in the vicinity; but nothing -of an alarming nature was discovered, and when Gil and Nelse awakened -the general condition of affairs was such as to give them renewed -courage. - -The windstorm had cleared away, the sun was shining brightly in an -unclouded sky, and the morning breeze was sufficiently strong to admit -of the yacht’s working her way up the coast. - -“Father should be here before sunset!” cried Gil, as he sprang to his -feet. - -“You are right, my boy,” the mate said, cheerily. “I allow that she’ll -be at the old anchorage, if the breeze holds, before three o’clock.” - -“Have you seen anything of the voudoos?” - -“Not so much as a hair. Andy’s just about starting off now to learn if -they have gone back to the cave.” - -The old darky, who was standing near making his preparations for the -journey, did not speak. The expression on his face told how grave -and dangerous he considered the mission to be, and at such a time he -evidently believed it beneath his dignity to enter into conversation. - -The precious rockets he was fastening over his shoulder were to be used -in case of a great emergency, and the boys noticed that he frequently -pressed the bosom of his shirt, as if to assure himself of the safety -of some object. - -“I’ll bet he has got his charm there,” Nelse whispered to Gil. “I’ve -noticed that he keeps his hand over that portion of his shirt more than -half the time.” - -“We’ll make him show it to us when we get on board the yacht once more.” - -“Be careful of yourself,” Jenkins said, in a low tone, as Andy turned -to leave the camping-place. “Don’t use the rockets unless it is -absolutely necessary, and come back as soon as possible.” - -“Dere ain’ much danger ob my lingerin’ ’roun’ whar dat crowd is,” the -old man replied, as he disappeared among the foliage. - -“Now, boys, I’m going to skirmish for some oysters,” Jenkins said, -when they were alone. “Here is one of the revolvers, and in case of -any trouble, fire two shots; but don’t expose yourself by leaving this -thicket.” - -“Haven’t we got enough for breakfast without your leaving us?” Nelse -asked. - -“No; our appetites were too good last night for anything to be left -over from the small amount we managed to get from the niggers. We -can----” - -“Bress de Lawd!” Andy shouted, in a loud tone, from a distance, and, as -the little party ran in the direction indicated, they heard him cry: - -“De hull bilin’ ob dem debbils am makin’ fur de odder islan’ as fas’ as -dey kin row. De rockets done gone did it!” Hardly daring to believe -the good news, Jenkins and the boys kept on at full speed until they -were at the beach, where a view of the sea to the westward could be -had, and then their excitement was little less than that displayed by -the old darky. - -Far away on the water were three boats, one of them probably the -_Day Dream’s_ tender, loaded with men, who were working at the oars -vigorously, and there was no longer any question but that their enemies -had been literally frightened away. - -“De fiery sarpents was too much for dem!” Andy cried, triumphantly, as -he went through with a series of contortions, evidently intended as a -dance of joy. “We’se done gone got de hull islan’ fur ourselbes.” - -“It isn’t well to show them that we are nothing more than men,” Jenkins -said, as he pulled the old darky into the thicket. “If they get an idea -it was only a trick, we may have our hands full before the yacht can -come up the coast. The boys and I will go for something to eat, while -you keep them in sight until they land on Hayti. Keep just inside the -thicket so you can’t be seen.” - -Andy threw off the burden, for the rockets were useless, now the blacks -had abandoned the island, and obeyed the order given, while the others -went toward the northern coast, where they would be screened from view -of those in the boats. - -Here plenty of shell fish were found, and before the old darky returned -a most appetizing breakfast had been cooked. - -His report was decidedly encouraging. He had seen the blacks land on -the adjoining island, and watched the boats sufficiently long to assure -himself that there was no danger of an immediate return. - -“Dey’s done gone runned off fur erwhile,” he said, in a tone of -satisfaction, “an’ we’se gwine ter lebe dis yere place erfore dey wants -ter cum back.” - -“Did you see anything of the yacht?” Jenkins asked. - -“Not a hooter; I reckon she’s done gone ’round de udder side ob de -islan’, an’ we’se gwine ter see her when she’s lettin’ go de cable.” - -“I reckon you’re right, Andy, and since there’s nothing more to fear, -we can spend the time as we choose.” - -“If that is the case,” Gil said, in a serious tone, “Nelse and I want -to make one search for the treasure.” - -All Andy’s fears were aroused at this mention of the pirates’ gold, as -could be told by his face; but he made no other protest than to say: - -“We’se bin in all dis yere trubble jes’ on ’count ob dat, an’ it stands -to reason we oughter lebe it go.” - -“But what harm will be done, if we spend the time while waiting for -the yacht in searching for it? When she arrives we shall go on board, -whether anything has been found or not, and there can surely no trouble -come of that.” - -The old darky made no reply, but he shook his head in an ominous manner -while his hand rested on his shirt, under which the boys believed the -famous “charm” was hidden. - -“Have you got the chart?” Jenkins asked. For reply, Gil took the piece -of paper and strip of wood from his jacket, saying, as he handed them -to the mate: - -“The blacks didn’t think these were of sufficient value to steal, -otherwise we might have been obliged to give up the search almost -before it was begun.” - -“An’ dat would er bin a mighty good t’ing,” Andy muttered, without so -much as turning his head. - -For at least the twentieth time the mate pored over the document, and -then he said: - -“Suppose we have one try for it. That can surely do no harm, and it -will serve to occupy our time while waiting for the yacht.” - -As may be supposed, the boys were more than willing to act on this -suggestion, and Jenkins immediately began making preparations for -moving the small amount of stores to the place where they had so nearly -met their death. - -Andy assisted in the removal, but it could be seen that he was far from -being pleased with the proposition, and nothing but a wholesome fear of -the mate prevented him from giving words to that which was in his mind. - -“I take it that the letters ‘F’ and ‘S’ are the initials of the man’s -name who drew this thing,” Jenkins said, when they were at the old -palm. “We’ll allow that, at all events, an’ try for the course as -marked out--18--8 North, and 5 West from the tree.” - -“Will you take it in feet or fathoms?” Nelse asked. - -“Feet, as a starter, an’ if the yacht hasn’t hove in sight after we’ve -dug at that spot, it won’t do any harm to try fathoms.” - -“But without a compass you can’t be positive as to the direction.” - -“It’s so early in the morning that the sun will serve us for that, I -reckon, an’ we can verify the course after your father comes.” - -Andy had thrown himself on the ground in the shade of the foliage, his -hand clutching the mysterious something under his shirt, as if to show -he did not take part in the dangerous investigation; but the others -paid no attention to him, and Jenkins paced off the supposed distance -in the gravest manner possible. - -“I’se boun’ ter warn you dat we’se gwine ter hab trubble, ef you’se -hunts fur de gol’,” Andy said, solemnly. “Better lebe it alone, an’ -wait fur de yacht.” - -“Don’t be a fool,” Jenkins replied, petulantly. “We can’t afford to -lose so good a chance as this.” - -“Den I ain’ in it,” and the old darky closed his eyes, as if to shut -out even the movements of his companions. - -As nearly as he could judge from the position of the sun, the mate -measured the distance, and then designated the spot where the boys -should begin to dig. - -“It’s likely to be pretty far down,” he said, as Gil seized the spade, -“an’ we’ll take turns. You boys work till you’re tired, an’ then I’ll -do my trick.” - -Gil set about the task in the firm belief that but a few moments would -be necessary to unearth the treasure, and Nelse watched eagerly every -turn of the earth. - -Twenty minutes of such exercise under a hot sun was enough for the -treasure hunter, and then his companion relieved him, Jenkins waiting -until both should be tired, when he would wield the spade. - -Meanwhile Andy had wandered toward the beach, as if afraid even to -remain in the locality, and just at the moment when Nelse was ready to -give up in favor of the mate, the old darky shouted: - -“Hyar comes two boats, an’ dey looks like de _Day Dream’s_ tenders!” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. THE WRECK. - - -When Andy made this startling announcement the treasure seekers -abandoned their work to run with all speed to the beach where the -statement could be verified by the evidence of their own senses. - -Two boats were coming up the western shore of the island, both loaded -nearly to the gunwales, and evidently heading for the place where the -little party was standing. - -“There’s no question about those being the _Day Dream’s_ tenders,” -Jenkins said, after a long scrutiny. “White boats with gilt ribbons are -not so plentiful in these waters that there can be more than two sets -near here.” - -“I suppose father has anchored further down the coast, and is coming up -to look for us,” Gil said, in a tone of satisfaction. - -The mate made no reply, but a troubled look came over his face, and -this deepened into positive dismay as Andy said: - -“It beats me why dey’s done gone anchored wid a fine breeze what would -bring de yacht up hyar like a race hoss.” - -“Perhaps they saw the blacks when the other boats left the island, and -want to keep them in sight,” Nelse suggested. - -This was not a very reasonable proposition, but Gil accepted it, -since he could think of nothing better, and Jenkins stood silent and -motionless until the occupants of the crafts could be distinguished. -Then he muttered half to himself: - -“If they have left the craft at anchor, not one has remained behind to -look out for her, because the whole crew is here.” - -Gil was about to ask what he meant, when they were hailed by Captain -Mansfield from the leading craft. - -“Ahoy on shore!” - -“Ay, ay, sir!” the mate replied. - -“Are the boys all right?” - -“Sound and hearty, sir, and none the worse for havin’ stopped ashore a -little too long. Where is the yacht?” - -“Off Pearl Point in forty fathoms of water.” - -“Is she wrecked?” Gil asked in dismay. - -“I’ll give you the particulars when we get ashore,” Captain Mansfield -replied. “It’s too hard work to tell much of a story while it is -necessary to shout.” - -“De voudoos done gone did it,” Andy said, in a low tone. “I ’lowed dis -yere was gwine ter happen when I brung de charm ashore, but de captain -’sisted on some ob de crew cumin’, an’ it had ter be done.” - -“I won’t lay it on the voudoos,” Gil replied, mournfully, “but it is -certainly true that we’ve had nothing but bad luck from the moment we -decided to hunt for the pirates’ treasure.” - -“An’ you’se gwine ter hab wuss ef dis yere diggin’ is kep’ up. It’s a -pow’ful bad plan ter fool ’round’ whar dem debbils hang out.” - -The boys were not in the humor to discuss this phase of the affair at -this moment. Both felt as if they were personally responsible for the -disaster, because of having urged Captain Mansfield to allow them to -spend a certain length of time on the island, and the knowledge that -all hands would now be forced to remain at this place was far from -cheering. - -These gloomy thoughts were in their minds when the bows of the boats -were run up on the sand, and after the first hearty greetings had been -exchanged the brief story of the wreck was told. - -After leaving her anchorage the _Day Dream_ was headed down the coast -for the purpose of running into Gonaive, where a commodious and safe -harbor would be found. - -The night was dark, the gale so furious that the little craft could not -look up to it as she should have done, and a miscalculation as to the -distance run caused her to be brought around just in time to strike the -reefs west of Pearl Point. - -By what, at that moment, was believed to be a rare piece of good -fortune, she slipped off into deep water after the first shock, but the -sharp coral had rent and torn her timbers so cruelly that all efforts -to keep her afloat were useless. - -It was possible to work her under the lee of the land, where she was -sheltered, to a certain degree, from the angry blast, and the crew took -to the boats, with such supplies as could be gotten at in the hurry -and excitement of the moment, the jaunty little craft going to the -bottom before they had had time to row more than a dozen yards from her -side. - -“When the gale partially abated we started for this island to satisfy -ourselves that you were safe, and now I propose to make Cuba in one of -the boats, taking with me a couple of men,” Captain Mansfield said, -when his story was concluded. “We have got canvas enough for a small -sail, and once at Havana there will be no trouble about chartering a -craft to run over here.” - -“Is it safe to go so far in the tender?” Gil asked, in alarm. - -“The distance to the coast of Cuba is only seventy miles, and, with -a fair wind, we should be able to make that in less than twenty-four -hours.” - -“But why not take all hands?” - -“I would like to if our boats were large enough, but with these -cockle-shells it couldn’t be done. The only question to be considered -is whether you will be safe here. Tell me what happened after you -landed?” - -Gil gave his father a detailed account of their adventures, Jenkins and -Andy adding to the story from time to time, and when it was concluded -Captain Mansfield said: - -“Andy’s idea of using the rockets was a capital one, and I don’t think -we need have any fear the blacks will return for some time, but if -they should, your crowd is large enough to resist an ordinary attack. -I don’t expect to be away more than four days, and you can surely hold -out as long as that.” - -“Am I to go with you, sir?” Jenkins asked. - -“No; you must stay here in charge of the party, and the boys are to -obey your orders as they would mine. Now we will see what can be done -toward getting breakfast, and then set about making ready for the -voyage.” - -Andy immediately took up the duties as cook, and while he and the boys -went for a supply of shell fish, Jenkins and one of the sailors started -in search of water, for, now that the party was so large, a greater -amount of the precious liquid would be needed. - -Captain Mansfield lost no time in making his preparations. He was -desirous of taking advantage of the first fair wind, and therefore -everything was done on this day. Even the water and provisions were put -on board the tender, so that it would be only necessary to launch her -when the proper moment should arrive. - -It was yet quite early in the afternoon when the work was finished, and -Gil urged his father to go with him and Nelse to the old palm. - -“If we are to stay here three or four days there is no reason why we -shouldn’t continue to hunt for the treasure, since it will serve to -occupy the time, but Andy believes something terrible will happen if we -do such a thing.” - -“If you find any pleasure in digging, keep at it, by all means,” -Captain Mansfield said, laughingly, “but I don’t care to walk even a -dozen yards for the purpose of seeing an old tree. Andy’s foolish talk -needn’t trouble you, for it is merest nonsense to think a voudoo can do -more than any other person.” - -Gil wanted to get his father’s advice as to the best method of testing -the correctness of the chart, but all pleadings were in vain. - -The captain refused to make any suggestion whatever, and the subject -was soon dropped, as the coming voyage was brought up for discussion. - -During the afternoon one of the sailors walked several miles along -the eastern and southern coast to make certain the blacks were not -returning, and in the hope of sighting some sail, but both these -missions resulted in the same manner. - -No craft of any kind could be seen, and at an early hour all hands -“turned in” on the sand, it being thought unnecessary to stand watch. - -It was not yet daylight when the boys were awakened by Jenkins, who -said, as they opened their eyes: - -“The wind has come around from the south’ard an’ east’ard, and the -captain is ready to start.” - -The little tender had already been launched, and it was only necessary -for the voyagers to step aboard. - -At the last moment Captain Mansfield had decided to take but one of the -sailors with him, in order that as large a force as possible might be -left behind in case the blacks should return bent on mischief, and the -remainder of the party stood on the beach to say good-by. - -“We won’t go very strong on the parting business,” the captain said, -as he saw by the faces of Gil and Nelse that they were considerably -distressed because of his leaving. “With this wind we shall be on shore -again by sunset, and the trip will be nothing more than child’s play. -Keep together as much as possible, and remember that Mr. Jenkins is in -command.” - -Then he took his seat at the helm, the tiny sail was hoisted, and in a -few seconds the little craft was lost to view amid the gloom. - -Those who had been left behind set about getting breakfast, for the -voyagers preferred to eat theirs in the boat rather than lose time -by waiting on shore until a meal could be cooked, and when this very -important portion of the day’s duties was finished the question arose -as to what should first be done. - -Jenkins sent Andy down the coast to watch lest the blacks should return -unobserved, and then the boys proposed that they be allowed to continue -the search for the supposed treasure. - -To this the mate agreed after some slight hesitation, and once more the -work of digging was begun, but on this occasion fathoms instead of feet -were measured off, according to the suggestion of the sailor, who said: - -“It don’t stand to reason that any decent pirates would put down -figgers ’cordin’ to shore lingo. It’s fathoms, or I’m a duffer.” - -Whether or no he was a “duffer,” both Gil and Nelse were willing to try -the experiment, more especially since the first attempt resulted in -such a signal failure, and when the bearings had been taken--this time -accurately with one of the compasses saved from the _Day Dream_--the -boys went to work in good earnest, assisted now and then by the men. - -During an hour they labored industriously without having seen anything -to give encouragement, and just as Gil was on the point of saying that -he had had enough of digging for supposititious gold, the spade struck -something which gave forth a metallic sound. - -“There’s more than earth down here!” he exclaimed, triumphantly, plying -the tool with renewed vigor, and Jenkins leaped into the excavation as -he cried: - -“Upon my word, lad, I believe there’s something in that chart after -all. Give me the spade until we see what’s below here!” - -Now all hands were literally trembling with excitement, as the mate -threw out the loose sand in a perfect shower, and when several -fragments of decayed wood were disclosed each one believed the desired -discovery was about to be made. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. THE UNDERGROUND PASSAGE. - - -The treasure seekers were not kept long in suspense after the first -evidence that there was some foreign substance beneath the surface. - -In less than ten minutes Jenkins cleared the sand away, exposing to -view an iron-bound hatch, which presented the appearance of having been -taken from a small vessel. It showed every sign of age. The iron was -so eaten with rust as to be nothing more than thin ribbons of metal, -and the wood had been bored by insects or worms until it looked like a -gigantic sieve. - -“If there’s any treasure on this island here’s where we shall find it,” -the mate said, as he paused to wipe the perspiration from his face. “It -don’t stand to reason that men would spend their time burying a thing -like this, and then make a chart to show exactly the spot, unless there -was something valuable underneath.” - -“Of course there’s plenty of gold down there, and perhaps we shall find -a lot of diamonds and jewelry,” Gil cried, excitedly. “Why don’t you -lift it up?” - -“That’s more than can be done from below here, unless the hole is made -at least twice as large, which will be too much work to suit me. There -are some pieces of rope on the beach that were left over after we -finished riggin’ the boat. Get them, an’ we’ll soon have a purchase -that’ll raise this ’ere cover mighty easy.” - -Both the boys started for the shore at full speed. They were too much -excited to be able to converse about the matter, and, without saying a -single word, gathered up the desired articles, returning to the scene -of the discovery in a wonderfully short space of time. - -When they arrived Andy had come up from the beach to report that no -craft of any kind was in sight, and he stood looking at the ancient -hatch in silent horror. - -“You see the chart we found meant something after all!” Nelse cried, -triumphantly, as Jenkins set about rigging a rude purchase to a tree -which stood near by. - -“It meant dat we wus boun’ ter git inter de biggest kin’ ob trubble,” -the old darky replied, after a short pause. “You hear me, chillun, dis -yere is a mighty bad bizness. Ef you’se ain’ hankerin’ arter de wuss -scrape you’se ebber heard ob, kiver dat hol’ up right smart.” - -“But what is the matter with your charm?” Nelse asked. “It worked well -since the voudoos got hold of us, and why should it fail now?” - -“It ain’ strong enuf fur dis kin’ ob fussin’--nuffin would stan’ dat,” -Andy replied, moodily. - -“Now don’t begin your croaking again,” Jenkins said, with a laugh, the -apparent certainty of finding treasure causing him to feel very happy. -“We’ve pulled through so far, an’ I reckon there won’t be anything -startling happen before we can get a peep of what is underneath this -hatch.” - -“How’s you’se bin pullin’ trou’?” the old darky asked, angrily. -“Didn’t you’se cum widin a han’s bref ob bein’ killed?” - -“But we wasn’t, and the rockets instead of your charm did the business -for us.” - -“Has yer done forget when de men set us driftin’ ’roun’ in de little -boat?” - -“We got our own jest the same, and didn’t have to undergo many -hardships.” - -“Kin yer git de yacht ag’in? Ain’ she dun bin sunk by de voudoos?” - -“She is sunk, for a fact, but the fellows on this island didn’t have -anything to do with it.” - -“Who tole yer so?” - -“My own common sense.” - -“Den let yer common sense show yer how ter git outer de scrape what -you’se hankerin’ fur now,” and Andy stalked solemnly away, not so much -as turning his head when the boys begged of him to wait until the hatch -should be raised. - -At that moment, when they were all so happy at the apparently -successful result of their labors, the old darky’s anger seemed very -comical, and no one tried to restrain his mirth, until Jenkins said: - -“This won’t do if we want to find out how much treasure the pirates -have buried here. All hands tail onto the rope, and we’ll soon have -gold enough to tassel our handkerchiefs in great shape.” - -It required considerable labor to raise the cumbersome mass of wood -and iron, but it was finally accomplished, and, as the hatch swung -above the surface each member of the party rushed to the edge of the -excavation excitedly. - -Instead of seeing a vast amount of valuable plunder such as pirates are -supposed to hide, nothing more startling than a deep hole or shaft met -their gaze. - -“The stuff must be at the bottom,” Gil said, after all had looked in -silence for several moments. - -“It’s a shaft of some kind,” Jenkins added, half to himself, “and I -reckon we’ve had our labor for our pains. Old Andy knew what he was -about when he refused to have anything to do with the scheme.” - -“It isn’t certain that we’ve worked for nothing,” Nelse replied. “I can -see what appear to be steps cut in the side, and as likely as not we -shall find all we want at the bottom.” - -“Seeing there’s nothin’ better to do, we might as well find out the -whole story. Lay hold of that rope an’ lower me down.” - -In another instant the mate was descending. His companions were able to -perform their portion of the task with but little difficulty because he -found a foothold here and there by which he could aid himself. - -At least twenty feet of the rope had been payed out, when he shouted: - -“I’m at the bottom, and there is a tunnel which runs on the level. -Lower something for a torch, and I’ll keep on.” - -“Why can’t we all come down?” Gil asked. - -“There’s nothin’ to prevent. Throw some light wood in first, and then -make the rope fast to a tree. You can come hand over hand without any -trouble.” - -After gathering what would be sufficient to supply the party with -torches for several hours, Jenkins’ orders were obeyed, and the boys -and the sailors were soon with the mate in a tunnel leading at right -angles from the shaft, of sufficient height for one to walk upright. -The passage looked as if it had been hewn from the solid coral, and, -although evidently not used for many years, the air was pure as if it -had never been closed. - -Some little difficulty was experienced in lighting the wood, but when -that had been done, Jenkins marched on, holding the torch as high as -possible, that all might see this underground path which was supposed -to lead to the valuable deposit. - -“It’s certain this tunnel wasn’t dug for nothing,” Gil said, after they -had walked at an ordinary pace for at least twenty minutes without -having seen anything but the coral walls. “People wouldn’t spend much -time on such work simply for fun, and it must have required many days -to hew out such an amount of rock.” - -“I reckon we’ve come to the end,” Jenkins replied, as the passage began -to trend upward at a very decided inclination, and a moment later he -stopped at what appeared to be the termination of the tunnel. - -Before them was apparently a solid wall, but, as the light was thrown -on it, Gil could see a crevice, very narrow and nearly filled with -dust, at the side and bottom. - -“It’s a door!” he cried, “and behind it is the gold!” - -Jenkins handed the torch to Nelse, and threw his whole weight against -the rock. - -It yielded slightly, giving an opening not more than half an inch -wide, through which warm air and a glow as of a fire entered the tunnel. - -Quickly, and without speaking, the mate extinguished the torch, and, -to the astonishment of all, the sound of voices could be heard, -indistinctly, it is true, but sufficiently to make it positive human -beings were conversing at no very great distance from the aperture. - -This was a conclusion to the tour of discovery upon which the explorers -had not reckoned, and for several moments all stood in silent dismay, -not knowing what course to pursue. - -Then Jenkins tried to close the stone door, but in vain. It was -perfectly smooth, and he could gain no hold upon it. - -But few seconds were spent on the useless work. - -Whispering softly, the mate directed his companions to retrace their -steps with as little noise as possible, and all hands crept back -through the now dark tunnel to the foot of the shaft which they had -entered. - -“What are we to do now?” Gil asked, impatiently. - -“That’s just what we must decide upon,” Jenkins replied, “an’ it isn’t -going to be an easy question to answer.” - -“Who do you suppose the men are?” Nelse asked. “I thought it was -certain all the blacks had left the island.” - -“It seems that we made a mistake in coming to that conclusion. I’ve -an idea the tunnel leads straight back to the cave where we had the -pleasure of spending one night.” - -“Then the apparent mystery can be explained if we make a search there,” -Gil suggested. - -“You are right, but it will be a good idea to hunt mighty cautiously, -or we may find ourselves in a worse scrape than before. You stay here -while I take a short trip in that direction, and at the same time warn -Andy of what has been discovered.” - -Both of the boys were unwilling the party should separate. Strength of -numbers seemed to be their only protection, and the loss of one would -be very serious. - -Jenkins, however, was positive his plan offered the only chance of -safety, and after some discussion the others agreed to it. - -“I’ll take one of the revolvers, and you fellows will have the other. -It is likely that I shall be away some time, therefore you mustn’t get -nervous if I stay nearly all day. You had better get in the tunnel -half-a-dozen yards from the shaft, so your voices won’t be heard if -anybody happens to come this way.” - -“But what about Andy?” - -“I’ll try to make him come down here, for it isn’t safe to remain where -those people, whoever they are, may find an opportunity of getting hold -of him.” - -After giving these orders, Jenkins swarmed up the rope hand over hand, -and, without so much as an “adieu,” disappeared from the view of those -in the shaft. - -The three waited in almost perfect silence during fully half-an-hour, -and then, as a slight rustling was heard from above, the cook’s head -could be seen at the edge of the excavation. - -His black face was literally gray with terror, and one would have said -his eyeballs protruded very much more than usual as he asked, in a -hoarse whisper: - -“Am it er fac’ dat you chillun reckon on stayin’ hyar wid de whole -crowd ob voudoos so nigh at han’?” - -“What else can we do?” - -“Come out an’ hide whar dere’s a chance to gib de debbils de slip ef -dey begin’ cuttin’ up shines.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. A TRAP. - - -The sailors, superstitious as are nearly all their class, believed -the wisest course would be to follow the old darky’s advice, arguing -that since he knew more about the island and the ways of the repulsive -beings who had been found upon it, than any one else, it was reasonable -to suppose he could best extricate them from their uncomfortable -situation. - -Both Gil and Nelse, however, were determined to stay where they were -until Jenkins returned, and to this end the former said to Andy: - -“Come down here until you know what has been found. There can be no -danger, since you’ve got your charm with you, and we are now positive -that all the blacks have not left the island.” - -“I dun seed ’em go wif my own eyes.” - -“You saw three boats; but I tell you there are more not far from here, -and, what is worse, it’s the old ones who have been left behind.” - -Andy appeared incredulous until the sailors joined with Gil in the -statement, and then, looking around suspiciously, as if expecting -to see his enemies near at hand ready to spring upon him, the -cook prepared to descend by first clutching firmly the mysterious -“something” which was concealed beneath the bosom of his shirt. - -On reaching the bottom of the shaft he went through a series of -gestures, probably intended for the purpose of warding off danger, and -then whispered, cautiously: - -“Wha’ hab you seen, honey? Don’t try to fool wid de ole man, kase dis -yere am no kinder time ter play pranks when de wustes’ sort ob trubble -am cummin’.” - -“I don’t want to fool you,” Gil replied, impatiently, “but it is -necessary you should know that there are people in a sort of cave, -perhaps the very one where we were kept prisoners, and their voices can -be heard distinctly if you listen at the end of this tunnel, where it -looks as if a wall of solid rock rose right up before you. Go on, and -try to make out what they are talking about.” - -While speaking, the boy had seized the old darky by the arm, as if to -force him onward, and the latter shrank back with every show of terror. - -“I wouldn’t go dere fur a millyon dollars, an’ dat’s eh fac’,” Andy -said, with a long-drawn sigh. “Af it’s de ole debbils wha’ hab been lef -behin’, de odders are skinnin’ roun’ fur ter get a crowd ober hyar to -ketch us all.” - -“Why would so much trouble be necessary, when they outnumber us at -least three to one?” Nelse asked. - -“Dat’s jes’ wha’ dey don’ know, honey. De fiery sarpints hab done made -’em t’ink we’se er hard gang, an’ dey’s gwine ter bring more ob dem ole -fellers ter help erlong wid de hoodoo.” - -Upon this point Andy appeared to be so positive that it would have been -only a waste of time to argue the matter, and Gil urged him to follow -up the tunnel in the hope of learning by the conversation who the men -were in the subterranean chamber. - -This was a most signal failure, however, for the old darky not only -refused to take a single step in the desired direction, but would not -so much as look into the opening. - -“I’se done gone had enuf ob sich t’ings,” he said, solemnly, “an’ now -I’m gwine ter keep my ole head outer trubble whar dar’s a chance. -Dere’s a boat hyar what b’longs ter de captain, an’ de bes’ t’ing we -kin do is ter git ’way frum dis yere islan’ afore de witches ’gin ter -take a han’ in de muss.” - -“We are willing to risk it a while longer, and your charm should be -sufficient to make you stay while the rest of the party are here,” -Nelse said, with a nervous laugh which had very little mirth in it. - -“I’se got frou takin’ chances, no matter ef I had er hun’red charms,” -the old darky replied, clutching yet tighter that which was suspended -from his neck. “We wants ter mosey outer dis yere place, nebber min’ -wha’ Job Jenkins says erbout it, kase I tells yer, chillun, it am -mighty onhealthy when dem debbils begin for to git in dere work.” - -Then Andy started to his feet as if on the point of swarming up the -rope again, but before he could do so the mate appeared at the opening -above, saying in a whisper, as he began to descend: - -“Take care, below there, for the sun blinds my eyes so I can’t see -where I’m going.” - -In another instant he was in the midst of the anxious group, all of -whom, with the exception of Andy, began to overwhelm him with questions. - -“It won’t take long for me to tell the story,” Jenkins said, as he -seated himself on the ground. “There is no question but that this -passage leads to the big cave. I went there, and hunted around quite -a while before finding any signs of another outlet. Things were just -as when I saw them last, an’ I could ’a’ taken my oath the whole crowd -skipped out after the second dose of signal rockets, until I ran across -what appeared to be a door cut in a piece of coral.” - -“Did you open it?” Gil asked, eagerly. - -“Of course. What would ’a’ been the use of lookin’ if I didn’t do the -thing in proper shape? I pried the stone open till I could see a narrow -passage that led in this direction, an’ then I stopped, for there was -no reason of pokin’ my nose into danger. I reckon we’d better take to -the boat, if we can manage to stow into the one we’ve got, for if that -crowd comes back, as I feel certain they’re bound to do, we’ll be in -hot water.” - -“Now you’se torkin’ sense,” Andy said quickly. “When a man shoves his -head inter de lion’s mout’ once, dat may be a mistake; but ef he does -it de secon’ time, dat shows how big er fool he kin make ob hisself.” - -The sailors were also eager to get away from such a dangerous locality, -and against this preponderance of opinion neither Gil nor Nelse thought -he should make any objections, although both believed the safest plan -would be to take the chances and await Captain Mansfield’s return. - -Now that the mate shared his opinion in regard to leaving the island, -Andy was in a perfect fever to get away, and, without waiting for the -others, he swarmed up the rope to the surface, the remainder of the -party following a few seconds later, urged to what seemed foolish haste -by his description of the dangers which threatened. - -“Don’t stay down dar torkin’ ’bout nuffin,” he said instantly, on -gaining the surface. “I’se been right yere afore, an’ knows how dese -images kin skip ’roun’ when dey has bizness. We’se boun’ to mosey -erlong like er flea, ’less we wants ter be cotched ergin.” - -“Now don’t run the risk of carryin’ away your spars by crackin’ on too -much sail,” said Jenkins, with a laugh. “I allow the fellers won’t be -back for two or three days, an’ we can take things easy.” - -The old darky was most vehement against delay, and did not cease to -repeat what the blacks were able to do, until all the party were out of -the tunnel. Then he would have started toward the shore without even -waiting to gather up the small store of goods they had left on the -surface if Jenkins had not peremptorily ordered him to stop until they -were in proper marching order. - -When the necessary arrangements had finally been made, Andy darted -through the underbrush at such speed that the others were obliged to -exert themselves to the utmost in order to keep pace with him, and the -heat rendered rapid traveling both painful and exhausting. - -“Let him go ahead,” Jenkins said, impatiently, after five minutes -passed, during which the whole party had been running rather than -walking. “He’s worse than an old woman when he gets frightened, an’ we -couldn’t move faster than we’re doin’ now if the whole crowd were at -our heels.” - -“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t take our time,” and Gil halted for -a comfortable breath. “It will be better to start after dark, anyway, -for no one could row very long in this heat.” - -Having thus allayed their own nervousness, the little party proceeded -toward the beach in a most leisurely fashion, until the sound of the -surf told that they were very near the sea, when Andy burst through the -underbrush at a faster gait than he had departed. - -His black face was of an ashen hue, and his eyes open and staring as he -said, in a hoarse whisper: - -“De boat’s dun gone!” - -“What do you mean, you fool?” the mate asked, angrily. - -“She’s gone, an’ dat’s a fac’. Dem ole debbils knowed wha’ we was er -tryin’ ter do, an’ dey’ve hoodooed her outer sight!” - -“Probably you didn’t go within half-a-mile of where we left her.” - -“Dere’s de tree we hitched her to, an’ you kin see whar dem as took her -off walked ’roun’ huntin’ for us.” - -“Then what you mean is that the crowd have come back, an’ we’re cut off -again,” Jenkins replied, in a tone of relief, despite his oft-repeated -assertion that he did not believe in what Andy called “cunjurin’.” - -“Dat am de fac’.” - -“I thought you said the old men had hoodooed her?” Nelse added, and -the old darky said, with considerable show of spirit: - -“Ob course dey did, else how could dem wuffless trash know where to -fin’ her?” - -“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a look at the beach,” Jenkins said, -as he took a revolver from his pocket. “Just as likely as not Andy has -made a mistake.” - -The others pressed forward, but the cook refused to move a single step. -He declared that no earthly power could force him to leave the shelter -of the trees, and was so vehement in his protestations that even the -boys began to think perhaps it would be as well to exercise a little -caution. - -“Don’t rush right out in the open, for fear those who stole the boat -may see you,” Gil said to the mate. “Perhaps the best way would be for -us to stay here while you have a look around.” - -“All right, keep under cover, an’ I’ll soon be back,” Mr. Jenkins said, -as he disappeared from view amid the foliage, and the remainder of the -party waited in silence for his return. - -They were not to be kept very long in suspense. Five minutes later the -mate returned looking very serious, and Nelse asked, eagerly: - -“What did you see?” - -“Enough to make me wish your father had waited one day longer. From the -appearances I should say a regular mob of men had been around where we -left the boat, and there is little doubt but that they are the same -kind of a crowd we saw dancin’ near the fire. They’ve made off with -our craft, an’ now count on huntin’ us down at their leisure.” - -Although this information was no more alarming than what Andy had -predicted, the old darky seemed to be literally paralyzed with fear. -He remained silent and motionless, staring at Mr. Jenkins as if in the -latter’s face he could read even more terrible intelligence than had -already been imparted. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. RUN TO COVER. - - -Andy was not the only one who felt as if an unkind fortune had dealt -the crowning blow in a series of disasters, and that it would be -useless to struggle longer against such overwhelming odds. - -It is true the little party were armed, after a certain fashion, and -could act on the defensive for a short time in a creditable manner; -but the supply of ammunition was woefully small, and when the last -cartridge should have been fired they had only two knives and two -hatchets with which to hold their own against a party of perhaps forty. - -To each one these thoughts came much as if they had been presented -for consideration, and, after five minutes or more had been spent -in mournful reflections, Jenkins said, with a feeble attempt at -cheerfulness: - -“It’s worse than foolish for us to sit here moonin’ over what we’ve got -to meet like men. It’ll be strange if we can’t hold our own against -such a crowd as is on this island; but we sha’n’t make any headway by -suckin’ our thumbs.” - -“You are the leader, and we are waiting to hear what you propose -doing,” Gil replied, forcing himself to speak firmly and even -carelessly, because of the effect he knew his words would have upon the -others. - -“That’s what I haven’t had time to decide on,” Jenkins said, -deliberately. “Suppose we try to cook up some plan between us? What is -your opinion, Andy?” - -The old darky shook his head, but made no reply. He was without hope, -and could do no more than clutch the charm which was covered by his -shirt; but even his faith in this seemed to have been shaken by the -news that the main body of the enemy had returned to the island. - -Jenkins waited a few seconds for some one to speak, and, as all -remained silent, he said, in a thoughtful tone: - -“It stands to reason we’ve only got to hold our own a few days at the -outside, for the captain is bound to be back before long, and then all -the trouble will be at an end. It is now so near night that I reckon -we can count on bein’ left alone till mornin’, an’, with so much time -before us, we ought to be able to make considerable headway takin’ care -of ourselves. The first thing is to find a hidin’-place, an’ Andy knows -more about this island than any one else, so he must attend to that -portion of the work.” - -“It can’t be did,” the old fellow said, in a whisper. “Dem brack -debbils done gone know ebbry spot on dis yere islan’ whar a skeeter -could poke his nose, an’ dey’s boun’ to hab us out ’fore ter-morrer -mornin’.” - -“That remains to be seen,” Gil replied. “It is certain they’ll get hold -of us if we sit here doing nothing, but it must be possible to hide -during the short time father will be gone.” - -“You are right, Gil, an’ if we don’t lose our pluck, things is sure -to come out all right,” Jenkins said, approvingly. “It won’t do to -trust to the shelter of the trees, for those fellows can track us down; -so I go in for hittin’ on some spot where we can hold out against them -till the captain comes.” - -“Yes, but where’ll we find such a place?” Nelse asked. - -“That is what we must hunt for, an’ there’s no time to lose, because -it’ll soon be too dark to travel around much.” - -Jenkins looked toward Andy as he spoke, but the old darky did not so -much as move an eyelid. He acted as if all hope had fled, and he was -trying to resign himself to the inevitable. - -“I should think it would be a good idea to hunt around for food before -we go into hiding,” Nelse said, after a pause. “We may be obliged to -keep under cover quite a while, and, according to the experience I have -had on this island, it isn’t always convenient to go whenever a fellow -feels so disposed.” - -“You are right, my boy, and I’ll hunt for a hiding-place if the rest -will act on your suggestion. We can meet here any time between now an’ -sunset, so there’ll be no danger of losing each other. Andy, show them -where the shell fish can be found easiest.” - -The cook, who had thrown himself on the ground as if in such despair -that his legs could no longer be depended upon to do their duty, rose -slowly and silently, which was sufficient intimation that he would so -far oblige, however unnecessary he might think it to provide for a -party who were doomed to death. - -“Bring in everything eatable you can find,” Jenkins said, and then -started through the underbrush to perform his portion of the work. - -Gil was forced to speak quite sharply to Andy before the latter would -lead the way toward the beach, but after the old fellow once started he -did his best to procure the provisions in the shortest possible space -of time. - -When the party left the shelter of the trees, and walked cautiously -out on the sands, where the gentle swell of the sea was rolling up in -tinkling measures, not a sign of the enemy could be seen. It was as if -they were alone on the island, and, while this apparent security caused -the others to feel considerably more confident than at any time since -it had been discovered the boat was stolen, it filled Andy with the -gravest apprehensions. - -“I’se done been hyar afore,” he said, with a solemn shake of the head, -“an’ I tell yer, honey, we’se gwine ter hab a power ob trubble.” - -“There don’t seem to be any signs of it around here,” Nelse replied, -with a laugh. - -“Dat’s kase yer don’t know wha’ kin’ ob folks dese yere imps be, honey. -Dey’s layin’ low like now; but look out fur ’em, look out, I say, an’ -don’ trus’ de snake jes’ kase he ain’ in de humor fur bitin’. Dey’s -done got dere eyes on us now, an’ when de right time comes we’se gwine -to fin’ it out.” - -“If they don’t do any more than keep their eyes on us for the next hour -we shall stand a good chance of laying in a stock of provisions, for -the oysters appear to be plentiful on this part of the beach.” - -Andy contented himself with simply shaking his head, as if to say he -could tell a great deal more if he felt disposed, and then all hands -began industriously gathering the shell fish, which were to be seen -just above the low water mark in enormous beds. - -It was hard work to detach them from the seaweed and rocks, but the -little party were literally laboring for life, and before an hour had -passed a heavy load for each member was secured. - -“There’s no need of taking more than we can lug comfortably,” Gil -said, when the tide had covered the largest beds, “and now comes the -question of how they may be carried to the place where we agreed to -meet Jenkins.” - -“I reckon my mate an’ me can rig up somethin’ that’ll answer for -baskets,” one of the sailors replied, as he began gathering a quantity -of vines, and in this labor Andy assisted without being especially -requested so to do. - -Under the skillful fingers of the three men the vines soon assumed -shape, and the sun was yet above the horizon when five rude receptacles -had been woven. - -After these were filled with oysters it was found that each one had as -much of a load as could comfortably be carried on his back, and, laden -heavily, all hands started for the rendezvous, arriving there just as -the mate returned, looking tired and disappointed. - -“We’ve done our portion of the work,” Gil said, cheerily, “and what -have you accomplished?” - -“Nothin’, so far as a hidin’-place is concerned. It won’t do to go so -far into the interior of the island that we stand a chance of gettin’ -lost while tryin’ to find our way back to the beach, an’ I can’t find a -spot where anything bigger than a rabbit could hide himself this side -of the cave.” - -“Did you see anything of the blacks?” - -“Yes, the whole crowd are near the entrance, an’ from the appearance of -things they have got over the scare we gave ’em.” - -“How many are there?” - -“Thirty at the lowest calculation, without countin’ them as were hidin’ -in the cave. All hands are loafin’ around the entrance, as if not -carin’ whether we saw them or not, an’ I reckon they’ve sized us up -mighty nigh right.” - -“But what are we to do to-night?” Nelse asked, his voice betraying the -uneasiness he felt. - -“There is only one plan I can think of, which is to get into the tunnel -we found.” - -“Why, that would be putting ourselves directly in their power!” Nelse -cried, and Andy looked at Jenkins as if fancying the mate had suddenly -lost his reason. - -“When it comes to dots, we are in their power already, and without -much chance to defend ourselves, if they should surround us in this -thick underbrush. There we could hold our own for a while, at any rate, -because not more than one could attack us at a time, an’ our revolvers -would keep ’em back a good many hours.” - -The boys immediately recognized the force of the argument, as did both -the sailors, but Andy was literally beside himself with impatience -because such a scheme had been proposed. - -“I’se done gone got enuff ob dis yere crowd,” he said, angrily. “When -you cotch de old man runnin’ his nose inter de hornet’s nes’ jes’ tell -him he’s makin’ a mighty big fool outer hisself. We’se bad enuff hyar -widout makin’ it wuss.” - -“But, Andy, it really seems to be the best thing we can do,” Gil said, -persuasively. “It is as Mr. Jenkins says--we shall at least have a -chance of defending ourselves there, and it’s only necessary to hold -out until father gets back before the trouble will be at an end. Then -we can show these scoundrels a trick or two at hunting which perhaps -they won’t appreciate so well.” - -“I ’preciate dis yere scrape, an’ ain’ gwine ter put my nose in any -mo’,” the old fellow replied, doggedly. “Ef you is boun’ dar, go ahead, -an’ Andy’ll kinder grub ’roun’ fur hisself.” - -“But we mustn’t separate, you obstinate old man! Can’t you see that -there’s a chance, with all this food, of holding our own a good many -hours?” - -“Whar’s de water? Bymby somebody’s gwine ter want er drink, an’ den -whar’ll de debbils be?” - -“I hadn’t thought of that,” Gil exclaimed, in dismay, and Jenkins -added, quickly: - -“We must try to lay in a stock to-night. I’ll run the risk of snoopin’ -round a bit after dark, an’ it’ll be hard lines if I can’t bring in a -little. At any rate, it’s better to be in the tunnel, where we’ve got a -show for our lives, an’ be thirsty, than stay out here where all hands -can be surrounded by daylight. If Andy won’t go with us I don’t see any -other way than let him paddle his own canoe.” - -The sailors decided in favor of the mate, and Gil and Nelse could do -no less than agree with the more experienced and less timid portion of -the party. - -“We’ll go to the tunnel,” Gil decided, after a pause, “and if Andy -wants to stay outside it can’t be helped.” - -“I’se gwine ter look arter myself,” the cook replied, doggedly, and, -without further conversation, he disappeared among the underbrush. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. SECRET OF THE CAVE. - - -The cook hurried away so quickly that his companions had no time to -persuade him to a different course, even provided they wished to do so, -and when he was out of sight Jenkins said, as he took up the load of -oysters which Andy brought: - -“It won’t do any good for us to stay here talkin’ about what the old -fool has done, for we must get under cover before it is too dark to -admit of seeing our way through the woods. His pig-headedness may cost -him his life, but we are not to blame. It only remains for us to take -care of ourselves.” - -“Do you propose to go directly there, or shall we circle around so they -can’t track us easily?” Nelse asked. - -“It’ll be as well to drive ahead, I reckon; they’ll find us out anyhow, -for we can’t hide the trail any better than these woods will do it for -us.” - -Then Jenkins signified that he was ready, and the little party, each -carrying a quantity of oysters, followed at his heels in perfect -silence. - -The mate had the bearings of the old palm well in mind, and went -directly toward it without swerving to the right or the left, coming to -a halt only when he reached the spot where, a few hours previous, the -boys had been so certain a large amount of treasure was about to be -found. - -Although he had said that the blacks would be certain to discover their -hiding-place, he took good care not to make any more noise than was -absolutely necessary. - -“Swarm down there,” he whispered, cautiously, “and the last man shall -pull the rope after him, for it won’t do to let those blacks have a -chance to steal it.” - -“If we do that, how will it be possible for us to come up again?” Gil -asked. “We can’t make the rope fast above while all hands are below.” - -“I have thought of that. We must take the chances of climbin’ up the -sides by diggin’ small holes where the sand is hardest. At all events, -I’ll guarantee we get back here again, if they leave enough of us.” - -One of the sailors obeyed the motions made by the mate, and began to -slip slowly down the rope. When he was at the bottom of the shaft -first one and then another of the bags were lowered, until all had -disappeared, and then the second sailor followed his comrade. - -“Now remember to pull the rope after you, an’ don’t show yourselves -again till you hear me speak,” Jenkins said, as he urged Gil toward the -mouth of the shaft. - -“What do you mean? Don’t you intend to come with us?” - -“Not just yet. We’ve got to have water, an’ I’m goin’ for some.” - -“You’ve nothing to bring it in, no matter how much you should find.” - -“I’ve got a scheme for attendin’ to that part of the business, an’ -want to leave as soon as possible, so don’t make me stay here chinning.” - -Gil realized that it was not the time to ask many questions, and he -obeyed without another word, after Nelse had let himself down the -opening. - -In less than five minutes from the time the second sailor joined the -first all hands except Jenkins were crouching in the tunnel, with -the rope coiled up beside them, and already had the shades of night -gathered so densely that it was impossible to distinguish each other, -save by the tones of the voices. - -Now they had reached what seemed a desirable hiding-place while the -matter was under discussion, it no longer appeared either safe or -comfortable, and the prospect of being besieged while in such cramped -quarters was anything rather than pleasant. - -“I’m beginnin’ to think Andy had more sense than the rest of us,” one -of the sailors said, as he tried to find a spot where he could stretch -out at full length. “It’ll be mighty hard lines after them imps shut us -in here like rats in a trap, an’, when the captain comes back, I’d like -to know how he’s goin’ to find us if there are fifteen or twenty blacks -standin’ around the openin’ up there ready to kill the first who shows -himself long enough to hail them as may be huntin’ for us.” - -This was a phase of the case which neither Gil nor Nelse had taken into -consideration, and they began to feel very uncomfortable in mind. - -“What should we do if we heard father and couldn’t let him know where -we were?” he asked, in a whisper. - -“I’m sure I don’t know,” Nelse replied, with a long-drawn sigh. “It is -certain we couldn’t make our whereabouts known, and I’m inclined to -think we’ve been more than foolish to come here.” - -“We might leave now, and take our chances in the woods as Andy is -doing.” - -“How would you contrive to get out?” - -“Gracious! I’d forgotten that we’re shut in here already,” Nelse -exclaimed, and then he relapsed into silence, while Gil tried in vain -to see some cheerful ray in the very disagreeable situation. - -During the next half-hour nothing was said, and then one of the sailors -spoke: - -“Never mind what’s goin’ to happen, there’s no call for us to be hungry -while there are so many oysters waitin’ to be invited to supper. Here -goes for a couple of dozen. Can you boys open them?” - -“I never tried, but this seems like a good time to begin,” Gil said, -with a vain attempt to laugh. - -“You’d make a poor fist if you’re green at the business. Set close, -both of you, an’ I’ll engage to fill you up before startin’ in for -myself.” - -Speaking about food had caused the boys to remember that they were very -hungry, and they accepted the generous proposition without delay. - -It is certain that trouble seems less when viewed by one whose stomach -is full, as Gil and Nelse soon learned. When the satisfactory meal -was ended both ceased to think the situation so very desperate, and -actually began to plan what steps should be taken to continue the -search for the supposed treasure as soon as Captain Mansfield returned. - -That Jenkins did not come back, although the night had fully shut in, -gave them no uneasiness, for all believed he would play the spy once -more before joining them, and it would not be surprising if he were -absent until past midnight. - -It was dull work sitting there in the darkness after the conversation -regarding their movements when they should be free was exhausted, and -it seemed as if they must have been in the tunnel several hours, when -Gil said, with a yawn: - -“Of course, somebody must keep awake so’s to hear Jenkins when he wants -the rope passed up to him, but that’s no reason why all hands of us -should sit here nodding.” - -“You’re right, lad. Turn in, an’ me an’ my mate will ’tend to the rest -of the business.” - -“But you must have some sleep.” - -“We’ll have a chance to get plenty before leavin’ this ’ere hole, so -don’t trouble your head about us.” - -“We’ll crawl back a short piece, and try to find a place where we can -stretch out at full length,” Gil suggested, and Nelse replied: - -“Go ahead; I’ll follow close enough to keep hold of your coat.” - -Gil proceeded on his hands and knees to avoid a possible fall, and at -least twenty yards had been traversed when his companion asked: - -“Don’t you think we’ve gone about far enough? It isn’t safe to get too -near that door at the end, for there’s no knowing when the blacks may -come down this way.” - -“Up to this point a fellow would have had to double himself into a -bowknot in order to lay down, and we’re not so very far from the shaft. -I’ll go on a little further, and then if it hasn’t widened we might as -well rejoin the others, because----” - -The sentence was never finished, for at that instant Nelse felt the -earth sink beneath him, and Gil’s coat was torn from his grasp as its -owner plunged forward. - -For a few seconds Nelse remained motionless, unable to understand what -had happened, and then he realized that his companion must have been -precipitated into a cavity of some kind, although the floor of the -tunnel appeared firm when the whole party traversed it a few hours -previously. - -“Gil! Gil!” he called, and it seemed almost an endless while before the -reply came: - -“I’m all right, but I must have fallen twenty feet or more, and the -breath was pretty nearly shaken out of my body.” - -“What can I do to help you?” - -“Get the rope and pull me out, for I don’t fancy staying here all -night.” - -“It doesn’t sound as if you were buried very deep.” - -“I’m not buried at all, but simply in a big hole, which I don’t care to -explore for fear of getting into worse trouble.” - -By this time Nelse had collected his partially scattered senses, and -at once made his way back to the shaft with all speed, startling the -sailors into something very nearly resembling fear, as he hurriedly -told what had befallen Gil. - -“This ’ere is gettin’ too hot to suit me,” one of the men said, in a -tone of apprehension. “Who knows but that them black scoundrels have -got a way to let the whole bottom drop out of the tunnel, an’ that’s -why we’ve been allowed to crawl in here.” - -“Of course such a thing couldn’t be, because they had no idea we should -find the shaft--perhaps don’t know where we are.” - -“That may be, but I’m beginnin’ to think a good deal as Andy does about -the island’s bein’ bewitched.” - -“It wouldn’t do any good just now if you were positive that such a -state of affairs existed. Gil is in the hole, and it doesn’t seem fair -to leave him there while we talk nonsense.” - -“You’re right, lad, an’ I’m an old fool. Here’s the rope; heave ahead -an’ we’ll foller, but be careful not to tumble into the same place.” - -“Some one should stay here in case Jenkins comes back,” Nelse -suggested, as he began to retrace his steps, and one of the sailors -said, as he lighted his pipe: - -“I’ll hang around. You two can ’tend to him, I reckon.” - -It was not an easy matter to find the cavity without falling in, and -Nelse moved forward slowly, calling to Gil from time to time until the -latter answered, thus guiding him to the proper place. - -“Where’s the rope?” he asked, and, instead of replying, the sailor -lighted a match, saying as he did so: - -“I’d like to have a squint around before we do very much, for it ain’t -sure----” - -“Have you got the rope?” Gil cried, impatiently. - -“It’s here, an’ we’ll soon have you out.” - -“Can’t you send down some kind of a light? I’ve fallen on what I truly -believe is the decaying fragments of a chest, and unless I’m very -much mistaken in regard to what I’ve got in my hand, we’ve struck the -treasure at last.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. THE TREASURE CHAMBER. - - -Strange as it may seem, Gil’s announcement caused Nelse to forget -entirely the danger by which they were surrounded, and, regardless of -the fact that none of the party were certain of ever leaving the tunnel -alive, his only desire now was to gain possession of the supposed hoard. - -The sailor was not one whit less excited; he had a stock of matches in -his pockets, but could not find them until after a search of several -seconds, owing to extreme agitation caused by Gil’s announcement. - -“Do hurry!” Nelse cried, impatiently, as the man fumbled about his -clothing. “Something may happen to prevent us from seeing the treasure -if you spend so much time doing nothing.” - -“I’m trying to find another match, an’ then, perhaps, we can rig up -somethin’ that’ll answer for a torch, but it seems as if my fingers -were all thumbs jest now.” - -“Don’t keep me waiting here all day, for I want to know what I’ve -struck,” Gil cried, and after a few seconds more a tiny flame told that -the sailor had finally succeeded in finding that which was wanted so -badly just at that moment. - -Nelse seized the first opportunity to search with his eyes for -something which would serve as a torch, but the floor of the tunnel was -as clean as though swept with a broom, and he said to Gil: - -“There isn’t so much as a twig here, but I reckon we can afford to use -a few matches so’s you can find out what you’ve got. Send it up, an’ -I’ll soon see if it is the article we’ve been hunting for.” - -“Lower the rope, and I’ll bring it.” - -“How far down are you?” the sailor asked, as, the match having been -consumed, he crept toward the aperture. - -“I can’t tell, but it seemed as if I fell a long distance. We’ll soon -find out if you’ll give me the chance.” - -Nelse paid out on the rope until he was certain not less than fifteen -feet had been lowered into what he hoped would prove to be a veritable -treasure chamber, and then Gil shouted: - -“Hold on, I’ve got enough. You’ll have to pull me up, for I want to -come with both hands full.” - -“Make it fast under your arms, and I reckon we’ll be able to manage the -rest.” - -This portion of the work was quickly accomplished, and when Gil stood -beside his companions the sailor would have lighted another match if -the boys had not prevented him. - -“Wait until we are at the entrance, and then, perhaps, the same light -will show us materials for a torch,” Nelse said, as he seized Gil’s -arm, hurrying him toward the shaft. - -The man who was on watch had heard all the conversation, and his -excitement was quite as great as that of the others. - -“I’ve got a piece of paper here, an’ we’ll use it to help out with the -matches.” - -As he and his mate twisted this firmly to prevent it from burning -too quickly, and then ignited one end, Gil held forth the supposed -treasure, and loud exclamations of joy and surprise burst from the -lips of all, as they saw what at first glance seemed to be a mass of -sparkling fire in the boy’s hand. - -“They’re diamonds!” Gil cried, with yet greater excitement. “A whole -string of them, and there must be more that’s valuable where these came -from.” - -Not until the paper had been entirely consumed did either member of -the party cease to gaze at the wondrously brilliant gems, and then all -realized that they had neglected to look for wood with which to make a -torch. - -“We must use more matches,” Nelse said, breathlessly, “and if we can’t -find wood here, one must venture out, for we’re bound to know what is -in that hole before morning.” - -“I reckon we’ll stay right in this spot till Jenkins comes back, -seein’s how we’re prisoners so long as the rope is at the bottom of the -shaft,” Gil replied, grimly; “but it won’t be so very hard to wait, now -we know the treasure has been found. I wonder how much more there is?” - -“Did you feel anything else?” - -“It seemed as if there were a lot of packages, done up in rotten -sail-cloth as these were. I felt around some, but didn’t dare to move -very much, for fear of getting another fall.” - -“Was the place a regular cave, or only a hole?” - -“I think it’s a room built to hide things in, for there seemed to be a -floor of rock, though, of course, a good deal of earth fell in with me, -and made it appear as if filled nearly full; but I could take several -steps in half-a-dozen directions.” - -During this conversation the sailors had ignited another of the -precious matches, and learned to their great disappointment that there -was nothing in the shaft out of which a torch might be made. - -“We can afford to wait,” Gil said, philosophically, and he had hardly -ceased speaking when a low hail from the surface caused all hands to -spring to their feet. - -“Hello below! Everything goin’ on ship-shape?” - -“Who’s there?” one of the sailors asked, cautiously. - -“Me--Jenkins. I only came to see if anything had gone wrong, an’ now -I know you’re all right I’ll do a little more skirmishin’. I haven’t -found anything to bring the water in yet.” - -“Come down first!” Gil whispered. “We’ve found a lot of diamonds!” - -“What?” - -“We’ve got fifteen or twenty big diamonds----” - -“Pass up the rope, an’ be quick about it!” - -The sailors did in a few seconds what might have taken the boys a long -while to do, and Jenkins came down with the greatest possible speed. - -As a matter of course, it was necessary to use more matches in order -to show him the treasure, and he literally gasped with surprise when -the glittering gems were held before his eyes. - -“Talk about luck, boys!” he cried, in delight. “Why, sich a sight as -that makes up for the scrape we’re in, an’ if it was twice as bad I -wouldn’t have it changed, providin’ we could get as much more out of -the business. That old picture amounted to somethin’ after all, didn’t -it; but we might never have read the thing right, an’ it’s mighty -fortunate them imps forced us to cover.” - -Again Gil was forced to repeat his story, and when it was concluded the -mate insisted on making an examination of the excavation at once. - -“There’s plenty of time to look for water after we know how much you’ve -found. I’d rather see diamonds than drink the best stuff these old -pirates ever took on board.” - -“Get the torch, an’ we’ll all go,” Gil said, with a laugh, for he felt -very jolly, despite the enemies who would soon hunt him down, now the -location of the treasure had been discovered. - -Jenkins climbed to the mouth of the shaft as nimbly as a cat, returning -a few moments later, after having thrown down inflammable material -sufficient to provide the party with light for many hours. - -Binding together several pieces of fatty wood, and coiling the rope on -his arm, the mate led the way into the tunnel a short distance, where -the torch was ignited, and the work of searching for the pirates’ -wealth began. - -There was no difficulty in finding the place where Gil had sunk through -the bottom of the passage. The earth had given way at one side of the -tunnel, until a hole fully a yard square was formed, and, peering into -this, the excited ones could see a small chamber, which was evidently -hewn from the solid rock. - -The size or shape could not be determined, but that made little -difference just then, so eager were all to know what was concealed -beneath. - -“You two wait to help us up,” Jenkins said to the sailors, “and after -we’ve had a squint at the place you shall have a chance.” - -“Will stayin’ here keep us out of a share of the stuff?” one of the men -asked, as if doubtful whether he would be dealt with fairly. - -“Not a bit of it,” Gil replied, quickly. “I suppose you will be -satisfied to have father make a division of everything that’s found, -and what he says is fair you shall have.” - -“We’re ready to trust to the captain’s way of sizin’ the thing up.” - -“I reckon you’ll have to be,” Jenkins growled, “for when it comes down -to what is square, neither of us are entitled to anything. The picture -belonged to the boys, an’ we come here in the captain’s employ, drawin’ -good wages, so the profits of the voyage oughter go to him the same as -if the _Day Dream_ had got these diamonds for freightin’ a cargo.” - -“But this ain’t the same thing as freightin’, by a long shot,” was -the sulky reply. “We’re on land now, an’ the yacht is at the bottom, -consequently we’re our own masters.” - -“You won’t say that when it comes to a question of drawin’ wages.” - -“It ain’t any sure thing that we’ll be paid for this kind of work.” - -“Now see here,” Gil said, in a tone of authority, “we won’t have any -quarreling. Whatever treasure may be found shall benefit all hands -in such proportion as father may think best, though, of course, it -wouldn’t be right to divide it into even shares.” - -“We don’t expect as much as he gets, but want a fair divvy,” the second -man said, sulkily, and the boys understood that the finding of the -diamonds had but given them a new cause for anxiety, since the sailors, -made greedy by the sight of the gems, might prove worse enemies even -than the blacks. - -“You heard the promise that Gil made, which was more than reasonable, -considerin’ they’re entitled to everything if the matter should go -inter a court of law, an’ now hold your tongues,” Jenkins said, -angrily. “We’re standin’ here fightin’ when at least one of us should -be in the shaft to know if anything is goin’ on wrong outside, an’ -there’ll be plenty of time to settle the division part when we’ve found -all that’s below.” - -“You are takin’ up more time chinnin’ than we did,” the older of the -men replied, insolently, and Gil began to regret having made the -discovery so soon. - -Jenkins remained silent a moment as if trying to decide what should -be done to check the apparent mutiny before it assumed dangerous -proportions, and Gil whispered: - -“Don’t pay any attention to what they say. Neither of them will be -dissatisfied after father comes, no matter how much we may find.” - -“I was wonderin’ whether we hadn’t better stop the whole thing right -here, an’ let the captain----” - -He ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that instant a shrill cry -was heard from the direction of the shaft, and Nelse said, as he ran -forward: - -“That was Andy! The blacks have got hold of him!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. TO THE RESCUE. - - -As the boys started down the tunnel in response to the continued cries -for help, Jenkins extinguished the torch and caught up the rope. - -He understood that the old cook must have been very near the shaft when -he made the frenzied appeal, otherwise his voice could not have been -heard so distinctly, and there was no necessity of letting it be known -any one else was in the vicinity. - -Even the sailors, eager though they were to share the treasure, did -not hesitate at first to rush to the rescue and, for the time being, -everything save Andy’s danger was forgotten. - -On arriving at the shaft, Nelse prudently halted until his companions -could join him, and Jenkins, who arrived a second later, whispered: - -“Don’t even breathe loud. There’s no tellin’ where some of them imps -may be, an’ as likely as not half-a-dozen are above there waiting to -find out if we are here.” - -This injunction was obeyed implicitly until a few moments later, when -another scream was heard, and this time the listeners could hear -distinctly the words: - -“Gil! Nelse! Fur de lub ob heaben help de ole man! De debbils has done -cotched me, an’ I’se boun’ ter be sarved like you’se----” - -This prayer for aid ended in a smothered groan or shriek, as if the -speaker’s mouth had suddenly been closed against his will, and Gil -whispered to the mate: - -“We mustn’t stand still here and let them kill him.” - -“There’s nothin’ we can do in the darkness, an’ while the whole crowd -are most likely layin’ low in the hope that we’ll rush out.” - -“But remember what he did for us! If he hadn’t taken some chances then -we should have been murdered, and it is better for us to run every risk -now, rather than stay here idle at such a time.” - -Jenkins remained silent and motionless for several moments, as -if studying the situation, and then he said, speaking slowly and -thoughtfully: - -“I’ll try my hand at helpin’ the old man, providin’ you boys agree not -to leave this place if the blacks succeed in getting hold of me.” - -“We’ll do nothing of the kind,” Gil replied, indignantly. “It’s not -likely you’ll be able to accomplish very much alone, but with all hands -we may manage to get the old fellow out of their clutches. Surely with -the weapons we can make a rush they can’t stand.” - -“That might work if it was daylight, but in the night we have no means -of knowin’ where to find the scoundrels.” - -“But we can’t wait until morning,” Nelse nodded. “They’ll kill him -before that time.” - -“An’ we shall share the same fate, I’m afraid,” Jenkins replied, in -hopeless tone. - -The sailors had not joined in the conversation, but stood a short -distance inside the tunnel, discussing, as the boys believed, the -situation in cautious whispers. - -Neither Gil nor Nelse proposed to remain idle while one member of the -party was in peril, even though he had brought the trouble on himself -by refusing to remain with the others, and the former insisted most -peremptorily that the mate decide upon some plan of action in which all -could join. - -“If you don’t, we shall go alone, for we won’t have it to think of that -the poor fellow was killed because we refused to help him.” - -“It’ll take half-an-hour to get out of here, now the rope has been -pulled down,” Jenkins said, as if on the point of yielding to their -demands. - -“Then so much the more reason why we should begin without delay. Come -on, Nelse, we’ll do all that is possible, and let the others join us or -stay here as they choose.” - -As he spoke, Gil began to grope around the sides of the shaft in order -to select that portion where the earth was packed solidly, for the task -of cutting his way upward, and had dug with his knife a hole for one of -his feet, when Jenkins approached. - -“Now see here, boys, I’m willin’ to do all I can, so there’s no use -in startin’ off before you’re ready. Besides, you’ll never get out by -working in that way.” - -“Go ahead, then; show us how, and we’ll do our share.” - -Calling the sailors to him, Jenkins mounted on their shoulders, which -brought his hands within a short distance of the surface, and there he -stood some moments listening. - -No sound betokened the presence of any of the enemy, although there was -every reason to suppose one or more might be waiting for just such a -move on the part of the white men, and then, digging his hands and feet -into the loose earth, the agile mate succeeded in clambering to the top. - -“Pass up the rope,” he whispered, and when this was done he directed -the boys to tie one end under their arms. - -“I’ll pull you two up, an’ the others can look out for themselves. -Bring the revolvers, knives, an’ hatchets, for I reckon we shall need -everything we’ve got in the way of weapons.” - -The sailors helped the boys secure the rope under their arms, and -assisted in gathering the articles of defense; but when the two had -been drawn to the surface the men made no move toward joining them. - -“Why don’t you come up?” Jenkins whispered, impatiently. - -“’Cause we’ve concluded to stay here. This ain’t no scrape of ours, -an’, seein’s we’re only ’foremast hands, it’s better manners to stay -where we are.” - -“They intend to hunt for the treasure,” Nelse whispered, and Gil -replied, in the same cautious tone: - -“That’s a fact; but I don’t see how we can help ourselves. It’s better -to let them get away with everything than for us to stop here guarding -whatever may be in the underground chamber while poor old Andy is being -murdered.” - -“I reckon they won’t get very far off if they should try to play us a -scurvy trick,” Jenkins said, thus showing that he also was thinking the -sailors meditated treachery. “We’ll pass back the rope, an’ make it a -reasonably hard job for ’em to crawl out.” - -“Then you think they stayed behind to have a look at the place I -found?” Gil said, interrogatively. - -“Of course; why else would they refuse to go with us? I knowed trouble -was brewin’ from the way they talked about dividin’ the stuff, an’ -perhaps we’ll be gettin’ out cheap if they take all that’s left. Have -you got the diamonds?” - -“They are in my breastpocket.” - -“Then let ’em go ahead, an’ it ain’t no dead certain thing that we -won’t overhaul ’em before your father comes back. We’ve got all the -weapons, an’ they’ll be in a tight place if the blacks want to make a -rush through the tunnel. Now, that’s enough for them, an’ we’ll turn -our attention to huntin’ for Andy. Foller me, an’ I’ll guarantee to -find him; but whether it’ll be possible to do the poor fellow any good -is another matter.” - -Each of the little party had a revolver, and the total number of -cartridges was sixteen, therefore they could make quite a spirited -fight, provided it was not prolonged. This fact served to give the boys -no slight degree of courage, and as Jenkins led the way through the -underbrush, where it was so dark that one could not see objects twenty -inches in advance, both felt positive the cook would be rescued in time. - -Although Jenkins appeared to be walking at random, he was in reality -pursuing the most direct course possible for the cave, since it was -more than probable the prisoner had been taken to that stronghold. - -After half-an-hour’s rapid traveling the mate halted, and, parting the -branches in front of him, pointed to the reflection of a fire about -fifty yards away. - -“That’s where we’ll find cookee, or I’m a Dutchman. These cattle don’t -seem to be able to do anything without havin’ a big blaze to work by, -an’ we’ve only got to crawl up there in order to see him.” - -“Go ahead quickly, or we may be too late.” - -“I reckon they’ll take plenty of time to carve him up. It seems they’re -countin’ on catchin’ the whole of us without much trouble, or else some -of ’em would have been hangin’ around the entrance to the shaft waitin’ -for us to come out.” - -“Perhaps they didn’t know we were there. It isn’t safe to trust to -chances, and we ought to end matters as soon as possible.” - -Jenkins did not wait to argue further, but continued the advance -cautiously, his companions remaining close behind him, until they were -where it was possible to see the main body of the enemy. - -The number of the blacks had at least been doubled since the boys saw -them last, and that they felt perfectly secure from an attack could -be told by the fact that all were gathered around an enormous fire, -without having taken the precaution to post sentinels. - -At the mouth of the big cave, tied hand and foot, was poor old Andy. -On either side stood a burly black man, whose body was covered with -grotesque ornaments, and the entire party were waiting in silence for -the coming of the old mummers, or, at least, so the boys judged from -the expectant manner in which all gazed toward the entrance. - -“If we had a hundred rounds of ammunition, I wouldn’t be afraid to -open fire on the crowd this minute, an’ it’s ten to one that they’d be -cleaned out in twenty minutes, or made to take to their boats.” - -“But we haven’t got that number of cartridges, and it seems to me we -had better begin operations mighty soon, for it’ll be harder after the -old fellows are there to urge the rest on,” Gil suggested, and Nelse -expressed the same opinion by saying: - -“Suppose we make a rush? We can fire half-a-dozen shots at short range, -and jump in on them while they are in confusion.” - -“It’s takin’ a big risk,” Jenkins replied, thoughtfully. - -“Of course it is, but we’ve got to run the chances, or give up all -hopes of doing anything.” - -It was only natural for Jenkins to hesitate, knowing, as he did, that -Captain Mansfield would hold him responsible if anything happened to -the boys while they were thus virtually under his charge, but both -were so persistent and impatient that he was forced to act upon their -suggestion or see them start off alone. - -“We’ll try it,” he said, with a long-drawn breath; “but remember, -if anything goes wrong, that I advised ag’in a battle where we’re -outnumbered at least ten to one.” - -“I’ll take it on myself to say you shan’t be blamed, no matter how -badly we are beaten,” Gil replied. “Now are you ready?” - -“Yes; have your revolvers in hand. We’ll creep up as near as we can, -an’ when I give the signal each must shoot as fast as he can till we’ve -given ’em three shots apiece; then make a rush for Andy, an’ if we get -hold of him, make the best time for the shaft. That’ll draw the whole -crowd down on us, an’ we haven’t any water; but he’ll be safe for a -while.” - -“Go ahead; we’ll follow. Move quick, for it don’t improve a fellow’s -courage to stand here thinking about what’s to be done.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. A PITCHED BATTLE. - - -It was not necessary for the boys to advise Jenkins to move quickly, -since he was quite as eager as they to have the desperate affair -settled. - -That he should feel nervous was not to be wondered at, for he realized -fully how many chances there were against success, and in case of a -triumph, bought at the expense of a dangerous wound to one or the other -of the boys, the mate knew only too well that Captain Mansfield would -bring him to a rigid accounting. - -“This is where I’m bound to get the worst of it anyhow,” he muttered -to himself as he crept forward to a cleared spot, where it would be -possible to use the revolver to advantage, “an’ I don’t know as it -makes much difference how the thing turns out. If we get the best of -it here, we’ve got to settle with the sailors, who, if any amount of -treasure has been found, will be ripe for mischief.” - -Then, as if in desperation, he leveled his weapon, gave the signal for -all to be ready, and fired three shots in rapid succession. - -The boys followed his example, except, perhaps, that they did not take -as careful aim, for the idea of shooting, with intent to kill, at a -human being, was, despite the gravity of the situation, something at -which their better nature revolted. - -The reports of the weapons rang out in a scattering fashion, causing it -to sound as if ten instead of three men were firing, and, as the smoke -arose, preventing any view of the enemy, Jenkins shouted: - -“Now for it, boys!” - -The little party dashed across the cleared space without knowing what -effect the bullets had had. - -A cheer went up from Gil as the greater number of the enemy were seen -fleeing into the cave, each man so determined to gain a place of safety -first that the entrance was literally choked, and those who were -prevented from entering could do no less than turn at bay. - -“We’ve frightened ’em too much!” Jenkins cried as he dashed -toward Andy, hoping to sever his bonds while the blacks were yet -panic-stricken, and the words were hardly spoken when he found his -progress barred by two burly fellows who had come to a halt at the -mouth of the cavern where their companions were packed so closely that -it was impossible for them to take another step forward. - -“Look out for Andy!” Jenkins cried, as he raised his hatchet to ward -off a blow aimed at him by a heavy ax. “I can hold my own here if -you’ll attend to him.” - -The boys were so excited that they hardly heard the words, but, since -both were aiming for the same object, the command was involuntarily -obeyed. - -Lying prostrate on the ground where he had been overturned by the first -frenzied rush, the old man was holding up his hands that the bonds -might be severed, and with one slash of his knife Gil succeeded in -cutting the ropes of grass. - -Nelse had fallen over a wounded black as he reached the prisoner’s -side, but he managed to scramble to his feet and sever the remaining -bonds before Gil could do anything more, and the cook leaped up, and -seized a huge club from a pile of wood near the fire, thus adding one -more to the small numbers of the attacking party. - -The boys’ first impulse was to escape with the rescued man, but a -glance toward Jenkins told that he was in sore need of assistance, and -both darted to his side. - -The enemy were so active that the mate had not been able to deal a -single blow with any effect, and pressed him so hotly that he did not -have an opportunity to draw his revolver. - -“Shoot that biggest imp!” he shouted, as his friends gained his side. -“I’ll attend to the other!” - -Gil aimed directly at the fellow’s head, for it was no time to hesitate -about shedding blood, but before he could discharge the weapon Andy -came to the rescue. - -With one swinging blow of his huge club he sent both the blacks -sprawling on the ground, and Jenkins shouted, as he leaped back: - -“Save all your cartridges now, an’ make a dash for the bushes!” - -It was quite time the white party beat a retreat, for the -panic-stricken ones had been turned, probably by the old men in the -cave, and were now returning to the fight. When they should realize -how few were those who made the attack it would hardly be possible to -check them, and Jenkins’ only hope was to gain a shelter before this -fact was known. - -So far as could be ascertained in this brief interval of time, none of -the blacks had been killed, but several were wounded, and these lay on -the ground where, unless their fear was too great, they could see the -whites as they ran toward the bushes. - -One of the boldest of those who were returning to the fray ran after -the retreating party with an uplifted ax, but Jenkins put a bullet -through his arm, and he fled once more, screaming as if in mortal -agony, toward the cave, thus checking the pursuit momentarily. - -It was hardly more than three minutes from the time the first shot was -fired before those who had made the brave charge were within shelter of -the foliage, waiting to regain their breath, and the mate said, in a -tone of deepest relief: - -“We’ve come out of that mighty lucky, and now if we can get to the -shaft before they gather their wits, there’s a chance of pullin’ -through all right; but I allow, Andy, that you’re willin’ to stay with -us after this.” - -“I’se boun’ to do dat; but I’se gwine ter hol’ to it dat dere’s no use -in stoppin’ whar de hoodoo is mighty strong.” - -“It wasn’t strong enough to prevent us from getting you clear after -they had you trussed up like a chicken ready for roasting,” Gil said, -grimly, panting so hard that he could speak only with difficulty. - -“Dat’s a fac’, honey; but de charm was wha’ did de mos’ ob it.” - -“You was left alone with your charm, and would have been killed if we -hadn’t followed at risk of our own lives, so I don’t want to hear any -more about that thing,” Nelse replied, sharply. “If it were of the same -power you seem to think, there would have been no need of us.” - -“Dere’s some tings it carn’t do, ob course; but when you sees it I’se -suah you’se gwine ter fall right down in ’sprise.” - -“Then why didn’t you show it to those fellows when they caught you, an’ -saved us all this trouble.” - -“I hadn’t de time, honey. Dey done cum so quick I couldn’t mo’n wink -afore de ropes was woun’ all ober me.” - -“You managed to make considerable noise, just the same.” - -“Dat’s wha’ I’se boun’ ter do so’s you’se would hyar me.” - -“There’s no use arguin’ with the old fool,” Jenkins said, impatiently. -“We’ve got to get back to the shaft, an’ if we don’t move mighty lively -the whole crowd will be down on us.” - -Even in the face of their danger the boys had allowed their thoughts to -be occupied with the cook to the exclusion of everything else, and now, -as they gazed toward the fire, it could be seen that the blacks were -making ready for a regular battle. - -The repulsive-looking old men had come from the cave, and were now -addressing their followers, probably for the purpose of inciting them -to fight, and the more courageous had already advanced toward the -thicket, as if ready to wreak vengeance. - -Four were receiving considerable attention as their companions bound -up the wounds inflicted by the revolvers; but none were in such -a dangerous condition but that they could give a good account of -themselves in the chase which would probably ensue, and Jenkins said, -regretfully: - -“We oughter been more careful. What they want is a good lesson, an’ if -we’d succeeded in killin’ half a dozen, the rest wouldn’t be so bold.” - -“We’ve done mischief enough,” Gil said, with a shudder, “and if we can -get back to the tunnel it is to be hoped they’ll leave us alone.” - -“That’s exactly what they don’t intend to do, my boy. See! they are -after us hot foot already!” - -It was as Jenkins had said. The entire crowd were beginning to move -down the slope from the cave, and there was no longer any hope of being -allowed to retire peacefully. - -“It has turned into a runnin’ fight,” the mate said, as he examined his -revolver. “You fellows must start, an’ I’ll try to hold ’em in check a -little. Then I’ll join you, an’ we’ll work the same game over again. -Andy, can you lead the way to the shaft?” - -“I’se able ter do dat much.” - -“Then go, and don’t wait for me until I’ve fired three times. After -that I shall come on the best I know how.” - -The old man started through the underbrush after assuring himself that -the boys were close behind, and during the next five minutes the three -traveled at a rapid pace without hearing the slightest sound from the -rear. - -Then came two shots in succession, and Gil would have stopped but that -the old darky reminded him they should hear another before coming to a -halt, and in less than a minute the third rang out so near at hand that -it seemed as if Jenkins must have been standing close beside them when -he fired. - -“Where are you?” Nelse cried, and the mate replied: - -“Don’t speak so loud. They are right behind, and our only hope is to -throw them off the scent, or we may not be able to get under cover.” - -“Even if we gain the shaft it is only a question of being starved out.” - -“Very true; but we can stand considerable hunger an’ thirst before -we’ll come out to be killed.” - -Now it was Jenkins who led the way, and he traveled at full speed until -the footsteps of the pursuers could be heard close in the rear, when he -halted. - -“Go on, boys; I’ll try to stop ’em once more, an’ on the next tack we -must sight the shaft, or give up all hope of gettin’ back there.” - -“Come on, chillun! Don’t stop now when dem debbils are so nigh!” Andy -shouted, and in another instant a cry of terror burst from his lips as -he ran almost into the arms of a black man. - -The devotees of voudooism were not so dumb as the mate had fancied, and -instead of following behind, a portion had circled around the party, -thus cutting off the line of the proposed retreat. - -“Why don’t you go on?” Jenkins cried, angrily. - -“Because they have succeeded in surrounding us,” Gil replied, but by no -means calmly. “It’s a question of fighting, now, whether we want to or -not.” - -“Then be careful that every shot tells,” the mate cried, taking no heed -of the fact that in the intense darkness it was impossible to do more -than fire at random. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. UNDER COVER. - - -In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that perfect silence -was of the utmost importance in aiding them to ascertain the location -of the enemy, and not one moved or spoke during the minute which -followed the alarming discovery. - -Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those who were tracking -them to the death, and Jenkins fancied he saw a way out of the -dangerous situation. - -Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated that the boy -was to follow him, and the latter, in turn, communicated the command by -the same means to Gil and Andy. - -The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and thus avoid the -enemy, who was steadily closing in on them, for a hand-to-hand conflict -was not to be thought of for a single instant, and that was what must -come in a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net -which was being drawn tighter each moment. - -Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing slowly but surely -each instant until, just when all began to fancy the plan might be a -success, it was Jenkins’ turn to run plump into the arms of one of the -enemy. - -During a few seconds neither of his companions understood why he -halted so suddenly, nor what caused the unusual rustling among the -foliage, and then Gil realized, more by the sense of touch than of -sight, that the mate was putting forth all his strength in a struggle -for the mastery, the loser of which might expect only death. - -For an instant it seemed singular that the black did not summon others -to his aid, and then Gil learned that the sailor had grasped his -adversary by the throat, thus preventing him from making any outcry. - -Once this discovery had been made, the only question was as to how -the mate might be assisted, and Gil could think of no way, except -to seize the man by the legs, which he did with such suddenness and -strength that the fellow was hurled to the ground, his head striking an -uncovered root a resounding thump that deprived him of consciousness. - -Now was the time to continue the flight, for every second was precious, -and the little party pushed on through the underbrush at a rate of -speed that promised to give them a decided advantage over possible -pursuers. - -At the best pace each ran, Jenkins leading the way, the others -following in single file, each grasping the clothing of the one in -advance that they might not be separated. The blows received by coming -in contact with the low-hanging branches were not noticed in this race -for life, nor did any heed the dangers that might be encountered by a -misstep, or a mistake as to the course; but all pressed on literally -for dear life, and when twenty minutes had passed Jenkins paused at the -mouth of the shaft. - -Not a sound could be heard to betoken that the enemy were in pursuit, -and the mate was on the point of whispering to the sailors to pass up -the rope, when Gil said: - -“Here it is, made fast to the tree as when we left.” - -“And they were so crazy about the treasure that it wasn’t thought worth -while to look out for safety. It would have been a nice mess, if those -imps had come here ahead of us, an’ taken a notion to find the meaning -of such a ladder.” - -“Never mind that now,” Gil said, soothingly, as he saw that the mate -was likely to linger too long over this neglect of duty. “Let’s get -below first, and talk about what should have been done afterward.” - -“Go down; I’ll wait until you are at the bottom, so’s to make sure the -black villains haven’t yet discovered our hiding-place.” - -Gil swung himself over the edge, and allowed the rope to slip slowly -through his hands until he reached the bottom. - -Neither of the two men came to ask the result of the foray, and he -thought with surprise that they must be sleeping. - -It was necessary every member of the party should be on the alert, and -he went into the tunnel to awaken them, feeling around with his hands. - -Nothing could be found. It was as if the place had been abandoned. -Pressing farther in he continued the blind search, but without success, -and finally the truth of the matter flashed upon him. Running to the -shaft, arriving there just as Jenkins descended, the others having -reached the bottom in safety, he said, excitedly: - -“The sailors have gone to help us, and now I suppose we ought to start -out to find them, though it seems like advertising our whereabouts to -the enemy.” - -“Do you mean that neither of the fellows are here?” Jenkins asked, in -surprise. - -“Not unless they are in the treasure chamber. I went up the tunnel as -far as I dared without a light, and found it empty. I suppose they -thought we were getting the worst of it when the firing was heard, and -wanted to help.” - -“Not a bit of it,” the mate said, angrily. “They’ve been overhaulin’ -the treasure; taken all they could find, an’ now propose to give us the -slip.” - -“It doesn’t seem reasonable they would run so many risks just for a -little money.” - -“The chances are that they’ve found a good deal, and rather than -divide, or be contented with what the captain might choose to give -them, have parted company with us.” - -“That seems like suicide, for they can’t show themselves when father -arrives without giving up what has been carried away.” - -“Most likely they count on stealin’ a boat from the blacks, an’ gettin’ -to the mainland; but they’ll find that a mighty slim chance. I wish I -had hold of the sneaks for a minute, I’d show them what it means to -play such a trick.” - -“Don’t bother your head about it. We are well rid of men who will act -like that.” - -“But they’ve made way with all the treasure you discovered, most -likely,” and in his anger Jenkins spoke incautiously loud. - -“What of it? The chances are neither they nor we can leave the island -with it, and our lives are more precious than all the pirates’ hoards -that were ever buried.” - -The mate failed to look at the matter in such a philosophical light, -and he would have continued to give way to his anger in unmeasured -terms, if a noise from the entrance had not warned him to be silent. - -Animated by the same thought, each member of the party crept to the -edge of the shaft, and there the hum of voices proclaimed that the -secret of their hiding-place had been discovered. - -“We’re under cover now, for a fact,” Jenkins said, grimly, as the sound -of footsteps told that the enemy were moving to and fro, evidently for -the purpose of examining the surroundings, “and the worst of it is that -we’re reg’larly shut in till the captain comes back, for I’ll guarantee -that crowd don’t leave while we are down here alive.” - -“Then the sailors are better off than we, and have a good chance to get -hold of the boats.” - -“It ain’t likely these imps are so careless as to leave the crafts -where anybody can get them, an’ we shall have to wait till mornin’ -before knowin’ who’s in the best condition. We’ll have a few oysters, -an’ then try to get a little sleep, for there’s no danger of an attack -between now an’ daylight.” - -“I couldn’t close my eyes a single minute while that crowd is waiting -around to kill us,” Nelse said, with a shudder. - -“Don’t be so sure, lad; you’ll get used to it in a little while, an’ -the need for sleep will come mighty strong before morning.” - -Nelse was positive Jenkins spoke at random, and he also thought he -couldn’t eat anything under the circumstances; but when his companions -attacked the oysters he succeeded in swallowing quite as many as did -Gil, and even Andy made a hearty supper. - -It was no longer possible to hear any noise from around the mouth of -the shaft; but the besieged knew beyond a doubt that the enemy were -still there, and, acting upon the mate’s suggestion, all hands moved a -short distance inside the tunnel, where they could talk without danger -of being overheard. - -As a matter of course, every one was anxious to hear the story of -Andy’s adventures, and he was able to tell it in a very few words. - -After refusing to enter the tunnel with the remainder of the party, the -old man had made his way toward the interior of the island, hoping to -find a hiding-place in some of the trees, and succeeded only in losing -his way. - -After walking nearly an hour, he found himself in sight of the big cave -where the blacks were assembled in full force, and this so frightened -him that he thought only of trying to find his comrades. To that end he -struck out in the direction where he supposed the shaft to be located, -and was within a few yards of the desired spot when he was seized by -five men. - -From that moment until the revolvers were discharged, Andy had no hope -anything could be done to aid him, and, losing faith for the first -time in his mysterious charm, prepared for death. - -It was evident from the manner of telling the story that he did not -care to go into the details, after having brought the trouble all on -himself, and a remark made by Gil relative to the treasure-chamber gave -him a good excuse for changing the topic of conversation. - -“Am it sure dem men took all de gol’ dere was in de hole?” he asked, -and Nelse said, with some slight show of enthusiasm: - -“What’s to prevent us from finding out exactly the condition of -affairs? We’ve got to stay here, and an examination of the place will -serve to make the time pass more quickly.” - -“Perhaps we might be needed here suddenly,” Gil suggested; but Jenkins -said, decidedly: - -“I’ll guarantee there’ll be nothin’ goin’ on in this part of the island -till sunrise, so if you feel disposed to have a look at the place after -them scoundrels have got away with the treasure, there’s nothing to -prevent.” - -“Somebody will have to help us down. I wouldn’t want to try to lower -Nelse alone.” - -“Andy can attend to that part of the business. Let him stand by the -rope, an’, in case anything should happen which ain’t probable, I can -pass the word to him.” - -“Is yer gwine ter keep right on lookin’ fur de pirates’ gol’?” the old -man asked, in evident alarm. - -“Yes, we want to see if the men have left any.” - -“Den I stays right hyar. We’se done had trubble enuff ’bout dat ar’ -money, an’ I wants ter keep ’way frum it.” - -It was in vain that the boys and Jenkins alternately coaxed and -scolded; the old fellow positively refused to so much as take a single -step into the tunnel, and it seemed as if the investigations would -necessarily be postponed until a more convenient season. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. A SECOND ALARM. - - -The old darky’s superstitious fears sometimes resembled stubbornness, -as in this particular case, and Gil, after exhausting his powers of -persuasion without effect, said impatiently: - -“It’s mighty strange that you’re always afraid when there’s something -on hand in the shape of work.” - -“Cummin’ to dis yere islan’ wasn’ none ob my fixin’, an’ ef de captin -would er lef’ me I’d done been gone outer de yacht afore she got pas’ -New York Harbor, kase I knowed wha’ was goin’ ter happen,” and then -Andy relapsed into moody silence. - -The fact that they could not examine the treasure-chamber caused the -boys the most intense desire to do so, and finally Nelse suggested that -they try it alone. - -“I’ll contrive to lower you down, Gil, an’ Mr. Jenkins can come into -the tunnel long enough to help pull you out.” - -“I’ve got a better plan than that,” the mate said, suddenly, as a -happy thought occurred to him. “Andy shall stay here to listen for the -blacks, an’ I’ll bear a hand. After you’ve been there long enough I can -come after you.” - -“I’se willin’ to stan’ watch ef all hands wants ter go,” Andy added, -gruffly, and thus the matter was settled, although it would be -necessary for Jenkins to remain in the tunnel. - -The old darky seated himself with his back against the side of the -shaft, a very dangerous position if any of the enemy should descend -quickly, and the others commenced operations. - -The torches were found in the tunnel where they had been dropped when -Andy’s cry for help was heard, and, as he ignited one, Jenkins said: - -“Now have a good look around, boys, an’ make sure them thieves didn’t -leave anything behind.” - -“Perhaps there was nothing but the diamonds in the hole,” Nelse -suggested. - -“I don’t allow pirates would go to the trouble of diggin’ sich a place -for the sake of hidin’ a little thing like that. Have you still got -them safe, Gil?” - -“Trust me for that. Even while we were stealing up on the enemy, I kept -feeling in my pocket to make sure they couldn’t get lost.” - -“I allow there’s more than enough in them ’ere stones to pay for the -_Day Dream_, an’ leave some over to tassel our handkerchiefs with. Now, -are you ready?” - -While they were speaking, Jenkins had been uncoiling the rope, and -began to fasten one end under Gil’s arms as he spoke. - -Then, lifting the boy clear from the ground, he let him drop slowly to -the bottom with the torch in his hand. - -The same operation was repeated with Nelse, and the two had ample -opportunity to examine the subterranean chamber. - -It had been built with exceeding care. The sides, which were cut in a -coral ledge, as was the entire excavation, had been chiseled smooth, an -operation which must have required no slight amount of time, and in the -roof were what appeared to be two small apertures for the escape of air. - -These details, however, were not noted by the boys until they had been -in the cavern some time. Their first, and, in fact, only thought was of -the supposed treasure. - -The large amount of earth which had fallen when Gil was precipitated -into the chamber, covered one end of the apartment entirely, and the -fact of this having been thrown around considerably told that it had -been overhauled to a considerable extent since Gil was drawn up, while -the fragments of what he believed to be a box were scattered in every -direction. - -“There’s no question but that the men have been here,” Nelse said, -sufficiently loud for Jenkins, who was lying over the aperture in such -a manner that he could both hear and see, to distinguish the words. - -“Of course they have,” the mate replied, angrily, “an’ that’s why they -wouldn’t come with us to help Andy. Do you see anything?” - -“Nothing more than this pile of dirt,” Gil replied. “If the spade -is in the shaft we might throw it all over, an’ make sure they got -everything.” - -“That’s a good idea. Wait a minute an’ I’ll fetch it.” - -Jenkins’ face disappeared from the aperture, and while he was absent -the boys had a good opportunity to survey the singular place. In -addition to what has already been spoken of, they noted with no small -degree of surprise, that the remains of a stone stairway occupied one -corner of the chamber, and immediately above it was a portion of a -wooden hatch or trapdoor set in the earth by iron bands. - -It was directly in the center of this, where the wood had decayed, that -Gil fell, and the wonder was that he did not strike on the steps, in -which case the mishap might have had a more unpleasant ending. - -“All I can say is that the pirates must have had a lot of spare time on -their hands, if they went to all the trouble necessary to make a place -like this just to bury their treasure, when it would have been safer -buried in the earth where a fellow couldn’t fall through by mistake, as -you did,” Nelse said, laughingly. “It looks as if some one had the idea -of living here.” - -Before Gil could reply Jenkins arrived with the spade, and he said, as -the implement was dropped on the loose earth: - -“Better make a thorough search, boys, an’ if you think the work is -likely to be too hard, come back, an’ I’ll go down.” - -“We’ll attend to it. It can’t take such a very long time to get at the -bottom,” Gil replied, as he began the task. - -During five minutes of rapid work nothing was disclosed; but at the -end of that time Gil unearthed a bench which had been crushed by the -falling earth, and after that the discoveries came thick and fast. - -Fragments of chairs, a mass of decaying matter which appeared to have -been wearing apparel, rusty cooking implements, and, finally, in one -corner, a low writing desk was found. - -As the last-mentioned article was unearthed the boys gave vent to a cry -of triumph, and Gil shouted excitedly: - -“Here’s where we shall find the gold that the sailors overlooked.” - -“I reckon you’re makin’ a mistake about that, my boy,” Jenkins replied, -in a thoughtful tone. “It looks to me as if this place was used to live -in, an’ most likely what treasure the people had who built the place -was in the chest you fell on. If there were diamonds in it, the gold -was there to a dead certainty, an’ we shan’t see anything more in the -way of valuables.” - -“It won’t take long to find out what is in here,” and Gil struck -the ancient desk a heavy blow with the spade, causing it to fall in -fragments. - -At this instant the torch was extinguished, the wood having been -consumed, and the eager explorers were forced to wait until Jenkins -could make and send down another. - -Now they searched carefully among the fragments, and the first article -found was a metal casket covered with rust, and securely locked. - -“Here’s what we want!” Gil cried, triumphantly, as he held it above -his head that the mate might have a full view. “When this is opened we -shall see a pile of gold!” - -“It doesn’t appear to be very heavy.” - -“You’re right. I never thought of that,” was the reply, in a tone of -disappointment, and Gil tried in vain to open the box by striking it -with the spade. - -“Use this!” and Jenkins threw down one of the hatchets. - -Even with such an effective implement it was not an easy matter to -break the casket; but the metal finally yielded after repeated blows, -and the boys gazed at the exposed contents in dismay. - -Instead of treasure, they had unearthed nothing more than a lot of -time-stained documents and Gil was about to throw them away when -Jenkins called sharply: - -“Pass them up here. We’ll have a look at the writin’ first, an’ then’ll -be plenty of time to say they are worth nothing. What else was there in -the desk?” - -Again the boys resumed the search; but it seemed as if all the -important contents of the chamber had been exposed to view. - -Several tiny vials; some curious instruments, which might once have -belonged to a surgeon, and a package of quills for pens, comprised the -entire list of articles. - -The loose earth had been examined thoroughly, and Gil said with a sigh -of disappointment: - -“There’s no reason why we should stay here any longer. It’s too hot -down here for comfort, and we can look at the papers up above where -there’s more air.” - -“All right, here’s the rope. Send the iron box first, an’ then I’ll -pull you out.” - -Five minutes later the boys were in the tunnel, and since there could -be no question but that the sailors had succeeded in getting the -greater portion of the treasure, the contents of the casket attracted -considerable attention. - -“Let’s go up a long bit where there’s no danger the light of the -torch can be noticed from the shaft, an’ see what’s written on all -that paper,” Gil suggested, and Jenkins ran back to tell Andy of the -change of position before following the boys to a point within twenty -or thirty feet from the stone door which had been discovered some time -previous. - -Here the three seated themselves on the ground, and the mate was about -to take the yellow documents from their long resting-place, when the -torch was suddenly extinguished without apparent cause. - -Nelse was on the point of making some laughing remark, when he felt the -mate’s hand pressed firmly over his mouth, and at the same instant a -draught of air swept down the passage as if a vent had suddenly been -opened. - -Motioning for the boys to follow his example, Jenkins rose to his feet, -and as he did so it was possible to see a tiny thread of light from the -end of the tunnel, where, a moment previous, had been only the most -profound darkness. - -There was no need now to speculate as to why the torch had been -extinguished. - -The blacks had discovered, even if they did not know it before, that -the cave communicated with the tunnel, and were about to creep upon -the white party, hoping to take them by surprise. - -The supreme moment had come, and the three who stood in that gloomy -place listening for the sounds which should tell that the enemy was -advancing, knew it was to be a struggle to the finish. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. IN THE TUNNEL. - - -During several moments Jenkins remained motionless, as if trying to -decide what course to pursue, and the boys bent forward in their -efforts to hear the first sound which should come from the direction of -that ray of light; but nothing broke the almost profound silence, save -their own labored breathing. - -“They are goin’ to take plenty of time about it, an’ we’ll do the -same,” Jenkins whispered, cautiously, with his mouth close to Gil’s -ear. “The idiots think the light don’t show through, an’ are tryin’ to -find out if we’re in the tunnel.” - -“Well, what’s to be done? We can’t stand here till they come.” - -“Take off your shoes, an’ we’ll steal down to the shaft. We mustn’t -make a stand here, for it ain’t certain a lot of ’em won’t come in from -the outside at the same time.” - -In their stockinged feet the three crept softly down the passage, -hugging the left side to avoid being precipitated into the excavation, -until they arrived at the point where Andy, clutching firmly the -“charm” on his bosom, was keeping watch. - -In reply to Jenkins’ whispered questions, he declared that nothing -larger than a night bird had moved in the vicinity, and on being told -of what was occurring at the opposite end of the tunnel, would have -leaped to his feet with a cry of alarm but for the firm hold the mate -had upon him. - -“Sit still, an keep your wits about you while I creep back a short -distance,” the latter whispered. “If you make a noise, or try to kick -up any bobbery because you don’t like our way of managin’ things, I’ll -shoot you as quick as I would one of them voudoo-dancin’ black men.” - -This threat was sufficient to reduce Andy to a state of complete -submission; but it destroyed his usefulness as a watcher, for he was no -longer in a frame of mind where he could distinguish between a genuine -noise and his own imagination. - -“Be ready to shoot the first heathen who shows his head,” the mate said -to Gil, and then he disappeared in the tunnel. - -It was useless to expect any assistance from Andy, and the boys stood -at the foot of the shaft listening intently, with their revolvers ready -for use; but nothing save the sighing of the night wind among the -foliage came to their ears. - -The mate moved as noiselessly as a shadow, and the silence was almost -terrifying. - -The minutes passed like hours, fearing as the boys did that each -instant would come the sounds of conflict, proclaiming that they must -begin the struggle for life, and fully half-an-hour had passed before -Jenkins appeared, saying in a low, hurried tone, as he stood beside Gil -and Nelse: - -“They have started. I counted six before the door was closed, an’ -they’ll be here in about five minutes. Our best plan is to hug the wall -of the shaft close by the entrance to the tunnel, an’ wait till they -are at close range, when every shot will count.” - -“We’ll do whatever you think best,” Gil replied, nervously, and the -mate continued: - -“We can’t fight very long with the small number of cartridges, so each -one must bring down a man. If the fellows from the top join in, as I -reckon they’re bound to do, keep far enough inside to prevent them from -seeing the flash of the powder, an’ take to your hatchets when the -last shot has been fired. It’s better to die here fightin’ than allow -ourselves to be taken prisoners for their pleasure.” - -“We’ll do our share,” Gil said, “and now I shan’t hesitate to try to -kill a human being.” - -“It’s your life or theirs, an’ you’d be foolish to have any scruples -now. I’ve brought the iron box here in case there should be a chance of -gettin’ out of this place; but I don’t s’pose we’ll have any call for -it, because there are too many blacks for us to get the best of in a -fair fight.” - -Jenkins ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that moment a rustling of -the leaves was heard from the top of the shaft, and all expected the -onslaught would be made at once. - -Even Andy understood it was a question of fighting, and that his charm -would not avail him at such a time, therefore he joined the defenders, -although he had no weapon. - -One, two, three minutes passed, and to the boys it seemed as if every -drop of blood in their bodies was literally boiling with excitement. -Their mouths became parched, and each tried in vain to moisten his -burning lips, as he mentally braced himself for the coming struggle. - -The suspense was worse than reality, and only with the greatest -difficulty could Gil prevent himself from shrieking to break the -awful silence. Five minutes more passed, and it seemed as if fully -half-an-hour must have elapsed when the little party were absolutely -electrified by hearing a blood-curdling cry from the forest, which was -echoed and re-echoed by the trees until one could have sworn a hundred -men were in their last agonies. - -Almost at the same instant the sound of footsteps came from the tunnel, -and before the boys could draw their weapons, it was succeeded by a cry -of distress from a dozen throats. - -Then all was still once more. - -Nelse turned toward Jenkins as if to ask whether this had simply been -a trick of the imagination, and then came a cry of terror from the -tunnel, repeated again and again until the air was filled with the -hideous noise. - -What it could mean no one knew, and as Andy cowered in mortal terror -against the side of the shaft, Jenkins saw a human form outlined upon -the lighter darkness of the opening. - -Raising his revolver he fired, and a heavy body fell to the ground -almost at their feet. - -“What is the matter?” Gil asked, unable longer to remain silent. - -“I’m blest if I know. Anyhow, here’s one of the villains, an’, what’s -worse, he ain’t dead.” - -Again a tumult in the tunnel was heard, and Nelse cried: - -“The fellows who were trying to surprise us have fallen into the -underground chamber. So much is certain; but what’s the meaning of -that?” and he stopped for an instant as the shrieks from the forest -rang out again in such a tone of agony there could no longer be any -question that a human soul was being sent to its final account. - -The terrifying cries died away in the distance, even as the little -party listened, and once more silence reigned, save when the wounded -mass of humanity gave vent to a groan. - -Unless one believed in voudooism as did Andy, everything was -incomprehensible, and even the old darky could think of no satisfactory -explanation just at this moment, for he cowered close to the others, -shaking like one in an ague fit, and clutching with the strength of -despair at the mysterious “something” concealed beneath his shirt. - -One, two, three minutes more passed, and then Jenkins said, with a -long-drawn breath: - -“I can’t stand this sort of thing any longer, boys. We’re bound to -find out what’s been goin’ on, an’ the facts can’t be any worse than a -fellow’s imagination as he stands here shiverin’.” - -The boys would have followed him as he went into the tunnel, but he -prevented them by saying: - -“Stay here, an’ keep a mighty sharp watch. Nobody knows but that all -this yellin’ was done to throw us off our guard.” - -“I’m certain those noises couldn’t have been made for effect, an’ -you’ll find a whole crowd in the place where the diamonds came from,” -Nelse replied, in a decided tone. - -“Then all the more reason why some one should be there to prevent them -from crawlin’ out. I can take care of a good many, if they’re in that -trap; but we are bound to watch out for all the chances.” - -Jenkins was so reckless as to light a match before he was more than a -dozen feet inside the tunnel, and a moment after the boys saw a glow, -telling that he had ignited one of the torches. - -From the outside not a sound came, and in a few seconds the boys heard -the mate’s cheery cry: - -“You were right, Nelse. The whole boilin’ of ’em are in here like rats, -an’ believe I’m goin’ to kill ’em.” - -“Can you see them?” Gil asked, in surprise. - -“Of course I can, as well as if the whole lot were on exhibition in -a dime museum. One of you come here an take a peep, for there’s no -question now but that some of their plans have gone wrong.” - -Nelse ran into the tunnel in response to this invitation, and on -reaching the hole saw seven black forms crouching at the bottom in -deepest terror, while Jenkins was amusing himself by walking around -the edge of the excavation throwing the light on the huddling mass, -and threatening the poor wretches with what he proposed doing when it -should be convenient. - -“Do you think it is just safe to stand here while more of the party -can jump in on you by the same way these came?” Nelse asked, and this -question put a very sudden end to the mate’s sport. - -“Wait while I have a look around,” he said, as he handed the torch to -the boy and disappeared in the darkness. - -Before Nelse could explain the cause of his delay to Gil, the mate -returned, saying, in a tone of satisfaction: - -“They’ve shut the door tight, to keep us out in case these fellows -failed, I reckon, an’ it won’t be a bad idea for me to keep watch there -while you an’ Gil divide the work here. We must stop any nonsense at -the beginnin’, an’ then they can’t get the upper hands of us.” - -“Is there a real necessity of watching this crowd?” - -“Of course; otherwise they could soon manage to wriggle out by climbin’ -on each other’s shoulders. Stand by and shoot the first who rises to -his feet,” Jenkins replied, and then he added, in a stern tone to the -trembling blacks, as if believing they could understand him: “Don’t you -so much as move, or we’ll kill the whole boilin’ the same as we would -mosquitoes. Lay down, an’ the first one who raises his head shall serve -as an example for the rest.” - -It was evident that the fellows understood the purport of his words, -for they crouched yet lower, and he added to Nelse: - -“Don’t hesitate to shoot if they make any show of tryin’ to get out, -for our lives depend upon holdin’ the whole crowd.” - -“You ought to tell Gil where I am.” - -“He’s got sense enough to know that at such a time as this he must -remain at his post, so do as I tell you, an’ don’t take your eyes off -the gang for a single minute.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. THE STORY. - - -Nelse did as he was bidden; but while standing at the edge of the -excavation holding the torch in one hand and his revolver in the other, -he could not fail to realize how quickly the tables might be turned if -the blacks should make a combined dash. - -That which held them in subjection was the fact that the walls of the -underground chamber were so high they could not gain the floor of the -tunnel without climbing on each other’s shoulders, and while this was -being done the sentinel would have ample opportunity to shoot with -reasonable accuracy of aim. - -Meanwhile Gil was straining his ears for the repetition of that fearful -noise which had literally caused the blood to chill in his veins, and -Andy remained crouching within the shadow of the tunnel busily engaged -in executing a series of wonderful contortions evidently intended as an -incantation to weaken the power of the voudoo worshipers. - -During fully half an hour matters remained in this condition, not a -sound save the usual night noises of the forest breaking the silence, -and then the old darky, his alleged spell having been wrought, came -toward Gil as he said: - -“I’se gwine ter take my trick at standin’ watch, an’ you’se kin fin’ de -odders.” - -“It won’t take much hunting to do that, for I reckon they are guarding -the other end of the tunnel; but, if you can attend to matters here for -a while, I’ll be glad to see how things are getting on.” - -“I’se done gone fixed myself,” was the grave reply, and Gil naturally -came to the conclusion that the “fixing” was neither more nor less than -those wonderful contortions in which the old darky had been indulging. - -Nelse was more than pleased at seeing his friend, for the mental strain -of watching over so many of the enemy was beginning to tell upon him, -and, what seemed more important, the torch was nearly consumed. - -“Stand here a while and I’ll make another,” he said, glad of any excuse -which should take him from the chamber, with its frightened, cowering -occupants, and Gil readily agreed to shoulder the responsibility. - -To recount all that took place on this eventful night would be tedious. -It suffices to say that a strict watch was kept at each point from -which danger might be anticipated, and when morning came every member -of the party felt thoroughly worn out and exhausted. - -Jenkins had but little fear an attack would be made during the day, -except it might be from the farther end of the tunnel, and proposed to -run the risk of this by withdrawing the sentinel from that point and -stationing him at the underground chamber, where his duty would be to -stand watch over the entire tunnel. - -“In that way we shall all get a chance to sleep, which is what we’re -needin’ mighty bad, an’ I’ll take the first trick. Andy shall stay near -the shaft, an’ you boys are to have a good two-hour snooze.” - -“It strikes me that the torches won’t hold out a great while longer,” -Nelse said, as he looked ruefully at the small supply of wood, which -had diminished rapidly since the blacks were caught in the trap. - -“We won’t worry about that. Time enough when we’ve used the last one. -The important thing is to get some rest, an’ I want you boys to begin -without delay so’s Andy an’ I can have our turn.” - -Despite the fact that they had thought it would be impossible to close -their eyes in slumber, while in a situation of such peril, the boys had -hardly stretched themselves out on the floor of the tunnel before they -were sleeping soundly. - -Not until three hours later did either awaken, and then the mate -aroused them with a cheery cry of: - -“All hands on deck!” - -To their great surprise they saw the shaft comfortably full of black -men, and Jenkins said, in reply to their questions: - -“Andy an’ I did that while you were snoring. We found out that the -fellows in the treasure-chamber could understand a kind of lingo he -talks, an’ then we made ’em know what was wanted. We brought ’em up -here one by one, after tyin’ the hands of each with that string-piece -he wore around his waist, an’ now they’re quiet an’ harmless as lambs. -None of ’em dares to wink very hard, an’ we can do all the watchin’ at -this place.” - -“Ain’t you afraid they will make a sudden rush?” Nelse asked, thinking -it anything rather than safe to allow the fellows so near. - -“Not while their hands are tied, an’ one of us manages to keep awake. -They know what the result will be if any of ’em so much as moves his -head the wrong way, an’ I reckon they’ll stay quiet enough.” - -“But what about the door at the other end of the tunnel?” - -“I’m takin’ my chances on that ’cause we’ve dug away the earth at the -top of the treasure-chamber, an’ it’ll be a mighty smart darky who can -crawl along there without tumblin’ in, seein’s they can’t afford to -bring a light with ’em. You see, this does away with the trouble about -torches, an’ I’ll admit that I don’t know how we could a-got more when -these were used up. Now, I’m goin’ to take about forty winks. Andy has -been right there for the last hour, so you can turn him out for the -next trick.” - -As he lay down, Jenkins motioned toward the mouth of the tunnel, where -the cook was sleeping with his huge mouth opened to its widest extent, -and it seemed to the boys as if the former had but just stretched -himself out when he was aiding Andy in the snoring concert. - -Some of the prisoners had so far recovered from their fears as to -be able to indulge in slumber, and those who remained awake were -doing their best to convince the watchers that their intentions were -peaceable. - -Although the situation was decidedly improved from what it had been -when the boys lay down, it was yet far from being reassuring, and not -until ten minutes or more had passed did they feel at all comfortable -in mind. - -Then Gil said, as he saw the iron casket lying near the entrance, where -Jenkins had placed it for safe keeping: - -“I think it’s about time we examined those documents. You keep your -eyes on the fellows, an’ I’ll find out what’s written there.” - -“Go ahead; but I don’t believe you’ll have much luck, for most likely -it’s in French or Spanish, an’ we ain’t very well posted in those -languages, although we might have been by studying a little harder.” - -“It’s English!” Gil exclaimed, in a tone of satisfaction, as he drew -the stained documents from their long resting-place, and forced to use -the greatest caution in opening them lest the paper, brittle with age, -should be destroyed. - -“If you read it, go on, an’ I’ll keep my eyes on this crowd of very -interesting young gentlemen,” Nelse said, as he settled himself into -a more comfortable position for listening, and displayed his revolver -ostentatiously. - -“The writing is plain enough, except in places where the ink has faded, -and I reckon I can get through with it, so here goes for the first -sheet.” - -“How many are there?” - -“Seven or eight; but the most of them appear to be memoranda of -business transactions, for all except the first are covered with -figures. It starts off like a will: - - “I, Nissage Boyer, native of France, and adopted citizen of the - United States, owner of the finest plantation on the island of Hayti, - and lessee of the government forest containing the most valuable - dye-wood, deposit here a memoranda of my possessions in case I should - never succeed in leaving this place alive, hoping it may fall into - the hands of my family, who, fortunately, are now safe in New York. - - “During the past year I have done my best to keep out of political - entanglements; but Soulouque, who capers like a crowned monkey under - his borrowed name of Faustin I., has laid many traps, some of which I - have fallen into, and, in order to retain possession of my property, - and at the same time send my family to a place of safety, I bound - myself to his falling fortunes. Now, in the year 1857 I find myself - threatened both by the emperor and insurgents. Trying to serve two - masters, I have fallen to the ground, and am a fugitive, trusting to - the fidelity of my slaves, and seeking an opportunity to set sail for - the United States. - - “Condemned to death by both parties, I should have been executed - several days ago but for some of my negroes, who aided me to reach - this island, where I fitted up a place of refuge in the year - Soulouque declared himself emperor, knowing full well that the evil - times would soon come, and hoping this might serve as a hiding-place - for my dear ones. The shaft, the tunnel and the main cave were - probably built by the buccaneers who settled here in 1702; but the - voudoo worshipers have made the island their abiding-place so long - that none of the negroes and few white men care to visit it. - - “Protected by these same voudoo priests, who have always done all in - their power to frighten their countrymen away from this place, I am - awaiting the arrival of a fisherman’s vessel which should be here in - a week at the outside, unless the situation at the capital becomes - so grave that all the sailing crafts will be seized by the alleged - emperor or the so-called insurgents. I have succeeded in bringing - away the most valuable of my personal property, and, in addition, a - necklace of diamonds for which I sold the contents of a warehouse, - taking them in exchange, since gold is not readily gotten hold of - without exciting suspicion that the owner wishes to leave the island. - - “The stones, together with as much money as I have been able to - secrete, will remain in this subterranean chamber----” - -“Look here,” Nelse cried, interrupting Gil, “according to what you’ve -been reading we haven’t found any pirates’ treasure, but something for -which an owner may appear at any moment.” - -“That’s just the size of it, and when we give up the diamonds we -sha’n’t be able to account very satisfactorily for what the sailors -stole. Our story will seem rather fishy, I’m afraid; but let’s find out -the balance of this communication, and then we shall know better what -must be done.” - -“Are we to give up all hope of coming at the gold which is described by -the chart?” - -“I think we may as well own up that it is a failure; but we can tell -after I----” - -The conversation was interrupted by a noise from the outside, and, -springing to his feet, Gil went toward the edge of the shaft, arriving -there just as a shower of missiles descended. - -Standing near the edge of the shaft as he did, Gil escaped a blow; but -the prisoners were hit freely, and they set up such an outcry as caused -Jenkins and Andy to spring to their feet very suddenly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. AN OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL. - - -It was several seconds before the mate understood what had happened, -and then, realizing that the enemy was making an attack, he shouted as -he darted into the tunnel: - -“Keep your eyes open, boys, for it’s certain they’ll try to take us -from both sides at the same time.” - -“I reckon you and I had better hold on here,” Gil said to Nelse. -“There’s mighty little use rushing into a place where you can’t see a -thing, and unless we look sharp the whole crowd will be in from this -end.” - -Andy remained motionless, and for this he could not be blamed very -severely, since he had no weapons with which to defend himself; -therefore he would only be in the way of the others in case a -hand-to-hand fight ensued. - -Stones, fragments of trees, and even earth were thrown in from the top -of the shaft, the enemy remaining concealed from the view of those at -the bottom meanwhile, until the prisoners succeeded in making their -friends understand that no damage was being done to the white party, -and then the attack ceased at this point. - -From the tunnel the boys could hear a medley of sounds; but since there -was no report of firearms they rightly concluded that the danger was -not sufficiently great to warrant Jenkins in making his presence known. - -“What is going on in there?” Gil shouted, after five minutes passed and -the din had not subsided. - -“The whole boilin’ of ’em have struck the trap, an’ are flounderin’ -around in great style,” the mate replied. “Are you all right out there?” - -“The blacks can’t do anything without inflicting the most damage on -their friends, and since understanding that fact have been quiet. -There’s nothing to fear here for a while, so if you need one of us I’ll -come.” - -“I reckon this end of the fight is takin’ care of itself; but we’re -shut in now, an’ can count on starvin’ or surrender.” - -Up to this moment the boys had been so interested in the manuscript -found in the so-called treasure-chamber that they had forgotten both -thirst and hunger; but now they began to realize there was nothing in -the way of provisions, and, what was worse yet, not a drop of water had -been procured. - -“I wish he hadn’t said anything about it,” Nelse whispered, “for now I -begin to feel as if I must have a drink.” - -“You’ll have to take it out in feeling for a while, because it would be -the height of folly to venture away from this place until father comes.” - -“And that may not be for a week.” - -“It can’t be helped, unless----” - -“Unless what?” Nelse asked, eagerly, as Gil hesitated. - -“I fancied for a minute that we might possibly make a trade with these -fellows. How would it do to tell them they might go, if their friends -would bring us water and food?” - -“It isn’t probable they’d agree to it.” - -“I reckon they are like almost everybody else, and would do a good deal -to save their own lives.” - -“That is true, and it couldn’t do any harm to try the scheme, although -I don’t believe it will amount to anything; but it’s only fair Jenkins -should know what we intend to do.” - -“Go up the tunnel, and ask him what he thinks of the plan. I’ll stay -here on watch, and if he agrees we can make Andy do the talking.” - -Nelse ran into the passage, returning a few moments later, as he said: - -“Mr. Jenkins is willing we should try to make the trade; but he don’t -believe it can be done.” - -“How are things in there?” - -“The fellows tumbled into the hole; but there were so many that all but -two managed to get out, and the chances are they’ll be more careful in -the future.” - -“Does Jenkins think there will be another attack?” - -“He says they’re bound to starve us out, for it must be known how -easily that can be done.” - -“Is he holding the two who are in the hole?” - -“There’s no need for him to do anything, since the fellows can’t get -out, an’ we’ve got such a small number of cartridges that it would be -foolish to shoot at men who are unable to do any mischief.” - -“Then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t try my plan. Here, Andy, talk -to these fellows.” - -The old darky came forward very unwillingly, and Gil explained the -offer he wanted to make. - -“I’se boun’ to tell ’em, honey; but it won’t do the leastest mite ob -good.” - -“Go ahead, and we’ll soon find out what they think of it. At all -events, there’ll be no great amount of harm done.” - -Andy did as he was bidden, and after a long conversation, during which -it seemed as if both the interpreter and the prisoners had considerable -difficulty in understanding what was said, the blacks hailed those on -the outside. - -Then no slight amount of talking ensued, the men on the surface keeping -themselves securely hidden, and at the close Andy was called upon once -more to learn the result of the interview. - -“Dey say how dey ain’ got anything to do dis yere bizziness,” the old -man replied, after a painful effort to understand the prisoners; “but -some ob de gang am gone to fin’ out ef it kin be fixed.” - -“You won’t get any water, that I’ll guarantee,” Jenkins said, as he -emerged from the tunnel. “They have gone to talk with the old men, an’ -them fellers ain’t sich fools as not to know it’ll only be necessary to -wait twenty-four hours before our jig is up.” - -“Why did you leave the tunnel?” Gil asked, in surprise. - -“Because there’s no use in staying there any longer. They’ve given up -tryin’ to come in by that way, an’ in a few minutes the bosses of this -’ere fun will know jest how we’re situated.” - -“Then you believe I did wrong in proposing to make the trade?” - -“No, I don’t. It can make mighty little difference to us just now, an’ -there was no harm to try.” - -During the next five minutes the little party remained in almost -perfect silence, each one thinking over the situation until all -understood how futile would be their struggles unless Captain Mansfield -returned very shortly, and then came a hail from the outside, which was -answered by one of the prisoners. - -A short conversation ensued, and when it was ended Andy stepped forward -to act as interpreter. - -One of the prisoners spoke at some length, and then the old darky said, -hesitatingly: - -“Dey says ef we’se willin’ for to come out as prisoners dey’ll gib us -all we’se wants; but dere won’t be any water sent down hyar. Ef you’se -gwine ter make any bargain, Marse Jenkins, don’ koun’ me in, kase I -knows wha’ dese fellers am boun’ ter do, ef dey gits de chance.” - -“Don’t you worry, Andy, we haven’t the slightest idea of acceptin’ any -such temptin’ offer. Tell that feller to say to the others we’re goin’ -to stay right where we are, an’ some of this crowd will be sorry before -the row is ended.” - -“Say that if any attack is made on us we shall feel obliged to defend -ourselves by shooting the prisoners,” Gil added, hoping the threat -might frighten the leaders; but by no means intending to carry it into -execution. - -The old darky did as he was bidden, and during the next five minutes a -most exciting conversation followed between those above and the ones -below; but it finally ceased, and Andy seated himself in the tunnel -once more, this time taking good care to keep well out of range, as he -said: - -“Dat ends de tork, an’ now dey’s countin’ on windin’ dis yere bizziness -up mighty quick.” - -“Do you know what they mean to do?” Jenkins asked. - -“Nebber a word; but one ob de rascals said dey’d hab us outer hyar -right soon.” - -“They had better begin now, for we shall need a pile of drivin’ before -agreein’ to give ourselves up to sich a gang,” Jenkins said, as he -flourished his revolver; but the look on his face belied the words, for -he understood only too well how soon the struggle must be ended, and -had no hope Captain Mansfield could return in time to aid them. - -The hour which followed was passed almost in perfect silence. Each -member of the party had bitter food for reflection, and all knew how -soon they would be overpowered in case the enemy made a vigorous attack. - -The one question which troubled them all was as to which quarter the -next move might be expected from, and the boys were quite certain -the blacks would confine themselves to the tunnel, since there they -could at least enter without exposing themselves to the fire from the -revolvers. - -“I believe they’ll do----” - -Gil ceased speaking very suddenly as a thin thread of blue smoke came -curling down the passage, and his eyes involuntarily sought Jenkins’. - -“That’s the size of it,” the mate exclaimed, as he leaped to his feet. -“They’ve hit on a plan that’ll do us up in a little while without our -bein’ able to stop it.” - -“You mean they’re going to smoke us out?” - -“Of course; can’t you see the plan has already been begun? We shall -have to stay in the shaft, an’ from the top they’ll accomplish their -work regardless of what we may do to the prisoners.” - -Even while Jenkins was speaking the smoke increased in volume, and -before five minutes passed all the party were standing at the entrance -of the tunnel trying to free their eyes and lungs from the stifling -vapor. - -“There they come,” Nelse cried, and at that instant half-a-dozen -spearlike clubs were thrown, two of them striking so near Jenkins that -the sleeve of his coat was torn into shreds. - -Without stopping to think that they might need the cartridges more at -some future time, Gil discharged two barrels of his revolver at random, -and in reply came more missiles, one of which knocked Andy senseless. - -Both the boys would have sprung to his side, but that the mate -restrained them, as he said, sharply: - -“There’s no time to attend to him; we’ve got to look out for ourselves, -an’ it’s time something----” - -At that instant a loud cheer, unmistakably from the throats of white -people, was heard, and Jenkins cried, excitedly: - -“Here comes the captain! I know that shout; but I’m blest if I -understand how he could have got here so quick. Now we shall see the -imps take to their heels, an’ I’d like to have a chance to help them -along.” - -Before he could say anything more, Gil saw his father’s face peering -over the edge of the shaft, and the revulsion of feeling from such a -depth of despair to that of certainty his troubles were at an end, -caused him to reel and relapse into a state of semi-unconsciousness, -which was not very far removed from a veritable fainting spell. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. THE DEPARTURE. - - -In the shortest possible space of time the entire situation was changed. - -Captain Mansfield was accompanied by half-a-dozen men, all fully armed, -and they at once proceeded to help the little party out of the shaft, -Andy being the first who was sent to the surface. - -The old darky revived before he was fairly drawn up, and the fact that -he was no longer in any danger caused him to forget his injuries in the -joyful knowledge. - -“How did you get here so soon?” Jenkins asked, after the captain had -welcomed the boys. - -“We fell in with a trading schooner, and came directly back, for -somehow I had an idea that you might be in trouble. But where are the -rest of the party?” - -Gil told in the fewest words possible of what had happened, and showed -the diamonds in proof, Jenkins adding to the story: - -“They’re hangin’ ’round here somewhere, an’ all I ask is the chance to -have it out with them before we leave.” - -“You shall have the opportunity, if we fall in with them; but I don’t -propose to stay here any longer than is absolutely necessary. After you -have had something to eat we’ll go on board the schooner, and read the -remainder of the story.” - -Gil insisted on releasing the prisoners before starting for the beach, -and the poor wretches manifested the greatest surprise at being allowed -to go free when they had fully expected to be killed. They stopped not -on the order of their going; but rushed through the tunnel regardless -of the smoke, and a few seconds later their outcries told that they had -fallen into the underground chamber for the second time. - -“Let them alone,” Jenkins said, with a laugh. “I’ll guarantee they -manage to get out after we leave, an’ it won’t do ’em any harm to -flounder ’round a little while.” - -Captain Mansfield was in too much of a hurry to allow the rescued party -to linger very long near the scene of their misadventures; but hurried -them away after the broken casket had been brought from the shaft, much -to the delight of Andy, who said, gleefully, as he clutched firmly the -mysterious “something” beneath his shirt: - -“De cham hab done gone worked hissef out at las’ jes’ as I knowed it -would; but dem debbils don’ ketch dis yere nigger ergin, kase I’se -gwine ter stick mighty clus to de vessel arter dis.” - -What a relief it was to find themselves in a stanch boat, manned by a -full crew, and heading for a trim-looking schooner. It seemed to the -boys as if the sky had never been so blue, the water so sparkling, nor -the air so balmy as on this day while they were being rowed to the -vessel Captain Mansfield had chartered. - -Then how good the water tasted. At another time they might have found -fault with the flavor; but now it seemed simply delicious, and the -boys devoured the hard ship’s biscuit as if they were the lightest and -sweetest of Andy’s productions. - -When the little party had refreshed themselves, and were able to -realize that they had really been saved from a horrible death, Captain -Mansfield said, as he took the manuscript from the shattered casket: - -“I will see if there is anything here which should be attended to -before we leave, and if not, the schooner shall be gotten under way at -once.” - -“You promised to give me a chance at them thieves,” Jenkins said, -quickly. - -“You shall have it, never fear, providing the business can be settled -before dark.” - -Then the captain turned his attention to the manuscript, and read, in a -low tone, after glancing over that portion which has already been given: - - “The stones, together with as much money as I have been able to - secrete, will remain in this subterranean chamber in case anything - should happen to me, and I have no fear the blacks will betray the - whereabouts of the hiding-place, since they are only too eager to - invest every portion of the island with mystery. - - “Whether this story will ever be read I know not; but, in case it is - found, I implore whoever peruses it to cause search to be made for my - family. The gold and plate will be sufficient to pay all necessary - expenses, and I pray the diamonds may be given to my wife, together - with the accompanying memoranda of the property I own in or near the - capital.” - -That completed the story. There was no name signed to it, neither were -there any hints as to how the members of his family might be found; but -Captain Mansfield said, as he assured himself there was nothing more -connected with the unfortunate man’s history in the casket: - -“If his wife or children are yet alive, we should be able to trace them -by giving the outlines of this story to the different newspapers.” - -“And we shall have no treasure after finding one,” Gil added, -mournfully. - -“It should be sufficient to pay you for all the labor and pain, that -you will be able to relieve the wants of those who own the jewels, -providing they are in distress. It is now quite important those sailors -should be overhauled, for they must have carried away a reasonably -large amount of gold, which must be recovered.” - -“Shall I go ashore, sir?” Jenkins asked. - -“Yes; but come back as soon as possible, for we want to sail while this -wind holds.” - -Neither the boys nor Andy cared to accompany the mate; but he had quite -a large following in the crew of the schooner, all of whom were eager -to join in the search. - -It had been expected Jenkins would be absent a long while; but, to -the surprise of all, he returned in less than an hour, bringing two -packages in baskets of grass. - -“Did you find the men?” Gil cried, impatient to learn the news, and not -willing to wait until the boat came alongside. - -“We found where they had been. The screams you heard last night while -the blacks were coming through the tunnel, were their death cries.” - -“Have they been killed?” Nelse asked, in tones of horror. - -“We discovered their bodies not a hundred yards from the mouth of the -shaft, and in the thicket near by was the stuff they had stolen.” - -By this time the boat was alongside, and Jenkins passed over the rail -the remainder of the treasure, consisting of silver plate and gold coin -of considerable value. - -“Did you meet any of the blacks?” Captain Mansfield asked. - -“No, sir. I wanted to have one more brush with ’em; but you spoke about -bein’ in a hurry, so I thought it wouldn’t pay.” - -“And you did quite right. Swing the boat inboard, boys, and we will be -off.” - -Half-an-hour later the island looked to Gil and Nelse like nothing more -than a small cloud on the surface of the water, and the venturesome -cruise was really at an end, for before the sun rose again the schooner -arrived at a Cuban port from which a freight steamer was on the eve of -sailing for New York. - -The journey home was decidedly uneventful after the many stirring -adventures through which Gil and Nelse had passed, and it is well to -bid them adieu as they greet the loved ones once more. - -To-day, if they are reading this story, imperfectly told though it is, -they will be able to verify all which is here set down, and can add for -the information of those who may be interested, that the _Day Dream_ is -afloat. Not the one which was sunk off Pearl Point; but a new and even -more speedy yacht, and she is commanded, as may be imagined, by Job -Jenkins, while the captain of the galley is the same Andrew Jackson -Washington Storts, who wore the mysterious charm which the boys were so -eager to see, and which he still cherishes as something of the utmost -value and power. - -Was the real owner of the treasure ever found? - -Indeed she was, and never was money more needed than by the unhappy -man’s wife, who was in deepest distress when she chanced to see the -advertisements Captain Mansfield had caused to be inserted in the daily -papers. - -The value of the diamonds was sufficient to place her beyond want, in -a pecuniary sense, and both Gil and Nelse are more proud of the gold -watches presented by the old lady in token of her gratitude, than they -could possibly have been, if the venturesome cruise had ended with the -discovery of the buccaneers’ treasure. - - * * * * * - -THE BOYS’ OWN LIBRARY - -Handsomely Bound in Cloth. Price, 75 cents per Volume - -This series contains the best boys’ books written by the best authors -for boys. It is pre-eminently a library for young people. The stories -are of the bright and sparkling kind, full of adventure and not -overburdened with lengthy descriptions--in fact, just the sort that -must appeal to every healthy boy who is fond of thrilling exploits and -deeds of heroism. - - =Adventures of a Telegraph Boy.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Arthur Helmuth.= Edward S. Ellis - =Battle and a Boy.= Blanche Willis Howard - =Boy Boomers.= Gilbert Patten - =Boy Cattle King.= Gilbert Patten - =Boy From the West.= Gilbert Patten - =Boys in the Forecastle.= George H. Coomer - =Butcher of Cawnpore.= Wm. Murray Graydon - =Cadet Kit Carey.= Lieut. Lounsberry - =Captain Carey.= Lieut. Lounsberry - =Centreboard Jim.= Henry Harrison Lewis - =Chased Through Norway.= James Otis - =Check Number 2134.= Edward S. Ellis - =Commodore Junk.= George Manville Fenn - =Cruise of the Snowbird.= Gordon Stables - =Cryptogram.= William Murray Graydon - =Catmur’s Cave.= Richard Dowling - =Dean Dunham.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Dick Chiverly.= W. H. G. Kingston - =Dingo Boys.= George Manville Fenn - =Don Kirk’s Mine.= Gilbert Patten - =Ensign Merrill.= Henry Harrison Lewis - =Eric Dane.= Matthew White, Jr. - =Erie Train Boy.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Five Hundred Dollar Check.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =From Canal Boy to President.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =From Farm Boy to Senator.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =From Lake to Wilderness.= William Murray Graydon - =From Powder Monkey to Admiral.= W. H. G. Kingston - =From Tent to White House.= Edward S. Ellis - =Gay Dashleigh’s Academy Days.= Arthur Sewell - =Giant Islanders.= Brooks McCormick - =Gold of Flat Top Mountain.= Frank H. Converse - =Golden Magnet.= George Manville Fenn - =Golden Rock.= Edward S. Ellis - =Grand Chaco.= George Manville Fenn - =Guy Hammersley.= Matthew White, Jr. - =Happy-Go-Lucky Jack.= Frank H. Converse - =Heir to a Million.= Frank H. Converse - =How He Won.= Brooks McCormick - =In Barracks and Wigwam.= William Murray Graydon - =Inland Waterways.= James Otis - =In Search of an Unknown Race.= Frank H. Converse - =In Southern Seas.= Frank H. Converse - =In the Sunk Lands.= Walter F. Bruns - =James Braithwaite.= W. H. G. Kingston - =Joe Nichols.= Alfred Oldfellow - =Jud and Joe.= Gilbert Patten - =Kit Carey’s Protege.= Lieut. Lounsberry - =Land of Mystery.= Edward S. Ellis - =Lieut. Carey’s Luck.= Lieut. Lounsberry - =Mark Stanton.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Midshipman Merrill.= Henry Harrison Lewis - =My Mysterious Fortune.= Matthew White, Jr. - =Mystery of a Diamond.= Frank H. Converse - =Nature’s Young Noblemen.= Brooks McCormick - =Ned Newton.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =New York Boy.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Old Man of the Mountain.= Geo. H. Coomer - =On the Trail of Geronimo.= Edward S. Ellis - =Perils of the Jungle.= Edward S. Ellis - =Peter the Whaler.= W. H. G. Kingston - =Pirate Island.= Harry Collingwood - =Rajah’s Fortress.= William Murray Graydon - =Rival Battalions.= Brooks McCormick - =Silver Ship.= Leon Lewis - =Spectre Gold.= Headon Hill - =That Treasure.= Frank H. Converse - =Tiger Prince.= William Dalton - =Tom Tracy.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Tour of a Private Car.= Matthew White, Jr. - =Uncle Nat.= Alfred Oldfellow - =Unprovoked Mutiny.= James Otis - =Voyage to the Gold Coast.= Frank H. Converse - =Walter Griffith.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =War Tiger.= William Dalton - =Way to Success.= Alfred Oldfellow - =Weathercock.= George Manville Fenn - =Wheeling for Fortune.= James Otis - =White Elephant.= William Dalton - =White King of Africa.= William Murray Graydon - =White Mustang.= Edward S. Ellis - =With Boer and Britisher.= William Murray Graydon - =Won at West Point.= Lieut. Lounsberry - =Young Acrobat.= Horatio Alger, Jr. - =Young Editor.= Matthew White, Jr. - =Young Vagabond.= Z. R. Bennett - -Any volume sent, postpaid, upon receipt of price - -STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - * * * * * - -CAMP AND CANOE SERIES - -By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE - -“Canoe and Camp-Fire” - -In this, the first book in the series, the splendid setting of the -story is in the woods of Maine. A grasping uncle waylays his nephew -in the pine wilderness and endeavors to force him to part with his -birthright. A sturdy chum comes to the rescue just in time, and joins -hands in routing the thieving relative. - -“Paddling Under Palmettos” - -The boys who play their parts in the second volume in this absorbing -series, are manly, whole-hearted boys, knowing no fear, whether set -upon at midnight while bivouacked around the camp-fire, or plying their -paddles in treacherous currents and menaced by unseen foes on shore. - -“The Rival Canoe Boys” - -Is the title of the third book in the “Camp and Canoe Series.” It is a -story of mystery, ill-fortune, and perseverance. Two manly boys, of the -lake region, are face to face with an unscrupulous specimen of the dude -type and a villainous guide, who is open for any crime, provided there -are enough dollars back of it. - -In Cloth: $1.00 per Volume - -_STREET & SMITH_ _238 William Street NEW YORK_ - - * * * * * - -The Rockspur Athletic Series - -_THE SIX BOOKS IN THIS SERIES ARE THE SORT THAT MUST APPEAL TO EVERY -BOY WHO IS FOND OF OUTDOOR EXERCISE OF WHATEVER KIND_ - -The Rockspur Nine - -Is a base-ball tale of absorbing interest, which must be read not alone -for its story--which is admirable--but also for its many hints on -pitching, catching and batting, that will be found invaluable to the -boy who wishes to shine in the base-ball world. - -The Rockspur Eleven - -Is, appropriately enough, a story of foot-ball; and it is impossible to -conceive a yarn more fascinating to the healthy boy who feels at his -best in his foot-ball rig. - -The Rockspur Rivals - -The scenes are those of winter, and most of the action takes place on -the ice. Here, too, there is much useful information in a readable -shape--this time about ice-boats, fancy skating, sleds and skis, and -ice hockey. - -Three other books will be added to the Series later on. Their titles -are: “The Rockspur Athletes,” “The Rockspur Crew,” and “The Rockspur -Champions.” - -_ELEGANTLY BOUND IN CLOTH $1.00 PER VOLUME_ - -Street & Smith, 238 William St., N. Y. - - * * * * * - -Ranch and Range Series - -_By St. GEORGE RATHBORNE_ - -There are no more delightful characters in fiction than Karl, the -young cowboy, and Cuthbert Lee, his tenderfoot “pard,” whose strange -adventures are chronicled in the three volumes which comprise this -series. - -In “=Sunset Ranch=,” which is the first volume in the “RANCH AND RANGE -SERIES,” Karl succeeds in saving from the clutches of a villainous -gang, Cuthbert’s long-lost cousin, a laughing-eyed maid who has spent -most of her life on the prairie. Fascinating in the extreme are the -descriptions of Cowboy life as it was in its most famous days; of the -grand round-up, range-riding, night “wrangling,” and Indian horse -racing. - -The scene changes to a lone dug-out in the pine woods in the second -book of the Series, which is called, “=Chums of the Prairie=.” There is -trouble for the two boys right along from the first chapter, whether it -be facing death in a bear’s den, or brought to bay by the gray terror -of the pine. - -Third in the “RANCH AND RANGE SERIES” comes “=The Young Range Riders=,” -in which Karl and Cuthbert invade the land of the Montezumas, and find -fresh adventure on a Mexican ranch. - -=In Cloth=, at all booksellers, =$1.00= per volume - -Street & Smith, 238 William St., N. Y. - - * * * * * - -THE FRANK MERRIWELL SERIES - -School Stories of Absorbing Interest - -It is not necessary to introduce the now famous Frank Merriwell to the -American boy. His name, associated as it is with the most marvelous -exploits and heroic deeds, has been known and loved for years by -countless youths on the western continent. This is the first time that -the Frank Merriwell stories have appeared in cloth. The demand for them -in this form grew so clamorous that it was no longer possible to delay -publication. The edition is a handsome one, well illustrated, type good -and large, and the covers are exceptionally fine. - -Frank Merriwell’s School Days - -This is the title of the first book in the series, and surely never -were schooldays so crowded with fun and incident as those of Frank -Merriwell. Right in the beginning he risks his own life to save a girl -in a battle royal with a mad dog. But, as well as heroism, there is -true sport, as any boy will say who reads about the great baseball game -in which Frank figures. - -Frank Merriwell’s Chums - -In addition to the good fellows who make life pleasant for Frank -Merriwell in the period covered by No. 1 of the series, we are here -introduced to several others, who keep the ball rolling and distinguish -themselves alongside their hero. - -Frank Merriwell’s Foes - -Even the best of fellows cannot help making enemies while jealousy -continues to play its part in school life. Frank is all that is manly -and candid, but there are enemies in camp, and he is frequently called -upon to prove his mettle in this the third volume in the series. - -_Bound in Cloth. One Dollar._ - -STREET & SMITH, 238 WILLIAM ST., NEW YORK - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Lt. James K. Orton was a pen name for James Otis Kaler. - -Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned. - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET CHART *** - -***** This file should be named 64070-0.txt or 64070-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/0/7/64070/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/64070-0.zip b/old/64070-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 944fa66..0000000 --- a/old/64070-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h.zip b/old/64070-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 33df4d2..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/64070-h.htm b/old/64070-h/64070-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 36813ff..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/64070-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10042 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Secret Chart, by James K. Orton. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p-1 {margin-top: -0.25em;} -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.r1 {margin-bottom:-0.25em} - -/*Modified horizontal rules to fix ePub display issue*/ -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -/*End modified horizontal rule CSS*/ - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -/*Table of Contents format*/ -table.toc { max-width: 30em;} -td.tocchapter{ text-align: right; vertical-align: top; padding-right: 0em;} -td.toctitle { text-align: left; vertical-align: top; text-indent: -1.3em; padding-left: 1.3em;} -td.tocpage { text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; padding-left: 1em;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.boxit{ - max-width: 38em; - padding: 1em; - border: 0.15em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; } - -.boxit1{ - max-width: 38em; - padding: 1em; - border: 0em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; } - -.boxit2{ - max-width: 38em; - padding-left: 1em; - border: 0em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; } - -.boxit3{ - max-width: 38em; - padding-left: 3em; - padding-right:3em; - border: 0em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; } - -/*Indent-padding*/ -.il1{padding-left:1em} -.ir0{text-align:right;} - -.displayinline{display:inline-block; line-height:1} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold;} - -/* Images */ -img {max-width: 100%; height:auto; } - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - max-width: 90%; -} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -/*CSS to set font sizes*/ -/*font sizes for non-header font changes*/ -.xxlargefont{font-size: xx-large} -.xlargefont{font-size: x-large} -.largefont{font-size: large} -.smallfont{font-size: small} -.boldfont{font-weight:bold} -.sansseriffont{font-family:sans-serif} -.cheaderfont{font-size:medium} - -/*CSS to force a page break in ePub*/ -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - -.nobreak{ - page-break-before: avoid; - padding-top: 0; -} - -/*Illustrated dropcap CSS*/ -img.drop-capi { - float: left; - margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; - position: relative; - z-index: 1; -} - -p.drop-capi-i{text-indent: 0em;} -p.drop-capi-i:first-letter{padding-right: 0.2em;} -p.drop-capi-i:first-letter{margin-left: -1.0em;} - -/*CSS markup for handhelds -- put at end of CSS*/ -@media handheld -{ - img.drop-capi { - display: none; - visibility: hidden; - } -p.drop-capi-i:first-letter{ - padding-right: 0em; - margin-left: 0em; - } -} -/*End CSS for handhelds*/ - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Secret Chart, by James K. Orton</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Secret Chart</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>or Treasure Hunting in Hayti</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: James K. Orton</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 22, 2020 [eBook #64070]</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy of the Digital Library@Villanova University)</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET CHART ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover." /> -</div> - - -<div style="padding-top:2em"> -<div id="B_42" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i002.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“Gil led his cousin forward.” <a href="#Ref_42">See page 42</a>.</p></div> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i003.jpg" alt="Title page." /> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h1 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">The Secret Chart</span></h1> - -<p class="center" style="line-height:2.5">OR<br /> -<span class="largefont">TREASURE HUNTING IN HAYTI</span></p> - -<p class="center largefont p2"><span class="smallfont">BY</span><br /> -LIEUT. JAMES K. ORTON</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-bottom:2em">Author of “The Last Chance Mine,” “Beach Boy Joe,” etc.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/icon.jpg" alt="Publisher's icon." /> -</div> - -<p class="center p2">PHILADELPHIA<br /> -<span class="largefont">DAVID McKay, PUBLISHER</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">610 South Washington Square</span> -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">Copyright, 1902<br /> -By STREET & SMITH</p> - -<p class="center">The Secret Chart -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="center"> -<table class="toc" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> -<tr><td class="tocchapter"><span class="smallfont smcap">Chapter</span></td><td></td> -<td class="tocpage"><span class="smallfont smcap">Page</span></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">I.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Discovery</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">5</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">II.</td><td class="toctitle">—At Sea</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">13</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">III.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Message</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">21</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">IV.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Castaways</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">29</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">V.</td><td class="toctitle">—Mischief</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">37</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">VI.</td><td class="toctitle">—Mutiny</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">45</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">VII.</td><td class="toctitle">—Set Adrift</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">53</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">VIII.</td><td class="toctitle">—Turning the Tables</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">61</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">IX.</td><td class="toctitle">—Bound South</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">69</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">X.</td><td class="toctitle">—Hayti</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">77</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XI.</td><td class="toctitle">—Conjectures</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">85</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XII.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Strange Spectacle</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">93</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIII.</td><td class="toctitle">—In Trouble</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">101</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIV.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Cave</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">109</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XV.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Discovery</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">117</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVI.</td><td class="toctitle">—Andy</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">125</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVII.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Successful Scheme</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">133</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVIII.</td><td class="toctitle">—Treasure Hunting</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">141</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIX.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Wreck</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">149</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XX.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Underground Passage</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">157</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXI.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Trap</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">165</a> -<span class="pagenum">[ii]</span></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXII.</td><td class="toctitle">—Run to Cover</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">173</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIII.</td><td class="toctitle">—Secret of the Cave</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">181</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIV.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Treasure Chamber</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">189</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXV.</td><td class="toctitle">—To the Rescue</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">197</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXVI.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Pitched Battle</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">205</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXVII.</td><td class="toctitle">—Under Cover</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">213</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXVIII.</td><td class="toctitle">—A Second Alarm</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">221</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIX.</td><td class="toctitle">—In the Tunnel</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">229</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXX.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Story</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">237</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXXI.</td><td class="toctitle">—An Opportune Arrival</td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">244</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXXII.</td><td class="toctitle">—The Departure</td><td class="tocpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">252</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center xxlargefont nobreak" style="margin-bottom:1em" id="CHAPTER_I">THE SECRET CHART.</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DISCOVERY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Near the mouth of Spuyten Duyvil Creek the yacht <em>Day -Dream</em> lay at anchor on a certain day in September, two -years ago.</p> - -<p>The driving rain only served to give her white hull, -with its trimmings of gold, an additional luster, bringing -into yet bolder relief the polished mahogany and -walnut inboard woodwork.</p> - -<p>Two sailors and an old colored steward remained below -to escape an unnecessary wetting, and the fifty-ton -beauty tugged at the cable as if trying to escape from her -moorings before her caretakers should be aware of the -fact.</p> - -<p>On the river bank, half-hidden by a clump of trees, was -the old stone house owned by Henry Mansfield, formerly -a captain in the China trade, but now retired. Having -accumulated considerable wealth, he believed it would be -more pleasant to remain ashore permanently; but, after -a short time of idleness, his love for the sea returned with -redoubled force, and, as a result, the <em>Day Dream</em> was purchased.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[6]</span></p> - -<p>On her the captain spent considerably more than half -his time, and now the little craft was provisioned for a -long southern cruise, much to the delight of the owner’s -son Gilbert, and his nephew, Nelson Duncan, who had, -after no slight difficulty, succeeded in gaining permission -to make the voyage.</p> - -<p>The boys were on shore overhauling their traps, preparatory -to leaving early next morning, and having considerable -trouble in deciding just what should be left behind.</p> - -<p>“We’ve laid out a big pile of stuff,” Gilbert said, as he -surveyed the guns, fishing tackle, clothes, and a general -assortment of odds and ends, which both he and his -cousin had thought would be necessary to their comfort -and pleasure during the voyage; “but if we throw anything -out, it will be just what we may want most when -the yacht is at sea.”</p> - -<p>“But how are we to get so much aboard?”</p> - -<p>“In case your trunk and mine won’t hold it all, there’s -an old chest in the attic, which will be the very ticket. -If it doesn’t stop raining pretty soon, we’ll have to get a -piece of tarpaulin to cover them while going out to the -schooner.”</p> - -<p>That the old chest would be needed was learned very -soon, and Gil said, with a sigh:</p> - -<p>“There’s no question but that something must be left. -We’ll pack the most important, and then decide as to the -rest. Come on, it won’t take long to overhaul what is in -the attic.”</p> - -<p>The only idea in the minds of the boys was to secure<span class="pagenum">[7]</span> -that which would serve as a receptacle for their goods -until the same could be carried to the schooner, and, on -finding the well-worn chest, it was only natural to first -make sure that it was empty.</p> - -<p>The rusted lock was fastened, and, eager to complete -the work as soon as possible, Gil knocked the hasp off by -kicking at it, after which the lid was thrown open.</p> - -<p>At first glance one would have said that it contained -nothing, but on turning it upside down several articles -rolled out.</p> - -<p>Idle curiosity, rather than a belief that anything important -would be found, caused the boys to pick up the -contents, and Nelse cried, as he went toward the window:</p> - -<p>“Say, Gil, here’s a piece of an old newspaper, containing -what appears to be an old story. Where did the -chest come from?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. Read what you have found, if it is -interesting.”</p> - -<p>“There is a long account here, but if you can keep -quiet a few moments, I’ll make it out, in spite of the many -creases and the dirt.”</p> - -<p>Then Nelse began the following:</p> - -<p>“North of that wild promontory which projects itself -into the tropic waters of the Mexican Gulf at the northwestern -extremity of Hayti, and four miles to seaward of -the ancient town, lies a rocky inlet known as Tortuga de -Mar. In size and aspect it is insignificant. Yet, lilliputian -and unfamiliar though it now is, it gave birth to the -most merciless and picturesque class of marine cutthroats -known to history.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[8]</span></p> - -<p>“Keep that until we start,” Gil said, impatiently, as his -cousin paused to take a long breath. “Just now we want -to get our traps aboard, instead of reading some musty -tale.”</p> - -<p>“Wait a moment, and find out what it means. We’ve -got plenty of time,” Nelse said, and then he continued:</p> - -<p>“Back in the opening decades of the seventeenth century -adventurous criminals from throughout the Antilles -began to collect on the islet, and in a few years Tortuga -became the recognized headquarters of the Spanish Main. -From it as from a fever germ went out a fire of blood, -piracy, and lawlessness which spread over the waters of -the Western World.</p> - -<p>“Tortuga was settled in the first years of this century -by Spanish pioneers from the island known as Hispanola, -or ‘Little Spain.’ It was given the fanciful name of Tortuga -de Mar, ‘The Sea Tortoise,’ from its resemblance in -shape to that amphibian. The settlers were a worthy and -simple folk, for the most part fishermen, who, for a few -months in the twelve, varied life by hunting the wild -cattle which fed in the wooded coast lands.</p> - -<p>“Scarcely had they become well established on the Tortoise, -when, one morning in May, 1632, they were mystified -at the sight of a pinnace load of strange seamen landing -on the key which faces the mouth of their harbor. -Fifteen restless spirits from the French colony of St. -Christopher had, with the adventurous recklessness which -marked that day and those waters, set out for the best -location which fortune and a west wind should put in -their way. They were allowed to put up sapodilla shelters<span class="pagenum">[9]</span> -at the harbor mouth, and also to shoot their French -bullets into wild bulls on the opposite coast.</p> - -<p>“In a few weeks it became evident that the rascally -strangers could slaughter and <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">boucan</i> more beeves in a -day than the entire Spanish community could in three. -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Boucanning</i>, by the way, was a peculiar process of curing -flesh by jerking, salting, and drying in the sunshine, the -term being derived from an aboriginal word applied by -the cannibal Caribbes to the curing of human flesh. Such -was the skill of the intruders in converting the bulls into -a superior, merchantable product by means of the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">boucan</i> -that the Spanish derisively applied the native word to -them.</p> - -<p>“As Tortuga lay directly in the path of European vessels -bound for Mexican ports, the fifteen Frenchmen immediately -built up a thriving business in <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">boucanned</i> beef. -Doubloons, pieces-of-eight, and moidores became to them -as shells or seabeans to the Spanish fishermen. Word -went back apace to St. Christopher, throwing that island -into such an uproar that the craze to go <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">a-boucanning</i> -carried its most unruly seamen to the Tortoise.</p> - -<p>“Frenchmen came down upon the islet like a swarm of -mosquitoes, and overran it before the simple Spanish -folks could recover from their astonishment. Ominous -growlings were heard among the original settlers, but for -such trivial matters as round Spanish oaths the intruders -cared never a whit. Just before dawn, December 1, 1633, -the Spanish islanders met at the plaza of their little town, -and descended headlong upon the intruders at the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">boucanning</i><span class="pagenum">[10]</span> -beaches. Then began a massacre, during which -the intruders were cut down wherever found.</p> - -<p>“Immediately after this the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">boucanning</i> foreigners -formed themselves into a band composed of a collection -of couples. Each two hunters made common property -of all possessions of either. They bound themselves by -every oath to an imperishable brotherhood. Each swore -to avenge with death any insult offered to the other. The -two hunted and lived together by day, slept together by -night, and were as one flesh; and always as the band -ranged the coast valleys, grew the purpose of avenging -the Tortuga massacre.</p> - -<p>“A few months later the Frenchmen took the islanders -by surprise. A carnival of butchery ensued. When it -was completed the village was burned. The most lawless -of the murderers was one Pierre Le Gros, a sailor of -oxlike frame and weight, hailing originally from Dieppe, -who, with twenty-seven fellow spirits, stole a small sloop -from a Tortugan skipper, and started on a nautical foray -on whatsoever Spanish merchantmen fate might cast in -his course.</p> - -<p>“The act was of sufficient gravity to daunt even the -chosen crew of cutthroats captained by Pierre, had the -proposed prey been anything but Spanish, since it was -plain piracy. For two days the sloop ran on before a -northerly wind, swinging down into the Caribbean Sea, -but sighting no craft. On the third afternoon out Pierre -spied a galleon, one of the Panama pearl fleet, which had -been separated from its sister vessels in a recent hurricane. -Until night shut down, he craftily kept away toward<span class="pagenum">[11]</span> -the windward horizon. Then, under cover of the -darkness, he swiftly and silently approached, coming -alongside at daybreak. The entire twenty-eight buccaneers -boarded the galleon, leaving their sloop adrift.</p> - -<p>“Six men rushed headlong to the gunroom, taking immediate -possession. Six more went to the clumsy steering -apparatus, while Pierre, with the remaining fifteen, -hove the morning watch overboard and made for the -cabin. On bursting into the captain’s room, Pierre found -the worthy Don playing at cards with his officers, and discussing -a goodly measure of Madeira.</p> - -<p>“Before the captain could speak, the pirates swarmed -into the apartment, and covered the group with their pistols. -In less than three minutes the prize was theirs. -The crew were marooned, and the galleon taken to -France, where, she and her cargo quickly disposed of, the -buccaneers left with all speed to rendezvous at the -Tortuga.</p> - -<p>“When the intelligence of this exploit reached the Tortoise, -the entire island was thrown into a hubbub. Nothing -was thought of but to go buccaneering for galleons. -Brig after brig and ship after ship were fitted out, and in -a year this species of piracy became a recognized business. -Ten years later the Spanish commerce in these waters had -been almost entirely destroyed. The sea was forsaken -for the richer prizes on land. The rich capital of Campeche -was sacked, to be, in turn, followed by Panama, and -the curers of beef had become such a power as to attract -the attention of every nation.”</p> - -<p>“Is that all?” Gil asked, as Nelse ceased reading.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[12]</span></p> - -<p>“Every word, and it isn’t such a bad sort of story, -except that there’s not more than half enough. I wonder -why your father has been keeping it in the chest?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe he knew it was here. But look at the -rest of this stuff! Do you suppose these have anything -to do with the piece of newspaper?”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Gil picked up the other articles, and he -and Nelse were gazing at them in perplexity when Captain -Mansfield entered the attic.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[13]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">AT SEA.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>“Well, what are you boys hunting for? Pirates’ gold?” -Captain Mansfield asked, with a hearty laugh, as he -looked over Gil’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>“We came here for this old chest, because our trunks -won’t hold all we want to carry, and in it found these -things, which I don’t suppose amount to anything; but I -can’t make out why you or any one else would want to -keep them.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Gil laid on the lid of the box the different, -apparently useless, articles which had fallen out when the -hasp was broken. They all had that peculiar musty, -salty odor, which tells of months spent in the forecastle, -while the good ship plows her way across this or that -ocean, one day aided by favoring winds, and on the next -battling for life with the spirit of the tempest.</p> - -<p>First the newspaper story was placed before Captain -Mansfield; then a small coil of thin, well-waxed cord; -then a piece of hard, dark-colored wood about four inches -long by two wide, with the following marks rudely cut, -as if with a sheathknife:</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i015.jpg" alt="F. S. 18-8 N. 5 W." /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[14]</span></p> - -<p>A fragment of an old British admiralty chart, showing -a portion of the northwestern end of the Island of Hayti, -was next examined, and then Gil unfolded a rough drawing, -of which the sketch below is an exact copy:</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i016.jpg" alt="Old British admiralty chart." /> -</div> - -<p>“Do you know where these things came from?” Gil -asked, after his father had gazed at the odd collection for -several moments in silence.</p> - -<p>“I never saw them before.”</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t this your chest?”</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield examined the outside of the box intently, -apparently more interested in the find than the -boys, and then said, slowly:</p> - -<p>“It belonged to an old sailor whom I found in Hong -Kong many years ago. He was in the last stages of consumption, -and begged me to bring him to this country. I -advised him to remain in the hospital, for it seemed certain -he would die at sea; but he persisted, and on the -fortieth day out we were obliged to give him a sailor’s -burial. The night he died we were doing our best to -save the ship, she having been partially dismasted in a<span class="pagenum">[15]</span> -typhoon, and when he asked for me, I was needed on -deck. He sent word by one of the men that I was to -keep his chest, which I did, although it seemed nothing -more than a dying man’s whim. It was probably brought -here with my dunnage, and I have never thought of it -since. Now I can fancy what sort of a yarn he wanted -to tell me.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose these things refer to buried treasure?” -Nelse asked, excitedly, remembering what had been read.</p> - -<p>“He probably thought he knew where some of the -buccaneers had hidden their booty. Take ten old sailors -together, and it is safe to say that five of them believe -they can find gold which has been hidden by pirates.”</p> - -<p>“Is what we read in the newspaper true?” Gil asked.</p> - -<p>“There can be no question about it. There have been -several reliable histories of these sea robbers written, and -by looking in an encyclopædia you will learn how fragmentary -this article is. New Segovia, in Honduras, was -sacked by them. Maracaibo and Gibraltar, in the Gulf -of Venezuela, were plundered by the buccaneers under -the command of D’Ollonois. Morgan, with two thousand -men, crossed the Isthmus to lay siege to Panama, and destroyed -it. Coxon ravaged the coast of Peru, and I might -go on telling of their crimes until next week without finishing -the story. All this doesn’t prove, however, that -your find contains a clew to buried gold.”</p> - -<p>“But why not try to learn if these things really amount -to anything?” Gil suggested, eagerly. “You have said -you didn’t care where we went, and this would give us a -purpose.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[16]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, and one involving no end of hard work; but if -you boys want to make the venture, and can decide where -this particular spot is located, I’ll head the <em>Day Dream</em> -for the place, and give you a chance.”</p> - -<p>Nelse and Gil began to express their gratification; but -the latter’s father interrupted them by saying:</p> - -<p>“Don’t thank me. Treasure hunting is very different -from what you fancy, and one day’s work, under a tropical -sun, no matter how promising your clews may be, -will result in a most intense desire to leave such jobs to -other idiots. It is time now to get your traps on board, -for the storm gives promise of clearing away, with a -favoring wind, and the <em>Day Dream</em> will be under way before -sunrise.”</p> - -<p>Then Captain Mansfield left them, and the boys set -about obeying his orders by first wrapping the supposed -guides to a large amount of wealth carefully in brown -paper, after which the remainder of the work was quickly -accomplished, for their minds were so filled by belief in -their ability to unearth a pirate’s hoard, that many things -were left behind, which, under less exciting circumstances, -would have been thought absolutely indispensable.</p> - -<p>An hour later the two were sitting in a snug corner of -the yacht’s kitchen, talking with the old darky who was -“de captin ob dis yere place,” and who rejoiced in the -name of Andrew Jackson Washington Storts.</p> - -<p>“De skipper am pow’ful fond ob loafin’ ’roun’ in de -schooner,” Andy said, by way of opening the conversation.</p> - -<p>“But this time it’s to be a regular cruise,” Gil replied.<span class="pagenum">[17]</span> -“We’re going for gold, and, unless a regular hurricane -strikes us, there’ll be no shortening of sail until we make -a harbor on the coast of Hayti.”</p> - -<p>“Wha—wha—wha’s dat?” Andy asked, in mingled surprise -and alarm, and turned suddenly to face the boy.</p> - -<p>“It’s nothing to be frightened about; we’re only going -to Hayti.”</p> - -<p>“After pirates’ gold?”</p> - -<p>“We shall make a try for it, although father don’t think -the venture will be success——”</p> - -<p>“Don’ do it, honey, don’ do it. Yo’ neber was dar, an’ -yer ain’ got any call fur to go.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll think we’ve had a call when you see what was -found in the chest of a sailor who died aboard uncle’s -ship,” Nelse said, laughingly.</p> - -<p>“You’se gwine kase ob wha’ a dead man tole yer?” and -now Andy exhibited every sign of fear.</p> - -<p>“Of course a dead man couldn’t tell us anything,” Gil -replied, impatiently. “We don’t believe in ghosts.”</p> - -<p>“But yer will, honey, ef dis yere craft anchors anywhere -’roun’ Hayti near the gold wha’s got blood on it.”</p> - -<p>“So you’ve heard about treasure being buried there?” -Nelse cried, excitedly.</p> - -<p>“I’se done more’n hear ’bout it, chile. Ef I should go -fur to tell yer all I’se seen, de berry hair would tumble -away frum yer head.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us about it, and we’ll risk our hair,” Gil said, -coaxingly.</p> - -<p>“Yer doesn’t know wha’ you’se askin’, chile. I’d done<span class="pagenum">[18]</span> -gone die dead ef I should splain half I’se seen in dat hole -ob de debble. Does yer hab any idee who’s libbin’ dere?”</p> - -<p>“The natives of the island, I suppose.”</p> - -<p>“Jes’ listen to me, chillun, an’ den go ashore same’s -I’se gwine fur to do ef de captain ’sists on headin’ dis yere -schooner to dat place. Dere’s voudoos ’roun’ de coast,” -and the old man looked over his shoulder, as he spoke, as -if believing some horrible punishment would be meted -out to him for so much as mentioning the dreaded name.</p> - -<p>“What are they?” Nelse asked, surprised at the exhibition -of fear.</p> - -<p>Andy looked at the questioner as if in pity because of -the ignorance displayed, and after a short, impressive -pause, replied, solemnly:</p> - -<p>“Ef yer doesn’ know, honey, Andy Storts ain’ de one -wha’s gwine fur to put yer in any trubble. Dem as goes -to dat ar place ain’ nebber gwine ter cum back, an’ yer -better foller me ashore, kase I don’ hanker arter bein’ -dead.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, the old darky began gathering up such -of his belongings as were in the galley, literally trembling -with fear meanwhile, and the boys regarded each -other in silent amazement until the trampling of feet overhead -caused Gil to dart up the narrow companionway.</p> - -<p>An instant later he shouted:</p> - -<p>“Come here, Nelse! The storm has cleared off, and -we are under way.”</p> - -<p>An exclamation of dismay burst from Andy’s lips, and, -dropping the articles from his arms, <a id="B_18" href="#Ref_18">he rushed to the -deck</a>.</p> - -<div id="Ref_18" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i049.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“Andy rushed to the deck.” <a href="#B_18">See page 18</a>.</p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[19]</span></p> - -<p>The <em>Day Dream</em> was already several miles from her -anchorage, sending the spray up from her glistening cut-water -as she glided swiftly, with every inch of canvas -drawing, toward the sea.</p> - -<p>The exhilaration of the sail caused the boys to forget -Andy and his fears temporarily, and they watched the -graceful craft threading her way in and out among the -many vessels and steamers, now apparently about to be -run down by some iron monster, and again threatening a -saucy tug with a blow of her fore foot.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield was standing near the helmsman, -watching over the safety of his yacht, when the old darky -approached him in the highest state of excitement.</p> - -<p>“I’se done gone altered up my mind, captin, an’ carn’ -go on dis yere cruise,” Andy cried, forgetting, in his -terror, that he had no right to speak to the master of the -schooner under such circumstances.</p> - -<p>“Hold your tongue and go back to the galley! I’ll -listen to you when we are outside.”</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter be set ashore, sah.”</p> - -<p>“You’re going to be thrown overboard, if you don’t -stop that noise and get away from here,” was the stern -reply, and, fearing present danger rather than that in the -future, the steward beat an undignified retreat, but at the -same time firmly resolved he would not allow himself to -be carried to sea in the <em>Day Dream</em>.</p> - -<p>Gil and Nelse had heard the short conversation; but -there were so many things to occupy their attention, that -they dismissed it for the time being, as something too -trivial to require a second thought.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[20]</span></p> - -<p>And each moment the <em>Day Dream</em> was drawing nearer -and nearer to the entrance of the harbor. The wind was -favoring, and Captain Mansfield, true to the instincts -which had animated him while in command of a ship, -thought only of showing his celerity in leaving port.</p> - -<p>Down through the narrows the little craft speeded, -leaving behind a wake of silver to show her course, and -from there to the lower bay, still holding the wind at its -best drawing point, until she was finally bowing and -courtesying to the long swell of the Atlantic, while in the -galley old Andy remained on his bended knees, praying -that stress of weather might force her into some port before -reaching Hayti, at which he could make his escape -from the terrible dangers which he firmly believed threatened -all who should attempt to recover the buried treasure -which had been gained only by the shedding of blood.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[21]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A MESSAGE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It is not to be supposed that the boys escaped a severe -attack of seasickness when the <em>Day Dream</em> was tossing -about on the Atlantic swell.</p> - -<p>Both had indulged in a certain amount of yachting in -the river and sound; but the violent leaps and plunges of -the schooner were something so entirely different from -what they had been accustomed to, that all power of resistance -was lost immediately giddiness and nausea seized -their victims.</p> - -<p>Therefore it was that the first two days out were not -particularly enjoyed by the boys; but, at the expiration of -that time, even the suggestion of fried salt pork failed to -disturb them, and once more they were in a condition to -speculate upon the possibility of finding a buried treasure.</p> - -<p>That old Andy had not succeeded in going ashore they -knew, because of having seen him several times; but his -fears had not been allayed, as could be told by the expression -on his face. He had the appearance of one who -fancies he is menaced by a sudden and immediate danger, -and glanced from time to time over his shoulder, -looking, as Nelse expressed it, “as if he believed half-a-dozen -pirates were trying to sneak up on him.”</p> - -<p>Half-an-hour after their first appearance on deck since<span class="pagenum">[22]</span> -the yacht left Sandy Hook, the boys paid the cook a visit, -and hardly were they inside the galley when he broached -the subject uppermost in his mind by asking:</p> - -<p>“Has you’se done gone tole de captin ’bout wha’s gwine -ter happen ef dis yere schooner fools ’roun’ de shore ob -Hayti?”</p> - -<p>“We haven’t done much of anything else than attend to -our stomachs for the last two days, Andy,” Gil replied, -with a laugh. “Why don’t you speak to him about it?”</p> - -<p>“I’se had ernough ob dat kin’ ob work. De night we -done lef’ port I tole him as how dis nigger wouldn’t stay -aboard, an’ by jes’ de po’est kin’ ob luck dere was a rope’s -end handy fur him to grab.”</p> - -<p>Andy rubbed his back, thus preventing any necessity -for further disclosures, and the boys laughed heartily, -thereby causing the old man to lose his temper.</p> - -<p>“Dere ain’ no fun in dem tings, an’ de captin’s gwine -ter fin’ out de se’rus side ob life ef he keeps dis yere craf’ -headed like she am now.”</p> - -<p>“It’s foolish for you to trouble your head about what -we may find in Hayti,” Nelse replied, earnestly, “for even -in case we should touch at the very spot where these voudoos -hang out, you needn’t go ashore.”</p> - -<p>“Dey kin cum at yer anywhere,” Andy said, with an -ominous shake of the head, and then he turned so suddenly, -in order to look over his shoulder, lest the phantoms -of the pirates should be pursuing him, that he nearly -toppled headlong.</p> - -<p>As a matter of course, the boys enjoyed this hugely, -and their mirth only served to kindle his wrath anew.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[23]</span></p> - -<p>He closed his thick lips tightly, as if to say he would -not allow himself to be coaxed into speaking again, and -Gil was on the point of trying to soothe him, when a -shout from above caused him to remain silent.</p> - -<p>“The captain says the boys are to come on deck and -see what we have picked up.”</p> - -<p>Gil and Nelse obeyed hurriedly, and were not a little -surprised at seeing nothing more than a dead bird lying -on the main hatch.</p> - -<p>“Did you shoot it?” Gil cried, in surprise, wondering -how it happened that they had not heard the report of -firearms.</p> - -<p>“It was dead, floating, and we picked it up,” Captain -Mansfield replied.</p> - -<p>“What for?”</p> - -<p>“I saw something red had been tied under the poor -thing’s wing, and wanted to find out what it meant. By -doing so, we shall be able to rescue several unfortunate -men from considerable suffering, if not death.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” Gil asked, in astonishment, and -in reply his father held up a small piece of brown paper.</p> - -<p>“This was what we found wrapped in a tarred cloth, -with a bit of red flannel to attract attention. The cord -was a piece of gut, which has swelled until the messenger -choked to death.”</p> - -<p>Gil took the paper almost reverentially, and, as Nelse -looked over his shoulder, read the following:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Shipwrecked men on Walker Key at the northern slope of -Little Bahama Banks, dying from thirst.</p></div> - -<p>This message from the sea, brought by a bird, and discovered<span class="pagenum">[24]</span> -only by the merest chance, caused the boys the -most intense astonishment, and Gil asked, breathlessly:</p> - -<p>“Do you believe it can be true, father?”</p> - -<p>“People do not do such things for sport. It must have -cost them considerable labor and ingenuity to catch this -gull, and if they are yet alive, we’ll soon relieve their -sufferings.”</p> - -<p>“Are you heading for there now?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and it is very nearly a true course for us. We -had only to shift the helm a couple of points.”</p> - -<p>“When shall we arrive?”</p> - -<p>“To-morrow noon, if this wind holds. Go into the -cabin, and by looking at the chart which is spread out on -the table, you will learn exactly where the sufferers were -when this gull was set free.”</p> - -<p>The boys went below, after looking once more at the -bird which had performed its mission, even in death, and -then it was not difficult to ascertain very nearly the position -of the schooner, for the course had been traced in -pencil on the chart up to that morning.</p> - -<p>“We can’t be delayed very long,” Gil said, after they -had gratified their curiosity, “for if the men are yet alive -they’ll be ready to leave the key at a moment’s notice; -but I suppose it will be necessary to put them ashore somewhere -before we go to Hayti.”</p> - -<p>“You are talking as if we knew exactly where to find -the place marked out on the paper we found.”</p> - -<p>“Well, don’t we?”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t like to say that I do.”</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t seem as if there could be any question about<span class="pagenum">[25]</span> -it. The piece of newspaper referred to what had taken -place on the Tortuga de Mar, and the fragment of chart -showed that island——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and a portion of Hayti as well.”</p> - -<p>“But the drawing represents a small body of land.”</p> - -<p>“Look at it again, and you’ll see that only a part has -been shown. How do you know it does not represent the -end of some other key?”</p> - -<p>“The newspaper shows that.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so,” Nelse replied, firmly. “What we -read was the story of how buccaneering first came about, -and, of course, it was necessary to speak of the small key -where it had its birth.”</p> - -<p>“If that was its only use, why did the owner of the -things we found keep it so carefully?”</p> - -<p>“Probably to show his shipmates that at least a portion -of his story was true.”</p> - -<p>Until this moment Gil had had but little time to speculate -upon the supposed treasure, owing to the fact of his -having been taken sick so soon after the discovery in the -attic was made, and now a very unpleasant doubt came -into his mind.</p> - -<p>It no longer seemed such an easy matter to find the -place designated, and he began to fear the treasure hunting -would be brought to an end before it had really commenced.</p> - -<p>“I shall believe the Tortuga de Mar is the place until -we have searched over it pretty well,” Gil said, after a -long pause. “Then, if nothing is found, we’ll say the -drawing must refer to some spot on the island of Hayti.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[26]</span></p> - -<p>“But what about the voudoos which are causing Andy -so much alarm?”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” a voice asked from the companionway, -and an instant later Captain Mansfield was in the cabin. -“Where did you boys ever hear anything about voudoos?”</p> - -<p>“Andy says they’ll kill us if we attempt so much as to -anchor near where any pirate hoard is supposed to be -hidden,” Gil replied, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>“So that is why he insists on being put ashore?” the -captain said, half to himself.</p> - -<p>“Is there any real reason why he should be afraid?” -Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“Certainly not. It is true that there are a large number -of negroes, more especially in Hayti, who believe in -that sort of mummery; but you can hunt for the treasure -just as long as you please without fear of being molested -by any of them.”</p> - -<p>“And you are willing we should make the attempt?”</p> - -<p>“Dig away as much as you please; but I fancy a couple -of days’ work will give you all the searching that’s -needed.”</p> - -<p>“Will you help us find the spot as shown by the -drawing?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll spend a short time at it, providing we have safe -anchorage for the schooner.”</p> - -<p>This was even more than Gil had dared to hope, and -his spirits revived wonderfully.</p> - -<p>“Then we shan’t have any trouble in bringing away a -lot of gold,” he cried, and from that moment until it was<span class="pagenum">[27]</span> -time to retire, save when they were eating, he and Nelse -studied the tracing on the piece of brown paper.</p> - -<p>When the boys “turned in,” the wind was blowing -steadily from the same quarter as when the message from -the shipwrecked ones was received, and there appeared to -be no doubt but that the <em>Day Dream</em> would make the key -at the time set by Captain Mansfield.</p> - -<p>Even the idea of the treasure did not prevent the boys -from thinking very much of the sufferers, whom they -hoped to be able to relieve, and on awakening next morning, -the first question was as to whether the necessary -rate of speed had been maintained.</p> - -<p>“We’ll be there on time,” Captain Mansfield replied, -cheerily. “Before twelve o’clock we shall have performed -a good deed at the expense of but little trouble, -or have the satisfaction of knowing we did all that was -possible, under the circumstances.”</p> - -<p>Old Andy seemed to have resolved that he would find -cause for fear in everything which happened.</p> - -<p>“We’se gwine straight to de debble,” he grumbled, -when the boys spoke with him about the shipwrecked -men. “Dere’s no use ter try an make me tink a bird -knowed enuf after he was dead, to float alongside dis yere -schooner so’s we could get de writin’, kase it don’ stan’ to -reason.”</p> - -<p>“That part of it was chance, of course,” Gil replied, -“and I can’t see that there is anything strange in the men -doing all they could to attract attention.”</p> - -<p>“Wha’ men?”</p> - -<p>“Those who have been shipwrecked.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[28]</span></p> - -<p>“Dere’s sumfin wrong ’bout de whole bizness, kase -where’s de sailor man what kin ketch a gull? I’se tellin’ -you, honey, dat de voudoos hab foun’ out whar we was -gwine, an’ am beginnin’ to——”</p> - -<p>He did not have an opportunity to finish the sentence, -for at this point the boys literally roared with laughter, -and he turned away indignantly, refusing to speak again -until some one from the deck shouted:</p> - -<p>“The key is in sight. If you boys want to get the first -glimpse of the shipwrecked sailors, it is time you were -tumbling up here.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[29]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE CASTAWAYS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Gil and Nelse, who had expected to see an island of -fair proportions, were considerably disappointed on reaching -the deck at the scene before them.</p> - -<p>A long, low stretch of sand, hardly rising above the -level of the ocean, could be distinguished directly ahead, -and was about as uninviting a place as one could find. -Toward the eastward the surf broke with considerable -violence, and this it was, rather than the key itself, which -attracted attention to the spot.</p> - -<p>Already preparations were being made to lower one of -the boats, and Gil asked his father:</p> - -<p>“How near can we go to land?”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t safe to venture very far across. It is all shoal -water to the westward of us, and I shall hold the schooner -off about a mile.”</p> - -<p>“Do you see any signs of them?”</p> - -<p>“The smoke is enough to show they’re keeping a pretty -sharp lookout,” and Captain Mansfield pointed to a thin -thread of blue, which had been unnoticed by the boys -until this moment. “That is a signal which they started -the moment we hove in sight; but it’s dying down, now -we’ve shown our intention of running toward them.”</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later the boys could distinguish, by aid of<span class="pagenum">[30]</span> -the glass, a number of figures on the beach, and Nelse -said, with a laugh:</p> - -<p>“Andy will be more certain than ever that the voudoos -have had a hand in this business when he finds out how -many extra men he is obliged to cook for. It looks to -me as if there were at least a dozen.”</p> - -<p>“Fully as many as that,” Captain Mansfield added, -“and we shall be crowded uncomfortably for a while; but, -fortunately, Nassau isn’t so far away that we need worry -very much about lack of room.”</p> - -<p>At this moment the old darkey came on deck, and Gil -shouted:</p> - -<p>“There’s a whole crowd of them! The voudoos have -sent us lots of company.”</p> - -<p>Andy looked from the captain to the key in a sort of -bewilderment, and one of the sailors, who stood near him, -said:</p> - -<p>“You’ll have your hands full now, cookee, for we’re -likely to add twelve or fifteen to this schooner’s crew.” -Andy raised his arms above his head, as if in despair, -and then turning suddenly, ran below to the galley, from -which place he did not emerge again until it was time to -serve dinner.</p> - -<p>The schooner was hove to, when it seemed to the boys -as if she was a very long distance to the eastward of the -key; but, as a matter of fact, she was on the edge of the -bank, and as near in shore as it was safe to venture.</p> - -<p>One of the small boats was lowered, and two sailors -rowed toward the shore.</p> - -<p>The mate of the yacht—Job Jenkins, a young man not<span class="pagenum">[31]</span> -more than twenty-five years of age—was leaning over -the rail near where Gil and Nelse stood, and after watching -the men as they pulled the tender around to the western -shore of the key, to avoid the heavy breakers, he said, -petulantly:</p> - -<p>“I ain’t a-sayin’ but what it’s our duty to take that -crowd off; yet it’s bound to use up the rest of this day, -and by sunset there won’t be so much as a breath of air -stirring.”</p> - -<p>“Better a calm than a hurricane,” Gil replied, with a -smile.</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure of that. The yacht can hold her own -under considerably more than a capful of wind, and I had -rather see her driving through the worst kind of a smother -than lying here with that mob on board.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Jenkins, can you make out any wreckage hereabouts?” -Captain Mansfield asked, lowering the glass -which he had been using.</p> - -<p>“No, sir, and that is just what has been puzzling me. -I don’t understand how so many could have reached the -key without some kind of a craft, and if any vessel large -enough to carry such a crew had gone ashore within the -past three weeks, the hull should be held by the sand.”</p> - -<p>“It has an odd look,” the captain replied, as he walked -farther aft to get a view from another point.</p> - -<p>By this time the tender had gained the shore, and the -shipwrecked party, after quarreling among themselves, -made a rush for the boat.</p> - -<p>“At least four trips will be necessary in order to get<span class="pagenum">[32]</span> -them all on board,” Jenkins suggested, and Captain -Mansfield replied:</p> - -<p>“Unless they are in a bad condition, which doesn’t appear -to be the case, let them do a portion of the work. -One man is enough to take the boat back, and the -strangers can pull out to us.”</p> - -<p>Gil and Nelse watched eagerly as the first load approached -the yacht, and a scrutiny of the newcomers was -not at all favorable to them as good specimens of sailors.</p> - -<p>They were a thoroughly disreputable-looking set, bearing -no evidences of hardship, and the boys fancied all -were more or less under the influence of liquor.</p> - -<p>“Well,” Captain Mansfield said, as the first one, a -bushy-whiskered man, who appeared to be the leader, -came over the rail; “you don’t seem to be in as desperate -straits as I fancied would be the case when I found the -gull.”</p> - -<p>“So you got the writin’, eh?” the man replied, with a -laugh. “I thought Johnson was wastin’ his time when he -laid ’round a couple of days tryin’ to catch the bird; but -it has turned out mighty lucky for us, after all.”</p> - -<p>“<a id="B_32" href="#Ref_32">What vessel are you from?</a>”</p> - -<div id="Ref_32" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i131.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“What vessel are you from?” <a href="#B_32">See page 32</a>.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>“The brig <em>Mary and Jane</em>, from Savannah for Nassau, -with an assorted cargo. There must have been a fire in -the hold when we left port, for we fought it from the -second day out until it got the best of us, and we had to -leave the old hooker.”</p> - -<p>“Were you the captain?”</p> - -<p>“Not much. He and the mates took the only boat that -would swim, and left us to shirk for ourselves.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[33]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you mean to say that they deserted the crew?” -Captain Mansfield asked, watching the man sharply:</p> - -<p>“That’s jest the size of it. My mates and I made shift -to get to the key, an’ there we’ve been ever since.”</p> - -<p>It was some seconds before Gil’s father spoke again, -and the sailor shuffled about uneasily under his searching -gaze.</p> - -<p>“You said you were without water.”</p> - -<p>“We haven’t had a drop since we landed; but a couple -of casks of rum come ashore, an’ we’ve managed to get -along with that.”</p> - -<p>“Did you scuttle the brig before leaving her?”</p> - -<p>“There was no chance to do anything of the kind. We -kept her headed for the key till the fire got the best of -us, and she was in a light blaze when we saw her last.”</p> - -<p>“How many are there of you?”</p> - -<p>“Fourteen all told.”</p> - -<p>“It’ll be snug stowing; but we’ll run for Nassau, and -land you as soon as possible,” and Captain Mansfield -turned as if to intimate that the interview was at an end.</p> - -<p>“You’ll have to take deck passage, for there are only -four bunks in the forecastle, and they are all filled,” Mr. -Jenkins said, as he motioned the men forward.</p> - -<p>“All right. Of course, we’re willin’ to stand our share -of the work,” the man replied, as he slouched along the -deck with a swaggering air.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got crew enough, and in a small craft like this, -you would only be in the way.”</p> - -<p>Then the mate gave orders that the sailors should return -with the boat, and the little craft was headed for the<span class="pagenum">[34]</span> -shore once more, while the newcomers covertly examined -the yacht, as if they had a personal interest in her sea-going -qualities.</p> - -<p>The captain appeared to be so disturbed in mind that -neither Gil nor Nelse ventured to ask him any questions -relative to the men whom he was taking off the key; the -boys stood amidships, where they could see all that was -going on, and as Captain Mansfield paced to and fro, only -stopping now and then to exchange a few words with Mr. -Jenkins, Nelse whispered:</p> - -<p>“I don’t think your father is any too well pleased at -having so many people aboard.”</p> - -<p>“I’m certain he isn’t, and can’t wonder at it. They are -a tough-looking set, and could make no end of trouble, if -they were so disposed.”</p> - -<p>By this time the second load had come from the key, -and were no more prepossessing in appearance than the -first arrivals.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield questioned them sharply, receiving -in substance the same replies as from the others, and -when the boat was headed for the shore again, he called -Mr. Jenkins to him.</p> - -<p>Eager to know what was said, Gil motioned Nelse to -follow him, and the two went aft where the conversation -could be overheard.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of the story they tell?” Captain -Mansfield asked his mate.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t reasonable, and I believe it has been cooked up -for our especial benefit. That all the officers of a brig -should abandon the crew doesn’t sound reasonable.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[35]</span></p> - -<p>“I am of the same opinion. They have either deserted -from their vessel, or mischief has been done.”</p> - -<p>“In case it was nothing more than desertion, they would -have had a boat.”</p> - -<p>“The same argument holds good under other and more -desperate circumstances.”</p> - -<p>“Very true, sir.”</p> - -<p>“We may never learn the truth; but we can take every -precaution against trouble. Keep your eyes open, Mr. -Jenkins, and don’t give them an opportunity to play us -any game.”</p> - -<p>“I will see to it that they haven’t much rope aboard this -craft,” the mate replied, and then the conversation was -interrupted by Andy’s announcement that dinner was -ready.</p> - -<p>The third boatload had not come off when the boys -went into the cabin, and there saw the old darky looking -thoroughly distressed.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” Gil asked, while they were waiting -for his father to come below.</p> - -<p>“Say, honey, does you know how many ob dese yere -sailors am comin’ aboard?”</p> - -<p>“Fourteen.”</p> - -<p>“An’ am all ob dem gwine ter stay on de yacht?”</p> - -<p>“There’s no other place for them until we can make -Nassau.”</p> - -<p>“Den you hark to wha’ de ole man am tellin’ yer,” and -Andy looked cautiously around to make sure no one from -the deck could hear him. “Dis yere cruise am boun’ ter<span class="pagenum">[36]</span> -end in trubble, an’ ef de captain keeps de yacht pinted for -Hayti, we’se nebber gwine ter git back.”</p> - -<p>“Is this another case of the voudoos?” Nelse asked, -with a laugh.</p> - -<p>“Now, don’ make fun ob wha’ de ole man tells yer, -honey, an’ ef dere’s a chance to ’swade de captin ter turn -’roun’ when we strikes Nassau, go fur him lively.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t likely father would put the schooner about, -simply because of what the voudoos might do, and if we -should say anything, it might only make matters worse.”</p> - -<p>At this point Captain Mansfield came below, and Andy, -looking decidedly distressed, began to serve the meal.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[37]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">MISCHIEF.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Mr. Jenkins’ predictions regarding the time necessary -to bring the castaways on board, and the weather, were -verified.</p> - -<p>Not until nearly sunset did the little tender make the -last trip to the key, and by that time the calm was “raging.” -There was not air enough stirring to lift the -thread of blue at the truck, and the atmosphere had suddenly -grown so hot as to be almost stifling.</p> - -<p>If Captain Mansfield had reason to distrust those whom -he was trying to aid, during the first interview, he had -good proof of their evil natures before the wind sprang -up again.</p> - -<p>All the castaways were under the influence of liquor -to a greater or less degree, and those who came latest -must have contrived to bring an additional supply to their -companions.</p> - -<p>Andy had prepared a substantial meal, which was -served on deck, and, instead of being grateful for the -same, there was more grumbling than might have been -expected from sailors whose only food for many days had -been “salt horse.”</p> - -<p>The bushy-whiskered fellow, who acted as the leader -of the party was particularly aggressive, and, when<span class="pagenum">[38]</span> -Andy had set out a well-cooked, generous amount of -corned beef, potatoes and cabbage—such a spread as they -would not have received anywhere, save on a pleasure -yacht—he asked, in a surly tone:</p> - -<p>“Is this the kind of stuff you’re willin’ to put afore -shipwrecked men?”</p> - -<p>“It’s de same as our own crew gets, an’ I ’lows as how -you’se kin make out ef yer berry hungry,” the cook replied, -angrily, turning to re-enter the galley.</p> - -<p>“Don’t answer me back, you black villain, or I’ll break -every bone in your body!” and the man sprang to his feet -with a show of rage.</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter say wha’ I wants ter,” Andy replied, -angrily. “I’se de cook ob dis yere craft, an’ ef yer -spectin’ ter git grub, dere ain’ no call fur yippin’.”</p> - -<p>“Hold your tongue!” the fellow cried, seizing his tin -plate of food and hurling it at the old darkey’s head.</p> - -<p>Andy dodged the missiles, which, striking the companionway, -were scattered over the clean deck, and the -infuriated man ran toward him with the evident purpose -of inflicting bodily injury.</p> - -<p>It so chanced that Captain Mansfield came from the -cabin at the same instant the plate was thrown, and, before -anything more could be done, he shouted:</p> - -<p>“Hold on there! What is the meaning of all this?”</p> - -<p>The words were sufficient to cause the man to halt suddenly, -and, turning around, he replied, in a sullen, insolent -tone:</p> - -<p>“I don’t reckon on taking lip from any nigger, no matter -who he is.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[39]</span></p> - -<p>The cook was still standing in the companionway, and -going forward quickly, the captain asked him what had -been said.</p> - -<p>The sailor would have given his version of the affair, -attempting to prevent the old darky from speaking; but -Captain Mansfield said, sternly:</p> - -<p>“Hold your tongue, unless you want to be set ashore -again, and I’m not certain I should take the trouble of -using the boat.”</p> - -<p>Andy gave a truthful account of all that had occurred, -and concluded by saying, as he pointed to the food on the -deck:</p> - -<p>“Dere it be, capt’in, de same as I send to de cabin.”</p> - -<p>By this time all the alleged shipwrecked men had laid -aside their plates to gather around the leader, standing -very near the captain in threatening attitudes, and, attracted -by the noise, Mr. Jenkins came on deck.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield looked squarely in the fellow’s face -fully half-a-minute before he said:</p> - -<p>“There is your supper. You will get no more to-night, -and you are either to eat or throw it overboard. In addition, -you will clean the deck at once.”</p> - -<p>The man stood in an attitude of defiance, glancing now -and then at his companions, but making no move toward -obeying the orders; and Gil’s father, turning to the mate, -said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Jenkins, if my instructions have not been carried -out properly at the end of five minutes, throw this man -overboard. Call all hands, including the boys, if you need -assistance.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[40]</span></p> - -<p>Then the captain walked aft again, and the castaways -began whispering among themselves as if trying to decide -whether it would be safe to defy him.</p> - -<p>Gil and Nelse stood near the wheel, where they could -hear and see everything. Both wanted to go forward, -but the former’s father checked them by saying, in a low -tone:</p> - -<p>“Remain where you are, unless Mr. Jenkins should -call; in which case, you are to obey his orders implicitly.”</p> - -<p>The mate was evidently making ready to carry out his -instructions. All the men, save the man who had thrown -the food, were sent back to the main hatch, and the young -sailor was looking at his watch in an ominous manner.</p> - -<p>The castaway muttered something which the boys could -not understand; made a series of gestures to his companions, -but, without receiving any reply, and then in a -sulky manner began throwing the food overboard.</p> - -<p>“Bring a swab here,” Mr. Jenkins called to one of the -crew, and the shipwrecked man used it vigorously until -the stains had been removed from the white planks.</p> - -<p>“Now, where am I to get my supper?” the fellow asked, -sullenly.</p> - -<p>“We don’t serve two meals at the same time on board -this craft, and, in case you want to be carried to Nassau, -I advise that you keep a civil tongue in your head, for -the captain is no fresh-water sailor, to allow an old barnacle -like you to back him down.”</p> - -<p>Then the mate walked aft, and the rescued party began -to discuss the situation in whispers.</p> - -<p>“That’s a fine crowd to ask honest sailors for assistance,”<span class="pagenum">[41]</span> -Mr. Jenkins said, in a low tone, when he stood by -Captain Mansfield’s side. “If this calm lasts very long, -we are bound to have trouble with them.”</p> - -<p>“Keep your weather eye lifting, and they can’t do much -mischief. They are all a little the worse for liquor now, -but when that wears off things will straighten out.”</p> - -<p>“It would be serving the whole boiling lot right to set -’em ashore.”</p> - -<p>“That would be inhuman, and, besides, neither you nor -I care to say that we’re afraid of a lot of sailors.”</p> - -<p>“You would be warranted in trying to avoid trouble, -more especially when there are so many aboard.”</p> - -<p>“We won’t discuss the matter any further, Mr. Jenkins. -Keep them well under your eye, and we’ll soon run -down this bank.”</p> - -<p>Both Gil and Nelse understood that the captain, as well -as his mate, felt a trifle uneasy because of the strangers, -who outnumbered the available force of the yacht more -than two to one; but forcing them to return to the key -was not to be thought of for a single moment, and it only -remained for the officers to be on the alert.</p> - -<p>Owing to the heat, and, possibly, because of the alleged -shipwrecked mariners, the boys found it impossible to -close their eyes in slumber at a very early hour on this -particular night.</p> - -<p>Before retiring, Nelse had proposed that they pay Andy -a visit, but Gil objected on the score that it would only be -to hear his croaking relative to the visit to Hayti, and, -feeling decidedly disturbed in mind because of other reasons, -time spent in the galley promised but little pleasure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[42]</span></p> - -<p>When the boys went below, the rescued party were -stretched out amidships, more comfortable there than they -would have been below, and, so far as could be judged by -their respective positions, intent only on seeking repose.</p> - -<p>Two hours later, after Gil and Nelse had tossed and -turned in their bunks, unable to sleep because of the -almost stifling heat, the latter said:</p> - -<p>“Let’s go on deck. There’s no chance we shall close -our eyes to-night if these mosquitoes continue so industrious, -and we may as well be where it is possible to get -the benefit of whatever air is stirring.”</p> - -<p>“I’m ready to go, but we must move softly, in case -father happens to be asleep.”</p> - -<p>Because of this caution, the two gained the deck in -nearly perfect silence, and the night was so dark that they -could not be seen by those who might be on watch, save -from a very short distance.</p> - -<p>On the starboard side aft Mr. Jenkins was pacing to -and fro, the sound of his footsteps alone disturbing the -silence, and from the other side came a subdued murmur, -which told that the strangers were yet engaged in conversation.</p> - -<p>Without knowing exactly why he did so, <a id="Ref_42" href="#B_42">Gil led his -cousin forward</a> until it was possible to distinguish what -the rescued men were talking about, and then that which -he heard was sufficient to attract his closest attention.</p> - -<p>The bushy-whiskered fellow appeared to be the chief -speaker, and he said, just as the boys drew near:</p> - -<p>“There are only five, counting the skipper and mate. -The cook and the cubs don’t amount to anything. This<span class="pagenum">[43]</span> -yacht is a clipper, and, with her, we could soon find a -market for what has been left on the key.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think we’ve done enough already?” a voice -asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, if all hands have turned cowards. We shall not -get any deeper in the mud by taking what has come to us, -and, with a craft like this, everything is possible. I -wouldn’t want a better berth than to sail such a schooner -around the keys, stopping whenever we wanted two or -three days ashore, and going wherever we took a fancy.”</p> - -<p>“You know what that means,” the same voice said.</p> - -<p>“Supposin’ I do, haven’t we done the same thing already? -We can go ashore at Nassau, and then it may be -a good many months before we dare take what we’ve -earned. I’m for making the most of a good chance.”</p> - -<p>“But how can it be fixed?”</p> - -<p>“Come nearer an’ I’ll tell you; there’s no need of yelling -when there are so many to hear.”</p> - -<p>The doubter moved across the deck, and Gil pressed -his companion’s arm in token that they should retire.</p> - -<p>“There’s no need of listening to anything more,” Gil -said, when they were so near the wheel that there was no -danger the words would be overheard. “Those fellows -are plotting mutiny, and it is necessary father should -know it.”</p> - -<p>“Why not speak with Mr. Jenkins?” Nelse whispered.</p> - -<p>“Then we would be obliged to repeat the story twice. -Come below!”</p> - -<p>Nelse followed without further remonstrance, and a -few moments later Captain Mansfield had learned sufficient<span class="pagenum">[44]</span> -to convince him that his guests were not the most -honest people in the world.</p> - -<p>“Are you certain no mistake has been made?” he asked, -when Gil concluded the narrative.</p> - -<p>“We heard everything very distinctly, and I am positive -the words have been repeated correctly.”</p> - -<p>“Call Mr. Jenkins, but do not let any one hear you,” -and Captain Mansfield sprang from his berth as Gil went -toward the companion-way.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[45]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">MUTINY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>To find the mate and tell him he was wanted in the -cabin did not occupy many moments, and the rescued -party, who had turned mutineers almost at the same moment -their appeal for help had been answered, apparently -paid no attention to the boy’s movements.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield repeated to Mr. Jenkins what Gil -told him when the two were alone and the companion-hatch -drawn to prevent the possibility of the conversation -being overheard, and the expression which came over the -mate’s face showed how serious he believed was the situation.</p> - -<p>“I am not surprised,” he said, thoughtfully. “After -the row with Andy, we had good reason to look for anything -in the way of rascality. What do you propose to -do?”</p> - -<p>“I hardly know.”</p> - -<p>“Although my opinion has not been asked, I should -say we had better set them ashore as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>“To do that we would be precipitating the trouble, and, -besides, I hardly see how it can be done. When the first -boatload was landed, they might refuse to let the tender -be brought back, even in case they left the schooner willingly. -It is not going to be an easy matter to enforce<span class="pagenum">[46]</span> -obedience while they so far outnumber us. What is the -look of the weather?”</p> - -<p>“I think we shall have a fair sailing breeze by midnight.”</p> - -<p>“Then it will be best to make an attempt to land them -at Nassau. Arm yourself, and we will both remain on -duty. At the first sign of insubordination use your -weapons promptly.”</p> - -<p>It could be seen that Mr. Jenkins was not pleased with -this decision, but he was too good a sailor to find fault -with the commands of his superior officer.</p> - -<p>He entered his cabin, reappeared a moment later with -bulging pockets, and went toward the companion-ladder, -stopping there only long enough to say:</p> - -<p>“You will not be needed on deck, captain. I’ll answer -for that crowd until daylight.”</p> - -<p>“It can do no harm to take excessive precautions, more -especially when they involve nothing more serious than -the loss of sleep. If you see the slightest sign of trouble, -call me.”</p> - -<p>The mate went out into the gloom, and Captain Mansfield -said to the boys:</p> - -<p>“There is no particular reason why you should be -frightened, but, at the same time, it is well to be prepared -for any emergency. Keep your revolvers where they can -be used at a moment’s notice, but do not make any move -toward using them without an express command from me -to that effect.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think the men will attempt to seize the -schooner?” Gil asked, in a tremulous voice.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[47]</span></p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it; but yet almost anything is possible, -and that is why I want you to be prepared. If we get a -good sailing breeze at midnight, we shall be in Nassau -before those scoundrels can form a plan.”</p> - -<p>Then the captain went on deck to have a look around, -and the boys discussed the question of “turning in.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe it would be possible for me to close my -eyes while knowing those men are ready for mischief, -and there can be no mistake as to what we heard,” Nelse -said, in a whisper. “Why can’t we sit here in the cabin -all night?”</p> - -<p>“Father wouldn’t like it, and, besides, if that crowd -should see us, they would know we had discovered their -secret.”</p> - -<p>“Do you intend to lie down?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but there is no necessity of undressing, and, in -case anything does happen, we shall be ready to do our -share.”</p> - -<p>Nelse would have preferred to remain on deck, but he -knew Captain Mansfield would not agree to such a plan, -therefore he followed his cousin to the tiny room which -adjoined the one occupied by Gil’s father.</p> - -<p>However uneasy they might be regarding the intention -of the alleged shipwrecked crew, it was impossible to remain -awake very long after lying down, and in less than -half-an-hour the two were sleeping soundly.</p> - -<p>They were still in the very heart of slumber-land at -midnight, when the looked-for breeze sprang up, and, -therefore, remained in ignorance of the fact that the -dainty white cloths of the yacht had been spread, causing<span class="pagenum">[48]</span> -the beautiful little craft to heel coquettishly, as, with a -bone in her teeth, she darted over the black waters on a -true course for the Northeast Providence Channel.</p> - -<p>“She is looking up into it well now,” Captain Mansfield -said, in a tone of satisfaction, as the <em>Day Dream</em> glided -across the waves, “and we can count on getting rid of our -passengers before another sun sets, for I believe this wind -will continue to freshen until morning, when we shall -have all she needs to induce her to show her best pace.”</p> - -<p>The captain and his mate were standing well aft, with -a trusty man at the wheel, as the schooner gained headway, -and Mr. Jenkins replied, in a tone of relief:</p> - -<p>“If your predictions are correct, sir, there’ll be little to -fear, for as yet this crowd are without any plan of action. -Why don’t you go below for a while?”</p> - -<p>“I believe I will. Keep your wits about you, and don’t -hesitate to call me if anything looks wrong.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, the captain went to his room, and in a -comparatively short space of time the sound of his heavy -breathing could be heard, even by the man at the wheel.</p> - -<p>The mate paced to and fro more than an hour, and -then, fancying he heard a movement among the men, who -were supposed to be sleeping on deck, he went forward -to investigate.</p> - -<p>The rescued party appeared to be wrapped in slumber, -as he made his way among the prostrate forms, and, blaming -himself for being unduly suspicious, Mr. Jenkins continued -on to the forecastle companion-way before turning -to retrace his steps.</p> - -<p>The sailor who should have been on the lookout was<span class="pagenum">[49]</span> -nowhere to be seen, and the mate stood for a moment expecting -him to come from below, when suddenly a hand -was clapped over his mouth, preventing him from uttering -the slightest sound.</p> - -<p>At the same instant he was lifted bodily from his feet -and carried to the main hatch, where the mutineers had -no difficulty in binding and gagging him without any -more noise than might have been caused by one of the -men turning in his sleep.</p> - -<p>Now that it was too late, Jenkins saw the missing -sailor lying close beside him, unable to move hand or foot, -and he understood that the castaways had formed a very -well-considered plan, which was already more than half -successful.</p> - -<p>“It’s time now to tackle that fellow at the wheel,” the -leader of the party whispered. “I’ll lounge back there; -he’ll think I’m the mate until it is too late to make any -disturbance, and the minute I get him by the mouth you -must close in.”</p> - -<p>“Why not call up the captain first?” one of the crowd -asked.</p> - -<p>“Because then we should have two on hand at the same -time, and there’s no knowing what them boys might succeed -in doing. The easiest plan is the best, and so far -you’ve got no call to kick at the way I’ve managed this -business.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead; I won’t say another word until the -schooner is in our possession.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins struggled hard to make some noise, which -would serve to alarm the man at the wheel, but his bonds<span class="pagenum">[50]</span> -and the gag had been tied too skillfully to admit of the -slightest movement, and he was forced to remain inactive -while the mutineers carried out their vile plot to the end.</p> - -<p>In less than five minutes the helmsman was also a prisoner, -and one of the scoundrels took his station at the -wheel, but careful not to change the yacht’s course, in case -the captain should chance to be awake watching the tell-tale.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later the leader of the mutineers, after -ordering his men to creep aft, where they would be hidden -from view by the deckhouse, entered the cabin and -knocked lightly on the owner’s door.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter?” the captain asked, awakening -at the first sound.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Jenkins wants to know if you will come on deck -for a moment, sir,” was the whispered reply. “The wind -is freshening, and he would like to haul around more to -the westward.”</p> - -<p>Without waiting for an answer, the fellow went on -deck; but he stood close by the companion-way, after -whispering to the man at the wheel:</p> - -<p>“Have that belaying-pin ready to knock him down, if -he doesn’t give me a fair chance of cutting off his wind.”</p> - -<p>Then the sound of footsteps told that the captain had -left his room, and twenty seconds later he appeared at -the top of the ladder.</p> - -<p>Coming suddenly into the darkness as he had, and unsuspicious -that the summons was a false one, the work of -making him a prisoner was exceedingly simple.</p> - -<p>Struggle as he might, nothing could be effected, for<span class="pagenum">[51]</span> -half-a-dozen of the scoundrels were upon him instantly -the leader made the first move, and now there was no -longer any necessity of preserving such perfect silence.</p> - -<p>“Three of you tackle the cook, and when that has been -done, I’ll attend to the cubs,” the leader said, in an ordinary -tone, while Captain Mansfield was being carried to -the hatch and laid beside the mate and sailors.</p> - -<p>“Its all done, and the nigger is lashed in his berth,” -one of the men reported before the prisoners thought sufficient -time had elapsed for the villains to reach the forecastle.</p> - -<p>“Did he give you any trouble?”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit, but acted as if he expected something of the -kind. How long will it take you to fix the boys?”</p> - -<p>“That part of it doesn’t amount to anything. Bring -some rope down, and I’ll end this business mighty quick.”</p> - -<p>Nelse and Gil were sleeping soundly when the mutineers -opened the unlocked door. Beside them were the -revolvers, and these the ringleader took possession of, as -he said to his followers:</p> - -<p>“Now truss ’em up; but there’s no need of using the -gags, for they can’t do any harm, no matter how loud they -yell.”</p> - -<p>The first intimation the boys had that anything out of -the usual course had happened was when the men began -roughly to tie their hands and feet, and then only a single -glance was necessary to tell exactly what had been accomplished.</p> - -<p>“Turn them out on deck, and we’ll make ourselves comfortable -here for a while before doing the rest of the<span class="pagenum">[52]</span> -work,” the leader said, and, as if they had been so many -bundles of merchandise, Gil and Nelse were conveyed to -the main hatch, there to be flung roughly down.</p> - -<p>From this time until fully an hour had passed the -mutineers paid no attention to their prisoners. Two men -were all that were needed on deck, and the others proceeded -to make free with the cabin stores, as could be -told by the sounds of revelry.</p> - -<p>With sufficient wind to keep the canvas full and drawing, -the little yacht sped on over the long swells, while -her rightful crew could not so much as enjoy the poor -consolation of conversation.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[53]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">SET ADRIFT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The orgie in the cabin was continued until nearly daylight, -and during all that long, weary time the boys could -talk to, but not with, their companions.</p> - -<p>They were the only ones who had been left ungagged, -and were free to discuss the matter, but without being -able to elicit a single answer.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t hard to fancy how the whole thing has occurred,” -Gil said to Nelse; “but the question is, what do -they propose to do with us?”</p> - -<p>“We shall find out mighty soon, I reckon, and the part -which has the most interest for us is whether they will cut -our throats or content themselves with simply making us -walk a plank, after the fashion of oldtime pirates. I -counted on finding the buccaneers’ treasure when we -started, but I didn’t suppose we should find the buccaneers -themselves.”</p> - -<p>While the boys indulged in this rather mournful style -of conversation, the other prisoners writhed to and fro in -the vain effort to slip their bonds, and at each useless attempt -Gil would look around, wondering if it were not -possible to aid them in some way.</p> - -<p>“Because we can speak, it seems as if we should be able -to do something,” he said, after his father had literally<span class="pagenum">[54]</span> -exhausted his strength trying to get his hands free. “I’ve -read in stories of fellows who could chew ropes apart, -but I don’t know how to set about it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s because such a thing isn’t possible,” Nelse replied, -very decidedly. “We can’t so much as move, and, -as for getting our heads where it would be possible to -bite at the bonds, it is simply out of the question. After -this I shall never believe in those yarns.”</p> - -<p>“It might be done, if I could raise myself sufficiently to -get at the ropes.”</p> - -<p>“That is a great, big ‘if’ under these circumstances, and -I shall put all those stories down as foolish lies after this -night.”</p> - -<p>It was as if the desire to aid tired the boys, for before -this conversation had been continued half-an-hour both -were perspiring profusely, while they felt weary, although -having remained inactive.</p> - -<p>It was a relief for all hands when the golden shafts of -light which came over the water proclaimed the rising of -the sun, and the revelers emerged from the cabin to complete -their act of piracy.</p> - -<p>The leader lost no time in acquainting his prisoners -with the fate in store for them.</p> - -<p>Coming toward the hatch with unsteady movements, -which told only too well how his time had been occupied, -he first ordered that the gags should be removed, and -then said to Captain Mansfield:</p> - -<p>“I ’low it seems kinder rough for us to turn you out, -but that’s what we’ve decided to do, an’ there’s no use in -kickin’ up rusty about it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[55]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you mean that we’re to be set adrift after doing -all we could to relieve your distress?” the captain asked, -huskily, for the gag had been in his mouth so long that it -was difficult to speak with sufficient distinctness to make -himself understood.</p> - -<p>“That’s about the size of it,” the man replied, with a -drunken leer. “There’s jest a chance we might get into -trouble at Nassau, because the <em>Mary and Jane</em> was -lost——”</p> - -<p>“Then you are responsible for the destruction of that -craft, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Hold your tongue, or you may be askin’ questions -that’ll get you into trouble, for my mates won’t stand any -nonsense.”</p> - -<p>“Then cut your own talk short. You have committed -a deed which will eventually bring you to the gallows, and -there is no reason why there should be any delay in finishing -the job like the pirates that you are,” Captain -Mansfield said, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“That’s exactly what we’re goin’ to do. Search the -crowd for fear they may have revolvers with them,” the -man said, with an assumption of authority, which would -have been comical under less desperate circumstances.</p> - -<p>But few moments were required in order to execute -this command, and when the work was concluded the -helpless men had been robbed of everything valuable upon -their persons.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield no longer attempted to speak; it was -as if his anger was too great to admit of words, but he -watched jealously every movement made by his enemies.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[56]</span></p> - -<p>The sun was flooding the sea with a golden radiance -when the mutineers lowered one of the boats, put into her -a small cask of water and some provisions, and then stood -as if waiting for the rightful crew of the <em>Day Dream</em> to -take their departure.</p> - -<p>At such a time resistance would have been worse than -useless, and, when his bonds had been removed, the captain -said, as he walked toward the rail:</p> - -<p>“I warn you that the time will come when this high-handed -proceeding must be atoned for, and, if you have -any regard for your own necks, you will give us more of -a show for life.”</p> - -<p>“What do you want now?” the leader asked, with an -oath.</p> - -<p>“Two boats, and something to serve as sails. With -eight people on board one of these little tenders the first -strong puff of wind will send her to the bottom. Give -us as good a show as you would want for yourselves.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a precious sight better than you deserve,” was -the brutal reply, as the helpless ones were hurried over -the rail, their united weight loading the craft down to -the gunwales.</p> - -<p>From the time the gag had been removed until he clambered -into the boat old Andy had not spoken; but when -the painter was cast off and the schooner began to draw -away from them, his anger burst forth in a torrent of -threats and reproaches.</p> - -<p>He called down all manner of curses on the heads of -sailors who would turn pirates immediately after having -been rescued from such a desolate spot as the key,<span class="pagenum">[57]</span> -and predicted the result of these high-handed proceedings -in language so energetic that Captain Mansfield said, -sharply:</p> - -<p>“Be quiet, Andy. You are doing them no harm, and -couldn’t better our condition if you talked all day.”</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter let sich low down trash know wha’s -ercumin’ to ’em.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll know it soon enough without any assistance -from you. Just now we’ve something more important to -think about, for unless we can make harbor on one of -the keys which lie hereabouts before a heavy blow comes -on, our chances for living will be pretty slim.”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t there any hope we can get our things back?” -Nelse asked, ruefully. “The thieves have even taken -my watch.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t fancy we shall see even the smallest portion of -our property again,” the captain replied, with what was -very like a sigh. “They will get to fighting among themselves, -and wreck the little craft before long, unless, -which is not likely, a war vessel happens to overhaul -them.”</p> - -<p>“Shall we get out the oars?” Mr. Jenkins asked. “We -should be near Spanish or Powel Key, and by rowing to -the eastward it ought to be possible to run the land down -by sunset.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, and it’s to be turn and turn about for -all hands. Unfortunately only two can work at a time, -because we have no more oars, and the tricks shall be an -hour for each man.”</p> - -<p>From this moment until nearly nightfall but little conversation<span class="pagenum">[58]</span> -was indulged in; each occupant of the boat had -been robbed of all his effects, and this, in addition to the -outrage, was well calculated to make them feel the reverse -of cheerful.</p> - -<p>The wind, which had so much weight in it at sunrise, -died away entirely about ten o’clock, and the heat was -most intense. Not even the lightest breath of air came -off the glassy water, and one hour was quite as long as -the strongest could remain at the oars.</p> - -<p>At three o’clock in the afternoon a well-wooded key -was seen dead ahead, and two hours later the victims of -their own charitable act were on shore.</p> - -<p>“We will stay here twenty-four hours,” Captain Mansfield -said, as the boat was pulled up into a narrow cove -which extended some distance inland, and terminated in -a veritable thicket of mangroves. “Then we’ll work our -way down the bank in the night, when we sha’n’t be so -nearly prostrated by the heat.”</p> - -<p>It was a great relief to the boys to be able to stretch -their legs on shore, and when a spot was cleared that all -might lie down without fear of being disturbed by centipedes -or similar disagreeable things, they began to think -the situation was not as grave as it might have been.</p> - -<p>A hearty meal of ship’s bread and canned meat was -followed by a desire to sleep, and the entire party lay -down to rest, for it was not necessary to stand watch.</p> - -<p>Toward midnight the wind sprang up from the eastward, -but only to die away again a few hours later, and -Captain Mansfield said to the mate, in a tone of satisfaction, -as the two arose just as day was breaking:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[59]</span></p> - -<p>“If there were any vessels nearby last evening we -should get a glimpse of a sail when the sun rises, for -that breeze must have given them a slant toward this -key.”</p> - -<p>“By swarming up one of the largest trees we can have -quite a range of vision, and something ought to be heaving -in sight before night. I’ll stand the first trick.”</p> - -<p>“With nothing else to—— Hark!”</p> - -<p>As the captain spoke a creaking sound was heard, and -he finished the sentence by saying, joyfully:</p> - -<p>“It seems that we sha’n’t have long to wait. There -is some kind of a craft becalmed within a quarter of a -mile of the shore.”</p> - -<p>“There can be no question about that. Shall we hail -her?”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t necessary. She can’t get away until the breeze -springs up, and we may as well know who we are asking -for assistance. I am not putting as much faith in my fellow-man -as I was before our experience of yesterday.”</p> - -<p>The two walked down the bank of the cove to the -beach, where a full view of the seaboard could be had, -and there waited for the rising sun to show them the -newcomer.</p> - -<p>The shaft of radiance soon came out of the sea, gilding -each crestless wave with a glory of brightness, and revealing -to the watchers the spars of a jaunty-looking -schooner so near the land that it seemed as if one could -have tossed a pebble on her deck.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins stood staring at the little craft in open-mouthed -astonishment as if doubting the evidence of his<span class="pagenum">[60]</span> -own senses, until Captain Mansfield pulled him roughly -back into the shelter of the foliage, as he whispered excitedly:</p> - -<p>“It’s the <em>Day Dream</em> herself.”</p> - -<p>“For a moment I thought my eyes were playing me a -trick,” the mate said, with a long-drawn breath of bewilderment. -“What are we to do? Show ourselves?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet. We must form a plan of action, for if this -calm holds until noon the little craft shall be in our possession -again.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[61]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">TURNING THE TABLES.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The first thing to be done was to warn the remainder -of the party that the mutineers were close at hand, lest -some incautious noise might betray the fact of their being -on the key, and to this end Captain Mansfield hurried to -the head of the little cove.</p> - -<p>Old Andy was the only one awake, and to him the captain -whispered:</p> - -<p>“The villains who seized the <em>Day Dream</em> are becalmed -within twenty fathoms of the shore. See to it that——”</p> - -<p>The darky looked up in alarm, his eyes seemingly starting -from their sockets, and he was on the verge of giving -vent to a cry of fear when Captain Mansfield seized him -by the throat.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you dare so much as wink, or I’ll choke the -breath out of your body,” he whispered, angrily, and the -old man sank to his knees the very personification of -terror. “Now listen carefully, and see that you do as I -tell you. See to it that there is no noise made here. -When the others awake tell them to remain quiet until -I return.”</p> - -<p>There was no longer any danger that Andy would betray -the secret by an incautious move. The threat terrified -him even more than the knowledge of the mutineers’<span class="pagenum">[62]</span> -whereabouts, and Captain Mansfield retraced his steps -to the point where he had left the mate.</p> - -<p>During the short time he had been absent the general -condition of affairs on the schooner’s deck was changed -considerably.</p> - -<p>The mutineers had come from below, probably after -a night’s debauch, and the sound of angry conversation -told that a quarrel was imminent.</p> - -<p>“What has happened?” the captain asked Mr. Jenkins, -in a whisper.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. They came out of the cabin a few -seconds ago, and this row appears to be a continuation -of what started below.”</p> - -<p>“It will be a fortunate happening for us, if they get -into a fight.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly,” the mate replied, hesitatingly; “but I fail -to see how it is going to be possible for us to accomplish -anything without weapons when that crowd are well -armed, if they have taken the trouble to search the cabin, -which I reckon has been done long before this.”</p> - -<p>“We shall find a way out of it, if the calm continues. -Give me a chance to get over the bow before they know -we’re in the vicinity, and I’ll take the risk of their -weapons.”</p> - -<p>The discussion on the yacht was fast degenerating into -a regular row. The men were talking so loudly that a -reasonably good idea of the condition of affairs could -be gained by the listeners.</p> - -<p>Several of the mutineers were insisting on making this -particular key a sort of rendezvous, and demanding that<span class="pagenum">[63]</span> -a certain lot of goods (probably something they had saved -from the <em>Mary and Jane</em>) should be brought here.</p> - -<p>Another faction, and among them the leader, wanted -to run for the Florida Straits, in order to remain hidden -among the keys until search for the yacht should be -abandoned. They believed, and with good reason, that -Captain Mansfield would not tamely submit to the loss of -his vessel, and, since the weather had been favorable for -navigation in a small boat, it was more than probable -those who had been dispossessed would succeed in reaching -Nassau.</p> - -<p>Greatly to the disappointment of the two concealed -among the foliage on shore, the men did not come to -blows, although each instant it seemed as if such would -be the case. After squabbling for twenty minutes or -more the mutineers appeared to have come to some kind -of an understanding, and a quantity of the cabin stores -were brought on deck for breakfast.</p> - -<p>Each one appeared to be his own cook, and the wastefulness -displayed would have brought tears of vexation to -Andy’s eyes. A tin of beef, which one fellow opened, -was tossed overboard after he had taken out two slices.</p> - -<p>A box of biscuit was left on the house that each might -help himself, and the greater portion used in firing on -a wager at a floating bottle.</p> - -<p>This kind of horseplay came to an end finally, and -then the half-drunken crew began lowering one of the -boats.</p> - -<p>“It is possible that our opportunity is near at hand,” -Captain Mansfield whispered. “It looks as if some of<span class="pagenum">[64]</span> -them were coming ashore, and it is time the rest of our -party were ready for action. Creep back softly, and -send them to me. Then pole our boat as near the mouth -of the cove as is safe.”</p> - -<p>By a chance as fortunate and unexpected as had been -the coming of the <em>Day Dream</em>, all the mutineers but two -prepared to go on shore, and, as nearly as Captain Mansfield -could judge, each man had armed himself either with -a rifle or revolver, thus exhausting the supply of weapons -on board.</p> - -<p>“It will be nothing more than child’s play now, provided -they do not land too near here,” he whispered to -himself, and just as the boats pushed off from the -schooner, Gil and Nelse crept close to the watcher’s side.</p> - -<p>“Is there any chance of our getting the yacht again?” -the former asked; but his father motioned for him to -be silent.</p> - -<p>The remainder of the party came up before the mutineers -were half-a-dozen yards from the vessel, and a few -moments later Captain Mansfield saw, to his dismay, that -the men intended to land directly in front of his hiding-place.</p> - -<p>It seemed as if this must be a deathblow to all his -plans, and the boys mentally braced themselves for the -struggle both believed to be at hand.</p> - -<p>The men rowed leisurely, singing and laughing, evidently -fancying themselves the only human beings in the -vicinity, and the little tender struck the beach not more -than a dozen feet from where the anxious ones were concealed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[65]</span></p> - -<p>The bows of the boats were pulled up on the sand to -prevent them from drifting away, and then the mutineers -pushed straight on into the thicket, probably bent on exploring -the key to learn if it would serve them as a rendezvous.</p> - -<p>They were making so much noise that the watchers -might have conversed in ordinary tones; but Captain -Mansfield did not take any such chances, when he whispered -to Gil:</p> - -<p>“You and Nelse go back to where Jenkins is waiting -with the boat. Send him to me, and get on board. Move -cautiously down to the very mouth of the cove, and stay -there, with oars in the rowlocks, until you see us push one -of these crafts from the shore. Then row for the schooner -the best you know how.”</p> - -<p>This was no time to ask questions, and the orders -were obeyed instantly.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins was but a short distance away, and when -Gil had repeated his father’s instructions the mate hurried -off, leaving the boys to carry out their part of the -programme unaided.</p> - -<p>“Father is probably going to try to get hold of the -other two boats,” Gil whispered, as he clambered inboard, -“and if the mutineers see us while we are pulling out to -the schooner we shall have the chance of learning how it -seems to be shot at.”</p> - -<p>“I’d rather receive a pretty serious wound than let those -scoundrels go off with the yacht again, now there’s a -possibility of our gaining possession once more,” Nelse -said, and by the time he ceased speaking both were in the<span class="pagenum">[66]</span> -little craft, each with an oar ready to pull at the first signal.</p> - -<p>The voices of the mutineers now sounded from a distance, -and it was not likely they could have a view of the -water because of the intervening foliage; but yet Captain -Mansfield’s party gave no sign of action.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes passed, and Gil was beginning to grow -alarmed lest his father should wait too long, when a light -splash of water was heard, and one of the tenders shot -out from the shore with the two sailors rowing and Andy -at the helm.</p> - -<p>“Now bend to it,” Gil whispered, hoarsely. “Watch -to see that one doesn’t pull the other around, for there -mustn’t be any wild steering.”</p> - -<p>The boys were out of the cove just as the captain and -Mr. Jenkins launched the last boat, and all three crafts -were dashing over the glassy sea in fine style, sending -tiny showers of spray up from their bows, when a loud -yell was heard.</p> - -<p>The two fellows on the schooner had caught a glimpse -of the captain’s party, and were shouting for their friends.</p> - -<p>“It’s a question of reaching the other side of the yacht -before they heave in sight, or we may come to grief,” Gil -said, grimly, as he bent his back to the oar until the -ashen blade bent under the vigorous strain.</p> - -<p>“Board her over the rail amidships, boys!” Captain -Mansfield shouted, and glancing around for the merest -fraction of time, Nelse saw that the sailors were steering -for the schooner’s bow, while the other boat was being -sent toward the stern.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[67]</span></p> - -<p>By thus dividing the force, the mutineers would be -beset both from front and rear, while Gil and Nelse -created diversion on one side, and the struggle could not -be long protracted.</p> - -<p>The men on the yacht were yelling at the full strength -of their lungs, and stood near the bow with handspikes -raised ready to fell the first who should attempt to come -on board; but they could not guard the stern at the same -time, therefore the captain and mate succeeded in clambering -over the rail before the fellows were fully aware of -their purpose.</p> - -<p>The boys had just pulled around the <em>Day Dream</em> when -the main body of mutineers burst out of the bushes, and -the shower of bullets which they sent, without waiting -to take accurate aim, did no injury to any one.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins had opened the battle by hurling a handspike -with such good effect that the taller sailor was -knocked over like a ninepin, and the other, realizing how -useless it would be to contend against such odds, leaped -into the sea, swimming for dear life as those on the -shore continued to discharge their weapons.</p> - -<p>“Keep under the rail as much as possible,” Captain -Mansfield shouted, as he set the example by crouching -where he could get a view of the shore without exposing -too much of his body. “They can’t have any very great -amount of ammunition, and it isn’t likely either of that -crowd has got the nerve to swim out here.”</p> - -<p>Andy was the only one who did not follow this suggestion -instantly. The old darky was so elated at the complete<span class="pagenum">[68]</span> -turning of the tables that it seemed absolutely necessary -to give vent in some way to his joy.</p> - -<p>He danced around the deck in full view of the angry -men on shore, shouting in a sing-song tone:</p> - -<p>“Wese done got de bes’ ob dem villyns! Glory to de -Lam’! Wese ’board de yacht once mo’! Glory to de -Lam’! Wese gwine—— Hi, yi, yi!”</p> - -<p>These last exclamations were by no means a portion of -his song of triumph; but just at that moment a bullet -from one of the rifles had grazed the top of his ear, causing -more pain than a really serious wound would have -done, and, with a howl of terror, he flung himself down -by Captain Mansfield’s side, where he alternately moaned -and continued to cry:</p> - -<p>“Glory to de Lam’!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[69]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BOUND SOUTH.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>After having fired four or five rounds of ammunition -without other effect than the grazing of Andy’s ear, the -mutineers appeared to have grown tired of such useless -work, and ceased to waste their cartridges.</p> - -<p>The calm was still “raging.” There was not wind -enough to have caused any perceptible motion in a -feather, and those who had taken possession of their own -again could not do otherwise than remain idle, waiting -for that which, by filling the white sails, would carry -them far from their enemies.</p> - -<p>On the shore the mutineers sat watching the schooner, -unable to do anything toward regaining her, and, as -Jenkins expressed it, “eating their hearts out” with anger, -because they had been so foolish as to take all the weapons -ashore, leaving the ship-keepers virtually defenseless.</p> - -<p>The man who had been bowled over by a belaying-pin -recovered consciousness after the firing ceased, and, with -a very disagreeable sensation in his head, sat on the main -hatch, probably wondering what was to become of him.</p> - -<p>“Are you going to keep that thing?” the mate asked -of Captain Mansfield, pointing over his shoulder with -his thumb at the disconsolate-looking mutineer.</p> - -<p>“Let him swim ashore when there’s a chance of our -crawling away from this key.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[70]</span></p> - -<p>“Why not use him first?”</p> - -<p>“How do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“If a breeze should spring up now those fellows on -the beach would amuse themselves by making targets of -us while we were raising the anchor and making sail.”</p> - -<p>“I have thought of that; but do not see how it is to be -avoided.”</p> - -<p>“Make this fellow do such work as he can, with our -assistance, while we remain under cover. Give me the -word and I’ll guarantee to have the little craft ready for -the first cat’s-paw which comes over the sea, and without -exposing myself.”</p> - -<p>“Act as you please, Mr. Jenkins. It is no more than -fair that he should do something to repay for the trouble -and loss which his crowd have cost us.”</p> - -<p>The mate could have asked for no more congenial -task, and Andy was in an ecstacy of delight as the mutineer -was forced to play the part of a barricade for the -others.</p> - -<p>At first the man appeared disposed to rebel against -doing the work demanded of him; but Mr. Jenkins said, -sternly, brandishing a belaying-pin to give greater emphasis -to his words:</p> - -<p>“You ought to have a pretty good idea by this time -that we shouldn’t feel very bad to be obliged to break -your head, and that’s exactly what will happen if you -don’t step lively. It may be well to tell those scoundrels -on the beach who it is doing this work, otherwise they -might put a bullet into your hide.”</p> - -<p>The fellow began to realize that his captors were not<span class="pagenum">[71]</span> -to be trifled with, and very meekly went to the rail, where -he shouted:</p> - -<p>“Hi! Mike! This crowd have got the drop on me, -an’ I’m bound to do as they say; so don’t shoot, will yer?”</p> - -<p>“Why not swim ashore? They can’t do anything, if -you only show a little nerve, ’cause we’ve got all the -shootin’ irons.”</p> - -<p>“My leg’s about the same as broken, ’an I couldn’t -swim a stroke.”</p> - -<p>Mike was silent for a few seconds, and then he asked:</p> - -<p>“Is the captain countin’ on leaving us here?”</p> - -<p>“You have brought it on yourselves, and can be mighty -certain that we wouldn’t raise a finger to help you now, -if the whole gang was starving,” Captain Mansfield -shouted from his place of vantage under the rail.</p> - -<p>The mutineers began to understand that a speedy punishment -was about to overtake them, and the leader cried -in a whining tone:</p> - -<p>“We’ll die for the want of something to drink, if you -leave us.”</p> - -<p>“There’s little chance the world will be so lucky as to -get rid of you. I shall notify the authorities at Nassau -of your whereabouts, as well as of the likelihood that at -least a portion of the brig’s cargo will be found on -Walker Key, and I reckon you’ll not be left alone very -long.”</p> - -<p>This acted like a douche of cold water upon the mutineers, -who were also, probably, wreckers, and they exhibited -every symptom of uneasiness.</p> - -<p>“It is time for you to go to work,” Mr. Jenkins said<span class="pagenum">[72]</span> -to his prisoner. “Get into the boat with me, and we’ll -pull the schooner’s head around so your friends won’t -have so good a chance to interfere with us while we -weigh the anchor; but remember that if you attempt to -give me the slip, I’ll split your head open with this,” -and the mate flourished the belaying-pin savagely.</p> - -<p>Sheltered from those on the shore by the yacht herself, -this portion of the task could be done in comparative -safety, and while one of the sailors payed out on the -cable the craft was swung around stern on.</p> - -<p>Then the men managed to rig up the quarter-deck awning -as a screen, without exposing themselves very much, -and all hands could now work while hidden from view of -the angry scoundrels on the shore.</p> - -<p>After this had been done the anchor was weighed, and -then the two in the boat pulled and tugged at the oars -until the <em>Day Dream</em> was fully a mile from the shore.</p> - -<p>This had not been accomplished without some show of -remonstrance from the mutineers. When the yacht first -began to move through the water, and they understood -what was being done, a volley of bullets was discharged -at random, many finding their way through the canvas -screen; but finally this useless evidence of rage ceased, -probably because the ammunition had been exhausted.</p> - -<p>Not until they were beyond range did Mr. Jenkins allow -his prisoner to cease his efforts, and then, wiping the -perspiration from his face, he said:</p> - -<p>“Now there is nothing to prevent your going ashore, -if you feel so disposed.”</p> - -<p>“Will you let the men pull me in to that point?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[73]</span></p> - -<p>“Not much. What is to prevent your swimming?”</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t do it, even if there were no sharks hereabout, -as there are sure to be. My leg feels as if it was -broken.”</p> - -<p>“You got off cheaply, and that’s more than can be said -for the rest of the gang, since they will have to answer to -the authorities for what has been done. If you don’t -want to swim, get on board, for I sha’n’t give you the -chance of stealing one of these boats.”</p> - -<p>The man obeyed without another word, and once on -the schooner he crouched under the rail forward as if -anxious to escape observation.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, as soon as the yacht was at a reasonably -safe distance from the shore, Gil and Nelse went below -to learn what the mutineers had done there, and the -scene which met their gaze was well calculated to fill -them with mingled feelings of anger and dismay.</p> - -<p>One would have said that a hundred men had been -amusing themselves with trying to see how much mischief -could be done in a given length of time. The contents -of the staterooms were dragged into the cabin, -where they might be examined leisurely, and left lying -on the floor. Food of all kinds was scattered in every -direction, and as much wasted as would have served the -rightful crew of the yacht for many days.</p> - -<p>“We ought to be thankful we have got the <em>Day Dream</em> -back in any condition,” Gil said, with a long-drawn sigh; -“but it is more than provoking to think we gave that -crowd the opportunity of destroying things.”</p> - -<p>“All the weapons, watches and money are gone,” Nelse<span class="pagenum">[74]</span> -added; “but from what your father said I don’t fancy the -amount of cash is enough to make them very rich, and -we’ll soon repair damages, so it won’t pay to mourn a -great deal. Let’s do what we can toward setting things -to rights.”</p> - -<p>While the boys were engaged in this work, Andy was -surveying his quarters, and if harsh words could have -injured the mutineers, not one would have been left alive -five minutes after he saw the condition of his kitchen.</p> - -<p>They had not spent so much time in the galley as aft; -but the same scene of wanton destruction met the cook’s -gaze, and he attributed the greater portion of it to the -voudoos, whose especial domains the boys had threatened -to invade.</p> - -<p>“Dere’s gwine ter be de berry debbil raised on dis yere -cruise, ef de captain consists in runnin’ to Hayti,” he -muttered, while trying to repair the damage. “I’se done -gone boun’ ter tork ter dem boys ag’in, kase dey mus’ -know wha’s sartin ter happen, ef dat pirates’ gol’ ain’ got -out ob dere min’s.”</p> - -<p>During this time those on deck had not been idle. Every -inch of canvas belonging to the yacht was spread to catch -the first breath of air which should come over the sea, and -the captain and mate amused themselves by watching the -mutineers, who still remained on the beach as if unable -to understand that they had lost the little craft so suddenly.</p> - -<p>“There comes what we are waiting for,” Mr. Jenkins -said, as he pointed toward the west, where a faint ruffling -of the water into a deeper blue betokened the rising<span class="pagenum">[75]</span> -of the wind. “Now, what is to be done with the fellow -forward?”</p> - -<p>“Call him aft, and let him decide the question.”</p> - -<p>The man obeyed Mr. Jenkins’ summons in a slouchy, -shamefaced manner, touching his hat when he reached -the quarter-deck, and standing there as if expecting punishment -was about to be meted out to him.</p> - -<p>“We hope to be under way in a short time,” Captain -Mansfield began, “and you are to say what is to become -of your precious self. I should be warranted in taking -you to Nassau in chains; but it will be too much trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I would like to be set ashore, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You can leave at any time; but I don’t propose the -men shall exert themselves in your behalf by so much as -pulling an oar.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t swim,” the man said, piteously.</p> - -<p>“That may be; but if we row you ashore your precious -friends will probably gain possession of the boat, considering -the fact that they are well armed, while we would -be helpless.”</p> - -<p>“I can rig up a sort of raft on which he could manage -to reach the land,” Mr. Jenkins ventured to say, observing -that the captain hesitated.</p> - -<p>“Very well; if he chooses to go in that manner, I have -no objection,” and Captain Mansfield turned away, for -he was eager to be rid of the mutineer, but did not propose -to take any risks.</p> - -<p>Two empty casks, with a plank from one to the other, -formed quite a seaworthy raft for one man, and ten minutes -later, just as the oncoming breeze filled the yacht’s<span class="pagenum">[76]</span> -sails, the mutineer was paddling for dear life toward the -key.</p> - -<p>There was no time to watch his movements, for the -<em>Day Dream</em> began to draw away from the land in a manner -which told that the run to Nassau would be quickly -an accomplished fact, providing the wind held.</p> - -<p>Once more the yacht was bound south, and, despite -all the misfortunes which Andy persisted in believing -were caused by the voudoos, Gil and Nelse allowed themselves -to dream again of the pirates’ gold.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[77]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">HAYTI.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>One could easily fancy how much the mutineers must -have been punished by seeing the schooner moving -swiftly away from the land, knowing as they did that -the officers of the law would soon come in search of -them, and more than one on board the <em>Day Dream</em> was -satisfied with this as atonement for all the discomforts -suffered during the last thirty hours.</p> - -<p>It was impossible to say whether the fellow who had -just been released ever reached the shore, although all -the chances were in his favor. The last that could be -seen of him through the glass was when the schooner -rounded the point of land which marked the eastern-most -extremity of the key, and then he was paddling for -dear life.</p> - -<p>It surely seemed as if the wind had come to stay for -some time. It continued to increase in weight until -nightfall, when the yacht had as much as she needed in -such waters, and Mr. Jenkins confidently announced to -Gil and Nelse that they would be at Nassau before sunset -on the following day.</p> - -<p>Time proved this prediction to be correct.</p> - -<p>By six o’clock on the same day the yacht had been recaptured, -all evidences of her late unlawful crew were<span class="pagenum">[78]</span> -wiped out both fore and aft, and when the boys retired -the thought of their slight losses, as compared to what -might have been, went very far toward consoling them.</p> - -<p>“Father will buy us such things as we may need when -we get into port,” Gil said, confidently, to his cousin, -“and if he doesn’t think it necessary to replace our -watches, no great harm will be done, if we are obliged -to look at the cabin clock in order to learn when the -meals should be served.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not worrying about the stuff those fellows took -from us,” Nelse replied; “but am only afraid uncle won’t -allow us to hunt for the treasure because of what has -already happened.”</p> - -<p>“That will be all right, as you will see, so let’s try not -to think any more of what has happened.”</p> - -<p>At noon on the following day, the boys almost forgot -the disagreeable adventures with the mutineers when -they landed at Nassau with Mr. Jenkins, and made a tour -of the sponge yards, while Captain Mansfield went to inform -the authorities of those whom he believed were responsible -for the loss of the <em>Mary and Jane</em>.</p> - -<p>It was a particularly pleasant day which they spent -ashore, viewing the many wonders wrested from the bed -of the ocean, and on returning to the schooner neither -thought to ask what had been done until Captain Mansfield -was speaking with the mate about the officers of the -ill-fated brig.</p> - -<p>“There can be no question but that those fellows had -a hand in the wrecking of the <em>Mary and Jane</em>,” he said. -“The captain and mates landed here last week, and told<span class="pagenum">[79]</span> -me to-day there could be no doubt as to the facts. On -three different occasions it was found that the brig was -many points off her course, and I fancy the men knew -exactly where she would be foundered.”</p> - -<p>“Will the authorities send to arrest them?” Gil asked.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, and the officers of the brig intend to urge -it; besides, they propose to start at once for Walker Key -in the hope that some of the cargo may be there.”</p> - -<p>“Were the men really deserted?”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it, according to the captain’s story, and -after what we have experienced I would believe him -against a thousand such as tried to run away with the -schooner. It seems that when the brig struck, the men -were ordered into the boats; but they refused to leave -until the spirits had been divided. The crowd we met -insisted on using the gig, and, holding her fast alongside, -proceeded to get drunk. A heavy sea was running, and -after the officers had expostulated with the men for some -time, they believed there was nothing left but to look -out for their own lives. The vessel was fast breaking up, -and the crew in a drunken condition, when the captain’s -party finally put off to try to reach this port, which they -did in four days. A schooner was sent out from here; -but nothing could be found either of the crew or of the -craft, and it was generally believed that she slid off into -deep water and sank.”</p> - -<p>“Now what will happen?” Gil asked.</p> - -<p>“I think it is safe to say the fellows will find themselves -in a very disagreeable position before many days have -elapsed,” Captain Mansfield replied, and then he was<span class="pagenum">[80]</span> -summoned on deck by the arrival of the goods which -he had purchased to replace those stolen by the mutineers.</p> - -<p>From this time until they were ready to “turn in” the -boys had plenty to occupy their attention. The new -weapons, additional stores, and such other articles as the -captain had bought, were inspected. The things were -stowed in their proper places, and then once more the -question as to whether the treasure could be found came -up for discussion.</p> - -<p>Not until a very late hour were the boys ready to retire, -owing to the many exciting topics of conversation, and -both were awakened next morning at sunrise by Mr. Jenkins, -who said, cheerily:</p> - -<p>“Turn out lively, lads, for there is a good deal to be seen -from here until we are well through the channel, and the -yacht is already under way.”</p> - -<p>When they came on deck the <em>Day Dream</em> was opposite -the southernmost point of Great Abaco Island, and the -singular formation of rock known as the “Hole in the -Wall” was in full view.</p> - -<p>The schooner was gliding slowly along under the influence -of the gentle morning breeze, and Gil and Nelse had -a good opportunity of seeing the odd sights, foremost -among which was Spanish Wells, the name of the town -on St. George’s Key, at the extreme northwest point of -the Island of Eleuthera, where the houses are built on -raised platforms, like many in the Malay Archipelago.</p> - -<p>The mate explained that this singular style of architecture -was adopted because of the hermit-crabs, which<span class="pagenum">[81]</span> -sometimes come ashore in vast numbers, ravaging the -land and entering every building not on stilts.</p> - -<p>Then the cocoanut groves, two miles farther along the -coast, were seen, the flame-colored and scarlet blossoms -serving to form a most gorgeous picture.</p> - -<p>A hasty breakfast, and the boys were on deck again -to see the “Glass Window,” a curious and perfect arch -of limestone eighty-five feet above the surface of the sea. -Not many years ago, so Mr. Jenkins said, a pleasure -party were dining there, when suddenly a great tidal-wave -came rushing in from the ocean, dashed up under -the arch, and swept the greater number of the merry-makers -away.</p> - -<p>Such waves, coming without the slightest warning, are -frequent here. The natives call them “rages,” and believe -they are caused by storms some distance off on the -Atlantic.</p> - -<p>Still farther down the coast is New Gregory’s Harbor, -where the wonderful cave, extending more than eleven -hundred feet under the ground, is located; but, of course, -this could not be seen from the schooner.</p> - -<p>There were, in fact, so many wonderful things to attract -the curious during this run down the chain of -islands that the boys actually grew tired of the variety, -and in sheer weariness turned their attention to what -both seemed to think was the true purpose of the voyage.</p> - -<p>“Will it be many days before we arrive at Hayti?” Gil -asked the mate, and the latter replied:</p> - -<p>“If the wind favors we shall wind this portion of the<span class="pagenum">[82]</span> -cruise up in short order. The captain intends to run -down as far as Silver Key Passage, and then we can -head nearly due west.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s go and tell Andy how near we are to the home -of the voudoos,” Nelse suggested, and the two went at -once to the galley, where the information was imparted -without loss of time.</p> - -<p>The old darky looked at them pityingly for some seconds, -and then, shaking his head mournfully, he said:</p> - -<p>“You’se rushin’ on ter destruction, dat’s wha’ you’se -doin’, an’ when de time cums dat dere’s no help fur you, -I’se sartin nobuddy won’t call Andy Storts er fool.”</p> - -<p>“What are you going to do when we land?” Gil asked, -trying hard to prevent himself from laughing.</p> - -<p>“I’se done gone ’range up a plan ob my own.”</p> - -<p>“And decided not to desert us?”</p> - -<p>“Dere’s no kin’ ob use tryin’ ter run away frum de debbil, -kase it carn’t be did. Ef de captain’s boun’ fur ter -git hisself in trubble, an’ you boys won’t try ter dissuade -him from it, I’se gwine ter take keer ob myself. Don’ -dat stan’ to reason?”</p> - -<p>“You are right, Andy,” Nelse replied, laughingly; “but -please tell us what your plan is.”</p> - -<p>“It carn’t be did, honey, kase de voudoos wud git hol’ -ob it, an’ den whar’d de ole man be? I’se bin studyin’ -an’ studyin’ sence we got de schooner back, an’ now I’se -feelin’ toller’bly easy in my min’.”</p> - -<p>“Then by not telling us the secret, you show yourself -willing that we shall come to grief.”</p> - -<p>“Honey, dem as rushes ’roun’ whar dey don’ b’long<span class="pagenum">[83]</span> -mus’ take de chances, an’ ole Andy couldn’t dissuade yer -ter took his adwise.”</p> - -<p>With this sage remark, spoken in the most sepulchral -of tones, the cook turned his attention once more to the -savory dish he was preparing for the cabin table, and it -was all in vain that the boys tried to prolong the conversation.</p> - -<p>From this time until the schooner finally came to -anchor off the northern shore of the Tortuga de Mar, -nothing of especial interest occurred to vary the monotony -of the voyage.</p> - -<p>The wind favored them in the most satisfactory manner, -and the little craft glided among the many keys in -perfect safety until on a certain night about ten o’clock -the longed-for spot was reached.</p> - -<p>The boys had been on deck in a perfect fever of excitement -during the entire day; but, owing to the darkness, -it was impossible to gain any idea of the small body of -land where they believed so much treasure would be found -by them.</p> - -<p>“We must curb our impatience until morning, I suppose,” -Gil said, with a sigh; “but I would have liked a -chance to compare the conformation of the land with our -chart.”</p> - -<p>“Are you going to bed now?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“What would be the use? I couldn’t close my eyes -in sleep yet awhile.”</p> - -<p>“Then let’s slip into the galley, and see if Andy is putting -his wonderful plan into operation. I am eager to<span class="pagenum">[84]</span> -find out how he proposes to assure his own safety while -the debbil is getting hold of us.”</p> - -<p>Gil was more than willing to act upon this suggestion, -since it would serve to help pass away the time until they -wished to “turn in,” and the two went below to the -kitchen, where, to their great surprise, the door was found -securely locked.</p> - -<p>They knocked again and again without receiving a -reply, and as one of the sailors passed, Gil asked:</p> - -<p>“Do you know where Andy is?”</p> - -<p>“In there, and he don’t mean to open the door for -anybody. I reckon he’s up to some of his funny business, -’cause he’s so afraid of what may be found on the -island.”</p> - -<p>The boys tried again to make the old darky answer; -but he steadily refused, and they were finally forced to -return to the deck.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[85]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CONJECTURES.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>During this evening Gil and Nelse could do no more -than speculate as to whether it would be possible to find -a conformation of the coast similar to the one shown by -the rude chart, and since this question was to be settled -definitely in such a comparatively short space of time -neither Captain Mansfield nor Mr. Jenkins would so -much as take part in the conversation.</p> - -<p>Even the exciting thoughts of discovering pirates’ -treasure were not sufficient to prevent them from feeling -sleepy after a while, more especially when all save the -watch had turned in, and at midnight they crept into the -little stateroom.</p> - -<p>Both the boys lay down with the determination to be -on deck at the first sign of dawn, and yet the sun was -half an hour high before either opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>Nelse was the first to awaken, and he cried, in a tone -of deepest anxiety, as if believing the delay might in some -manner result to their injury:</p> - -<p>“Get up, Gil! If this is the way we set about hunting -for gold there won’t be a very good chance of finding -any. We should have been on deck two hours ago.”</p> - -<p>This summons was sufficient to bring Gil to his feet instantly, -and, after a hurried toilet, the two were leaning<span class="pagenum">[86]</span> -over the rail aft, with the well-worn and enigmatical piece -of brown paper spread out where it could be studied at -their leisure.</p> - -<p>When they first gained the deck Andy was coming -from the galley to the cabin with the morning meal; but -both the would-be treasure seekers were in such a high -state of excitement that they actually forgot their curiosity -of the previous night, and did not even think to ask -what steps he had taken to insure his safety against the -dreaded voudoos.</p> - -<p>“If that was intended as a chart of the Tortuga de -Mar the schooner is in the best possible place for you to -go ahead with the work,” Mr. Jenkins said, as he approached -the boys. “There’s the point of land, with a -rock or bit of coral to the nor’ard of it, an’ dead as the -bowsprit shows is the cove with what I take to be soundings; -but have you fellows figured out the meaning of the -other things?”</p> - -<p>“We think the drawing of the schooner with a lead-line -on which is the figure eight, hanging from her bowsprit -means that only a small craft with a draught of not -over eight feet can get in there,” Gil replied.</p> - -<p>“I reckon that’s right, though it was a waste of time -an’ lead pencil to make the craft after showing the soundings.”</p> - -<p>“Then the letters and figures on this stick, and the -straight lines on the side, refer to the same thing, which -is that from a certain tree—for those scratches must have -been made to represent foliage—at a distance of eighteen<span class="pagenum">[87]</span> -feet and eight inches north, then five feet west, the treasure -will be found.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you’ve figured it out better than I expected,” -Mr. Jenkins said, approvingly; “but how do you know -whether the measurements are in feet, yards or fathoms?”</p> - -<p>“That part of it is guesswork, of course. I don’t think -it can mean fathoms, because of the fraction eight, therefore -it will only be necessary to try the feet and yards, -which can’t be such a great amount of work.”</p> - -<p>“No,” the mate replied, slowly and thoughtfully, “not -if this is the place, or if you find the right tree, or if -there’s any treasure buried on the island; but according -to my way of thinking it’ll be a decently hard job to decide -exactly where the sights should be taken from, considering -the fact that this part of the island is fairly well -wooded.”</p> - -<p>Then Mr. Jenkins walked away, for the cook had announced -that breakfast was served, and the boys were -again plunged into a disagreeable state of uncertainty -because of the difficulty they would undoubtedly have in -trying to decide which was the landmark referred to on -the supposed chart.</p> - -<p>Andy did not so much as look at Gil and Nelse when -they came into the cabin. It seemed as if he tried to -avoid meeting their eyes, and during all the time they -were talking with Captain Mansfield relative to the finding -of the tree, he stood just inside the pantry making -some of the most extraordinary gestures possible.</p> - -<p>“There is nothing to prevent your going ashore with -Mr. Jenkins, if you feel so disposed,” Gil’s father said, as<span class="pagenum">[88]</span> -he finished his meal. “I am not inclined to any such exercise, -but can manage to pass the time with some degree -of comfort while the search is made.”</p> - -<p>The boys had hoped the captain would become interested -in the proposed work when they were where an investigation -could be made; but this last remark showed -that he did not intend to have anything to do with the -decidedly mythical treasure.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins, however, was not only ready but eager for -a trip ashore, and, without waiting for orders, he caused -one of the tenders to be lowered.</p> - -<p>If there were any inhabitants on this end of the island -they had kept well out of sight, and to guard against a -possible attack by wild animals the boys armed themselves -with revolvers as well as rifles.</p> - -<p>There was plenty of work aboard for the sailors, therefore -the treasure-seekers were expected to do their own -rowing, and, with all hands except Andy watching from -the rail, they started, heading directly for the cove.</p> - -<p>Gil suggested that, in order to make certain the narrow -strip of water was the one they were anxious to find, -soundings be made. If the depth of water should coincide -with the fifteen, ten and eight of the chart it would -afford a certain degree of proof, but to this Mr. Jenkins -objected.</p> - -<p>“It would be only a waste of time,” he said. “The bottom -so near inshore shifts every year, and you couldn’t -even rely on a Government chart.”</p> - -<p>“I thought from what we read in the newspaper clipping<span class="pagenum">[89]</span> -that the island was small,” Nelse said, as the boat -neared the shore. “It looks pretty big from here.”</p> - -<p>“Twenty-two miles long and five wide, according to -the geographies,” the mate replied, with a laugh, “so you -see there’s plenty of room for adventure in case Andy’s -voudoos really make this place their headquarters.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe in anything of the kind?”</p> - -<p>“That the negroes of Hayti practice the rites of voudooism -there can be no doubt; but of course the cook has -exaggerated matters.”</p> - -<p>By this time the little tender’s bow had been run up on -the sandy beach, and, after looking carefully around to -make certain no one was lurking in the vicinity, the party -landed.</p> - -<p>The boat was made fast, and Gil led the way on -what now seemed a hopeless task, that of finding a tree -so old as to give promise of being the one from which -the proper bearings might be taken, if indeed there was -anything proper or positive in the document they had discovered.</p> - -<p>The foliage was dense; so matted in places as to render -it difficult for the travelers to force a passage through, -and thus they were obliged to go blindly on, passing near -perhaps the very object for which they were searching.</p> - -<p>There were many birds to be seen and heard, but no -other form of animal life was found during the tramp, except -once when a hog, probably a descendant from those -brought to the island by the original buccaneers, dashed -out of the thicket, almost overturning Nelse, and disappearing<span class="pagenum">[90]</span> -again before either of the party had an opportunity -to fire a single shot.</p> - -<p>At the end of an hour, when they were three miles from -the beach, as nearly as could be judged, the mate threw -himself on the ground as he said, impatiently:</p> - -<p>“It is foolish to keep on in this manner. We haven’t -come across a tree of any size after walking this distance, -although we know there were very many to be seen in -the immediate vicinity from the schooner’s deck.”</p> - -<p>“The undergrowth is so dense that we shouldn’t know -it if one was a dozen feet away,” Nelse replied, fanning -himself vigorously, for the heat at this point, where the -cooling breezes from the sea could not penetrate, was almost -stifling.</p> - -<p>“Then there’s all the more reason why we should go -back, mark out a course, and follow it by a compass.”</p> - -<p>“But I counted on finding what we wanted straight -across from the end of the cove,” Gil said, disconsolately.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t yet certain that it can’t be discovered,” the -mate replied, laughingly. “We are not woodsmen enough -to travel a beeline without anything to guide us.”</p> - -<p>“It’s positive we’re wasting time roaming around in -this manner, so let’s go back.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on a little while. I am so nearly roasted that -there will be nothing left of me but perspiration if I am -forced to take any exercise right away,” Nelse cried, in -affected distress.</p> - -<p>Each member of the party was more than willing to indulge -in a <i lang="es" xml:lang="es">siesta</i> just at this time, and, following the example -set by the mate the boys stretched themselves out<span class="pagenum">[91]</span> -at full length, regardless alike of snakes or the worshipers -of voudoo.</p> - -<p>Everything was conducive to slumber, save the winged -pests which were particularly active, and, despite even -these, all three were soon sleeping soundly; so much so, in -fact, that two half-naked negroes passed within three feet -of where they were lying without arousing them.</p> - -<p>This was possible owing to the fact that the strangers -walked with exceeding caution, finding an open way -through the foliage where seemingly none existed, and -circling around the sleepers without so much as a rustling -of the leaves.</p> - -<p>These men must certainly have been aware that the -schooner had come to an anchor off the island during the -night, for they evinced no surprise at seeing the whites, -but scrutinized them carefully, as if trying to judge of -their character.</p> - -<p>For fully five minutes the fellows continued the silent -examination, and then they glided through the thicket toward -the direction where the yacht was lying.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour later Mr. Jenkins awakened, and -called cheerily to the boys:</p> - -<p>“Come, it’s time to turn out if we want to get back -without running the risk of losing our way. When the -sun gets behind the trees we shall be all at sea so far as -direction goes.”</p> - -<p>The short nap had refreshed the boys wonderfully, -and they were on their feet at once, ready for the tramp.</p> - -<p>“Father will laugh when we tell him that, after being<span class="pagenum">[92]</span> -on shore so long, we haven’t seen the kind of a tree we -were searching for.”</p> - -<p>“You may have better luck to-morrow,” the mate said, -cheerily, as he led the return march, and the little party -traveled so rapidly that in a trifle more than an hour they -were pulling toward the <em>Day Dream</em> from the cove, all -unconscious of the half-a-dozen black forms concealed in -the thicket near the water’s edge watching their every -movement.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[93]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A STRANGE SPECTACLE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Although Andy had paid no attention to the departure -of the boys and the mate, he was watching eagerly for -their return, and Gil said, laughingly, as he saw the old -darky’s woolly pate just outside the forward companionway -hatch:</p> - -<p>“I suppose he thought we would never come back; that -the voudoos were sure to catch us. We must ask him -how it is he feels secure now, when a short time ago he -was confident we should not live to get home again.”</p> - -<p>“He has probably conjured up some kind of a charm,” -the mate replied, as he leaped aboard the yacht, painter -in hand, and at that instant the cook disappeared very -suddenly.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield was taking his ease under the awning -aft when the boys came over the rail, and from the -expression on their faces he knew the forenoon’s work -had produced no satisfactory results.</p> - -<p>“Treasure-hunting in such a climate isn’t what it is -cracked up to be, eh?” he cried.</p> - -<p>“We haven’t found what we wanted yet, but we may -be more successful to-morrow,” Gil said, just a trifle -sheepishly.</p> - -<p>“Take your time about it, but let me know when you<span class="pagenum">[94]</span> -begin to grow discouraged, for this isn’t the safest -anchorage I have seen, in case the wind comes from any -northerly quarter.”</p> - -<p>It really seemed as if Mr. Jenkins had been seized with -an attack of the treasure-hunting fever, for, without waiting -to eat dinner, which was already prepared, he produced -his glass and began searching the thicket.</p> - -<p>“Are you looking for an old tree?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes; we may as well get our bearings at once, and -save just so much time to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p>“Do you see any?”</p> - -<p>“No less than three. I’ll mark out a course to each, -and neither of them are so far from the shore but that -we can visit all in half a day.”</p> - -<p>At this moment Andy came from the galley on his way -to the after pantry, and, motioning to Gil to do the same, -Nelse followed him.</p> - -<p>“Well, you see we went on shore and escaped being -devoured by the voudoos,” he said, when all three entered -the cabin.</p> - -<p>“Don’t say nuffin ’bout it, honey,” the cook whispered, -imploringly. “Dis yere schooner ain’t outer de reach ob -dem debbils till she’s boun’ home.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us what you did to protect yourself?” Gil asked. -“We tried to get into the galley last night in order to -learn the same thing, but you wouldn’t open the door.”</p> - -<p>“You’se crazy, chile, ter tork so loud when we’se in dis -yere place. I couldn’t tole yer nuffin ’bout it, kase den -de charm would spile. Ef yer don’ go ashore ag’in there’s -er chance ob gittin’ off wid our lives.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[95]</span></p> - -<p>“Then it is a charm you’ve got!” Nelse cried, gleefully. -“Let us see it, Andy.”</p> - -<p>“I’se done gone ’bliged to keep cl’ar ob you chillun ef -dar’s any mo’ said ’bout it,” the cook replied, angrily. -“We’se in a mighty bad scrape, an’ I’se got my han’s full -takin’ keer ob Andy Storts widout tryin’ fur ter bring mo’ -trubble by torkin’.”</p> - -<p>This ended the conversation, so far as the old darky -was concerned, for, after placing certain additional dishes -on the table, he betook himself to the seclusion of his -galley.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins could apparently think of nothing but the -supposed treasure, and during a greater portion of the -remainder of the day he pored over the rude chart, discussing -with the boys the possibility that it might refer -to some other island.</p> - -<p>Andy took great pains to stay out of the way all this -time, and they saw nothing of him until supper was -served; but even then he refused to speak.</p> - -<p>That evening Gil and Nelse slung hammocks under the -awning, intending to sleep on deck because of the excessive -heat which rendered the cabin suffocatingly close, -and the mate ensconced himself in a folding-chair which -could be stretched out in the semblance of a bed.</p> - -<p>It was nine o’clock. Save for the low, musical murmur -of the sea on the sandy beach, not a sound could be -heard, and the boys were fast sinking into the arms of the -dream-god when Mr. Jenkins whispered, excitedly:</p> - -<p>“Look there! I reckon there’s considerable in Andy’s -yarn about voudoos.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[96]</span></p> - -<p>This was sufficient to cause the boys to leap from -their hammocks very suddenly, and, gazing in the direction -pointed out by the mate they saw nothing more remarkable -than the glow of a fire about half a mile to the -eastward of where they had landed during the forenoon.</p> - -<p>“There’s not much startling about that,” Gil said, in a -tone of disappointment.</p> - -<p>“It shows there are human beings ashore near here, -although we failed to find any traces of them.”</p> - -<p>“But it doesn’t prove that they are other than honest -fishermen or planters,” Nelse added.</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure,” Mr. Jenkins replied, in a musing -tone. “If there was nothing out of the ordinary run going -on over there why should a fire have been built?”</p> - -<p>“It won’t take us long to learn,” Gil cried, for his last -remark had aroused his curiosity. “What is to prevent -our rowing over that way? The tender hasn’t been -taken out of the water, and, although we’ve had plenty -of exercise to-day, a little more won’t do us any harm.”</p> - -<p>“I’m with you if the captain makes no objection,” the -mate said, as he sprang to his feet, and Gil’s father, who -had overheard the conversation, replied:</p> - -<p>“Do as you please, but don’t stay away too long, for at -this season of the year it is impossible to say when a -breeze may spring up which would make our anchorage -a dangerous one.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t likely we shall want to land,” Gil said as he -went to the cabin for his and Nelse’s revolvers, and five -minutes later the little party were rowing toward the reflection<span class="pagenum">[97]</span> -of the fire, Gil and Nelse at the oars, and Mr. -Jenkins steering.</p> - -<p>“Be careful,” the mate had said, in a low tone, as they -left the side of the yacht. “On such a night as this -sound travels a long distance over the water, and you -don’t want to splash about much.”</p> - -<p>This admonition was unnecessary. The thought that -they might be on the brink of some wonderful discovery -rendered both the boys cautious, and he who could hear -anything as the little craft glided toward the shore would -need to have a very acute sense of hearing.</p> - -<p>Perhaps half-an-hour elapsed before they were near -that portion of the shore from which the light had been -reflected, and then it was learned that the blaze was -some distance inland.</p> - -<p>It was possible to distinguish voices in an unmusical -song or chant, but nothing could be seen, and Mr. Jenkins -whispered:</p> - -<p>“We might just as well have stayed on the schooner, -so far as learning anything is concerned. Shall we go -back, or do you boys want to creep up on those fellows?”</p> - -<p>It was evident that the mate wished to land, but preferred -to have it appear as if he was doing so simply to -oblige his companions.</p> - -<p>“I would like to see what is going on in there,” Nelse -said, and Gil added, after a moment’s thought:</p> - -<p>“There can be no harm in trying it. Those who are -making that noise would hardly dare to raise a row in -case we betrayed our whereabouts, and, besides, armed as<span class="pagenum">[98]</span> -we are, it should be possible to hold our own against quite -a crowd.”</p> - -<p>The boat’s bow was run gently on the sand, and Mr. -Jenkins stepped softly over the side to hold her while -the boys got out, after which she was carried a full length -up on the shore.</p> - -<p>“I’ll go ahead,” the mate whispered, “and you take -good care to keep close to me, for it would make a bad -mess if we should get separated in the darkness.”</p> - -<p>“Go on; we’ll take care of that part,” Gil whispered, -and the advance was begun slowly, for it was no easy matter -to make one’s way among the dense foliage with the -necessary degree of silence.</p> - -<p>As the party advanced the sound of voices became -more distinct, and finally it became positive that some odd -sort of a performance was being given in this wild place.</p> - -<p>When about three hundred yards had been traversed -the mate came to a sudden halt, and, as he pulled aside a -cluster of saw palmettos the boys had a full view.</p> - -<p>Instinctively they had crouched to the ground when -Mr. Jenkins’ movements told that the journey was ended, -and, screened by the underbrush, it seemed positive they -were hidden from that strange party.</p> - -<p>The fire had been built in a small cleared space at the -foot of a huge palm tree, and over the flames was suspended -an iron pot, from which a most disagreeable odor -arose.</p> - -<p>For the time being, however, the spectators had no -thought for anything save the actors in this strange spectacle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[99]</span></p> - -<p>No less than twenty coal-black men, naked, save for -a cloth about the loins were dancing to and fro near the -blaze, bending their bodies in every possible position, and -making the hideous noise with greatest energy. Now -and then one would circle around the pot several times in -succession, howling yet louder, while his companions remained -silent, and at the end of the dismal song would -throw something into the boiling mass, after which the -uproar increased until another member of the party performed -the same ceremony.</p> - -<p>Gil was very positive he saw first a snake and then a -toad thrown into the pot, and it hardly seemed possible -the cooking would be followed by eating.</p> - -<p>The faces of the dancers were painted with vivid red -lines, as if the coloring matter was blood, and two of the -eldest members had the same kind of ornamentation covering -their entire bodies.</p> - -<p>When the crowd had apparently exhausted themselves -by this sort of exercise, they crouched around the fire, -looking more like gigantic frogs than human beings, and -the old fellows stirred the contents of the pot, making -the most uncouth gestures meanwhile.</p> - -<p>Then it appeared as if the “broth” was done.</p> - -<p>The performers began to dance and sing once more, -and Gil had just thought that it was time for them to retrace -their steps, when the two highly-decorated performers -set about ladling the disgusting-looking stuff into cocoanut -shells.</p> - -<p>A dozen portions were taken from the pot, and handed -to as many men, each of whom immediately started<span class="pagenum">[100]</span> -through the thicket in a different direction, one passing -so near Nelse that it seemed as if he leaped directly over -the boy, and the remainder of the crowd redoubled their -howls and contortions.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins pressed the hands of his companions to -intimate that it was time for them to leave, and the boys -rose to their feet, following him at a comparatively swift -pace, to the spot where the boat had been left.</p> - -<p>“We must have missed our way somehow,” the mate -whispered, when they finally emerged from the thicket, -and saw no signs of the craft. “I could almost swear -that this is the place where we landed.”</p> - -<p>“So it is,” Gil replied, in dismay. “Here is the imprint -of her keel in the sand. Some of those fellows who -left with the soup have stolen her.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[101]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">IN TROUBLE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Not until Mr. Jenkins examined the beach in every direction -for a distance of ten or fifteen yards from where -they came out of the thicket, would he be convinced that -the tender had been stolen.</p> - -<p>Then, when he saw the imprints of bare feet, showing -that the thieves had carried the little craft thirty or forty -feet toward the eastward before launching her, and even -found the spot where her bow had rested on the sand, -probably while the negroes got on board, he was almost -beside himself with rage.</p> - -<p>“I ought to be kicked every hour in the day until we -get home again,” he said, angrily. “Anybody, except a -fool like me, would have had sense enough, when those -fellows left the fire, to realize that the boat might be in -danger; but I never gave her a thought.”</p> - -<p>“Neither did Nelse nor I,” Gil added, “consequently -we rank quite as high in the fool scale. There’s no way -out of it, but admit to father that we allowed the tender -to be stolen, and try to look pleasant when he makes sport -of us.”</p> - -<p>“I wish we were where we could tell him,” the mate -said, half to himself.</p> - -<p>“That can be easily arranged. It will only be necessary<span class="pagenum">[102]</span> -to discharge the revolvers three or four times, and I -guarantee father will send some one ashore to learn if -there is any trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think it would be just safe to do that. The -crowd we saw back there would most likely prove to be -ugly customers, if they had any idea we saw their capers, -and it might not be pleasant to bring them down upon us -by reports of the weapons.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe they are voudoos?” Nelse asked, in a -voice which was not remarkable for its steadiness.</p> - -<p>“There can be no question about it.”</p> - -<p>“But what are they doing?”</p> - -<p>“I reckon old Andy is the only one of our folks who -can answer that question.”</p> - -<p>“It begins to look as if we had good cause to be -afraid,” Gil said, gloomily.</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” the mate replied, cheerily. “We have -only to loaf around here two or three hours, and then -some one will come ashore to look for us. The most -serious portion of the whole business is that the captain -is bound to haul us over the coals for losing the boat and -putting him to so much trouble.”</p> - -<p>Owing to the darkness and the distance, it was not possible -to see even the outlines of the yacht; but the forlorn -party knew in what direction she lay, and they seated -themselves on the sand just outside the fringe of bushes, -straining their ears to hear the first sound which should -tell that friends were coming.</p> - -<p>Half an hour elapsed.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins had just ascertained this fact by looking<span class="pagenum">[103]</span> -at his watch, when the sound of oars caused all three to -leap to their feet in joy.</p> - -<p>Surprise and delight that the time of waiting had -been so short prevented them from noticing that the craft -was coming from a direction opposite the location of the -schooner, and as they went to the water’s edge, Gil -hailed:</p> - -<p>“Boat ahoy! Here we are! Our craft was stolen, and -to save ourselves from possible trouble, we didn’t try to -attract your attention.”</p> - -<p>Then he paused for a reply; but none came. The light -splashing of water told that the boat was still approaching, -and Mr. Jenkins cried, impatiently:</p> - -<p>“Ahoy there! Where are you from?”</p> - -<p>Now even the sounds of the oars ceased, and the little -party were so engaged in trying to distinguish the craft -amid the gloom, that they failed to hear the light patter -of naked feet directly behind them.</p> - -<p>“It must be——”</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins did not finish the sentence, for at that instant -he was seized from behind and dragged backward on -the sand before he could make the slightest outcry.</p> - -<p>Gil and Nelse were served in the same manner at the -same time, and when either of the three realized what had -happened, they were powerless to move or speak.</p> - -<p>Two negroes held each of the prisoners as in bonds of -iron, while a third covered the captive’s mouth with an -enormous hand to prevent any outcry.</p> - -<p>The mate attempted to show fight; but struggle as he -might, it was impossible to do more than render his own<span class="pagenum">[104]</span> -position painful, and this he understood in a very short -time.</p> - -<p>The <em>Day Dream’s</em> boat, which had played such an important -part in their capture, was now rowed to the shore, -and from her leaped two other negroes, who, after assuring -themselves that the white strangers had been secured, -lifted the tender from the water, carrying her -straight up from the beach.</p> - -<p>When they had disappeared in the thicket, the prisoners -were raised to their feet, and one of the captors, who appeared -to be the leader of the party, spoke harshly in a -tongue which neither the mate nor the boys understood.</p> - -<p>From the tone, it was easy to guess that he was warning -them of the consequences in case they should make -any outcry; but this seemed superfluous, in view of the -fact that the black hands were still held firmly over their -mouths.</p> - -<p>Half-led, half-dragged, the little party was forced -through the thicket, in the direction from which they had -just come, and not a word was spoken until all were within -the circle of light cast by the fire around which the negroes -had been dancing.</p> - -<p>Here the black men held a very lively conversation, all -talking at the same time, and pausing now and then only -to examine more closely the prisoners.</p> - -<p>Gil believed they were discussing the question of what -should be done with their prizes, and this seemed yet -more probable when the two highly-decorated old men -spoke at great length, while the others listened, all nodding<span class="pagenum">[105]</span> -their heads in token of approval when the speeches -were brought to a close.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Mr. Jenkins appeared to be more alarmed -than were the boys; but his fear came from other sources -than the present disagreeable situation.</p> - -<p>The soughing of the wind among the trees told, to his -experienced ear, that a breeze was springing up from the -northeast, and if it increased to no more even than what -might be expected at this season of the year, he knew it -would become necessary for the yacht to put to sea, or -run down the other side of the island for a harbor.</p> - -<p>In either case they would be left comparatively alone -among those who could be considered in no other light -than as enemies, and the prospect was not cheering.</p> - -<p>The negroes had not yet decided what should be done, -when the report of a musket was heard in the distance, -and the prisoners looked at each other meaningly, for -they knew it was a signal for them to return at once.</p> - -<p>This noise caused the black men to come to a speedy -conclusion, and after the old fellows had given what were -evidently very minute directions as to future movements, -the fire was extinguished.</p> - -<p>The prisoners, guarded as before, were marched -through the thicket on a course nearly at right angles -with the one by which they had come from the beach, and -had not proceeded more than a quarter of a mile when -shouts were heard from the shore.</p> - -<p>“Gil! Mr. Jenkins! Shipmates ahoy!”</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield had sent a boat ashore in search of -the missing members of his crew, and one can fancy<span class="pagenum">[106]</span> -some portion of the prisoners’ mental distress at knowing -friends were so near and they unable to make their whereabouts -known.</p> - -<p>Again Mr. Jenkins attempted to free himself; but after -receiving several warning pricks from the point of a -knife, in token of what might follow in case he persisted -in fighting, he gave up the struggle.</p> - -<p>Again and again did the cries come to their ears, borne -on the wind, which was steadily and rapidly increasing, -and then another report of a musket told that this last -boat had been recalled.</p> - -<p>Gil and Nelse were almost frantic. Both realized that -the negroes would not have dared to commit such an outrage, -unless they were so strong in numbers as to resist -an attack, and the thought of what might be their fate on -this island, which had already been the scene of so many -bloody dramas, was ample excuse for any display of -weakness or terror.</p> - -<p>The negroes marched rapidly on for at least half-an-hour, -and then, coming suddenly, as if from the very -bowels of the earth, a bright flame appeared directly in -front of the leaders.</p> - -<p>As their eyes became accustomed to the gloom, the -boys saw that the blaze proceeded from half-a-dozen -torches, held by as many men, who had come out of what -appeared to be a cave in the side of a hill.</p> - -<p>Here quite a lengthy conversation ensued, and then the -prisoners were led through a passage sufficiently wide for -three men to walk abreast, to a small cave situated about -fifty feet from the opening.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[107]</span></p> - -<p>Further on, the glow, as of a fire, could be seen, thus -showing that beyond their halting-place was another and -a larger underground chamber, where, probably, those -who had been performing the uncouth antics near the -beach found a shelter.</p> - -<p>The prisoners were thrust into the small cave, or excavation, -without ceremony, and the others went on, apparently -indifferent as to what might be done by the -whites.</p> - -<p>The place was so dark that no idea could be formed of -its size, or what it might contain, and even if it had been -light, Mr. Jenkins would hardly have given it any attention -at that moment.</p> - -<p>He stood near the entrance watching until the men had -entered the cave at the end of the passage, and then he -ran toward the entrance.</p> - -<p>Before he had taken twenty steps, a blow from a club -brought him to his knees, showing that sentinels were on -the alert, and he crawled back, dazed and bleeding from -an ugly cut on the head.</p> - -<p>The boys had not followed; but they understood from -the noise what had happened, and, aiding their companion -to enter the underground prison, seated themselves -beside him.</p> - -<p>“What a fool I was to fancy we were left unguarded,” -the mate said, as he felt the warm blood trickling down -his face. “Strike a light, Gil, and see what condition my -head is in.”</p> - -<p>Fortunately, the boys had a small supply of wax<span class="pagenum">[108]</span> -matches, and one of these burned long enough to examine -the wound.</p> - -<p>A single glance was sufficient to show that it was not -serious, although it would probably cause considerable -pain, and Nelse tied his handkerchief around it to stay the -flow of blood.</p> - -<p>“I hope we shall have a chance to dress it better before -twenty-four hours have passed,” Gil said, with a vain attempt -to speak cheerfully. “Father will surely come on -shore in search of us when the sun rises, and he should -be able to follow such a broad trail as we must have left -in coming here.”</p> - -<p>“Your father is at sea by this time,” Mr. Jenkins replied, -almost sharply. “Didn’t you notice that the wind -was blowing half a gale before we arrived here? To -save the yacht, he had to get up anchor, and it may be a -week before he can get back.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[109]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE CAVE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Neither of the boys had thought that it might become -necessary for the <em>Day Dream</em> to leave her anchorage; but -as the mate spoke, both remembered what Captain Mansfield -said shortly before they left, and the knowledge that -their friends had been forced to abandon them brought -with it the deepest despair.</p> - -<p>They could hear the wind, as it swept across the mouth -of the underground passage, and this told plainly that if -the schooner had not left this particular portion of the -coast, she would probably be a wreck before morning.</p> - -<p>During a long while the mournful party crouched upon -the damp earth silent, each occupied with his own gloomy -thoughts, and then Gil said, as he arose to his feet:</p> - -<p>“We mustn’t give way in this manner! Other people -have been in worse scrapes and come out all right by -keeping a stiff upper lip, and watching for some chance to -help themselves. We are acting like babies.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, lad,” and Mr. Jenkins stood erect, -clasping Gil’s hand. “Let’s see what kind of a place we -are in, and then, perhaps, matters won’t appear quite so -desperate. I’d give all the wages due me if I knew why -these black villains have brought us here.”</p> - -<p>“It can’t be to kill us, for that could have been done<span class="pagenum">[110]</span> -without any trouble when we were on the beach,” Gil -replied.</p> - -<p>This remark seemed to give Nelse courage, and he said, -joining the others:</p> - -<p>“There’s no use speculating about what can’t be found -out until they choose to tell us. Let’s do as Mr. Jenkins -proposed, and find out where we are. I’ve got a box -full of matches, and they ought to give light enough to -show how the place looks.”</p> - -<p>While speaking, he had ignited one of the tapers, and -all three gazed around eagerly.</p> - -<p>There was but little to be seen. An excavation, evidently -formed by the hand of man, about twelve feet deep -and eight wide, with nothing in it, save a pile of charred -wood, where a fire had once been built, made up a complete -description of their prison.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t the most comfortable-looking place I ever saw,” -Gil said, trying hard to appear cheerful; “but we might -at least kindle a small fire, since the materials are so near -at hand. If our friends make any objection to the plan, -they can’t do much more than put it out.”</p> - -<p>A blaze, however small, would be better than the profound -darkness, and the boys raked the fragments of -wood together, partially covering them with sand to prevent -a too rapid consumption of fuel.</p> - -<p>It was necessary to use three matches of their now -precious hoard, before the flames fastened upon the blackened -sticks; but the outlay seemed none too great when -the dispiriting gloom was thus partially dispelled.</p> - -<p>The one question uppermost in the minds of all was,<span class="pagenum">[111]</span> -why they had been made prisoners, and, after gathering -around the fire, this thought would have caused another -painful silence, but for the mate, who said, briskly:</p> - -<p>“The darkness will seem all the more intense when this -wood has been burned, and what little we have won’t last -a great while.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t see how we can help ourselves,” Gil replied, -with a sigh.</p> - -<p>“I am going out through the passage on a hunt for -more.”</p> - -<p>“And get another blow on the head? Tied up as you -are in that handkerchief, which is covered with blood, you -look sufficiently like a pirate without trying to add to -your peculiar beauty.”</p> - -<p>“But this time I’ll go toward the big cave, where our -particular friends are probably enjoying themselves. -Light enough comes from there to show if any one is on -guard, and I’ll guarantee that these villains don’t get a -second chance to hit me with a club.”</p> - -<p>As if fearing his companions might try to dissuade him -from his purpose, Mr. Jenkins crept on his hands and -knees to where he could have a view of the passage.</p> - -<p>While it was impossible to distinguish anything distinctly, -he was able to satisfy himself that there was no -one between the two caves, and he rose to his feet as he -whispered:</p> - -<p>“I’m bound to have some idea of what them chaps are -doing, whether I get any more wood or not. Stay here, -and I’ll be back in five minutes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[112]</span></p> - -<p>“We had rather go with you,” Gil replied, as he approached -the mate.</p> - -<p>“It wouldn’t be safe. If they should happen to see me, -and kick up a row, the passage is so small that the three -of us would get all tangled up. You can watch from -here, and have some idea of what I am doing.”</p> - -<p>He started as the last word was spoken, and the boys -could see his form outlined against the faint light until he -reached the entrance to this second chamber, when he apparently -disappeared in the gloom.</p> - -<p>“Where has he gone now?” Nelse asked, in a whisper.</p> - -<p>“I reckon he’s simply leaning against the side, out of -the range of the fire, watching those who are inside.”</p> - -<p>Gil’s surmise was correct. Jenkins was standing where -he could get a fairly good view of the interior, and that -which he saw caused him mingled feelings of surprise, -bewilderment and fear.</p> - -<p>In the cave, which was circular, and about twenty feet -in diameter, were seventeen negroes, seated back against -the wall of earth, thus leaving the greater portion of the -floor space free. Four small fires were burning, as if to -designate the points of the compass, and between these -stood the most repulsive-looking old negro the mate had -ever seen. His wool was gray, and hung in matted locks -nearly to his shoulders. His toothless mouth appeared to -be the focus of a mass of wrinkles so deep as to destroy -all semblance of a face, and gave his head the appearance -of a bag with one end puckered by a drawing-string.</p> - -<p>The skin of some animal served as a sort of petticoat -for the old fellow, and around his neck was wound an<span class="pagenum">[113]</span> -odd sort of necklace, seemingly composed of small bones, -the ends of which reached nearly to the ground. His feet -were bare, as was the upper portion of his body, and in -each hand he held a long knife, the blade dripping with -blood.</p> - -<p>When Jenkins first saw the hideous creature, he was -standing silent and motionless, as if wrapped in deep -thought; but after a few seconds he aroused himself, -began walking around each fire in turn, muttering in guttural -tones, and drawing the blade of the knife across -his chest, causing the blood to flow in tiny streams with -every stroke.</p> - -<p>The spectators watched him as if spellbound. No one -so much as moved, and Jenkins could have sworn that -they were literally holding their breath.</p> - -<p>Weaving his way in and out among the piles of burning -wood, the old fellow continued to hack and cut at himself -until the entire upper portion of his body was covered -with blood, and then, crouching upon the earth, he -gazed steadily into the flames for several moments.</p> - -<p>Jenkins was about to turn away, believing the performance -had come to a close, when the negro sprang to his -feet with a quick, agile movement, and looked around -upon his companions like one just awakening from a -dream.</p> - -<p>Now it could be told from the expression on the black -faces that all believed they were about to hear some wonderful -revelation, and after a certain length of time, probably -made as long as possible in order to render his words -the more impressive, the old man began to speak, slowly<span class="pagenum">[114]</span> -at first, but increasing in vehemence until it sounded -more like the snarl of an angry animal than the result of -a human voice.</p> - -<p>He spoke in a language which Jenkins did not understand, -but, under the circumstances, it was not difficult to -fancy the long harangue had especial reference to the -prisoners.</p> - -<p>During at least fifteen minutes he continued in the -most impassioned strain, and then ensued the same scene -the mate had witnessed near the beach.</p> - -<p>All present began the apparently meaningless dance -and song around the fires, and Jenkins, thinking he had -seen enough of this mummery, made his way back to -those whom he knew were awaiting his return.</p> - -<p>There was no thought of gathering wood as he crept -cautiously through the passage, and when he reached the -place allotted to the prisoners, all was dark and still.</p> - -<p>“Are you here, boys?” he asked, in a low tone.</p> - -<p>“Yes, you almost stepped on us. What are they doing -over there? We heard the same kind of a chant that attracted -our attention when we landed to begin this foolish -trip which has ended so disastrously.”</p> - -<p>“They are cutting those silly capers over again. This -is what I saw.”</p> - -<p>Then Jenkins gave a detailed account of all that had -taken place in the chamber, from the time of his arrival, -and when he had finished, Gil asked:</p> - -<p>“What do you suppose they are up to?”</p> - -<p>“I reckon Andy could tell you, for there can be no -doubt but that these are a lot of voudoo worshipers, and<span class="pagenum">[115]</span> -the fellow with the knife must be a priest, or something -of that kind.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose they could know that we were in -search of pirates’ treasure?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“Not unless some of them understand English, and -heard us talking when we came ashore this morning.”</p> - -<p>“That might be,” Gil said, half to himself; “but so long -as we hadn’t found any, I can’t imagine why we should -have been made prisoners.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps it was because we saw them at their dances,” -Nelse suggested.</p> - -<p>To Gil this did not seem a very plausible explanation, -but since he could advance nothing better, it was accepted -as the true reason.</p> - -<p>“We have got to get out of here somehow,” Mr. Jenkins -said, after a long pause. “They may not intend to -do us any harm, but we won’t take the risk, if it can be -avoided. Toward morning I’m going to make one more -effort to find out how many are on guard at the entrance. -If we could only get hold of our revolvers! I know who -has them, and it is certain he isn’t with the mummers, -therefore he must be outside.”</p> - -<p>“With his eyes wide open, to prevent you either from -escaping, or trying to get your own again.”</p> - -<p>“We will see about that. We won’t make any move -until nearly morning, therefore it’s a good idea to get -some sleep, if possible. Lie down, and I’ll call you before -daybreak.”</p> - -<p>The conditions were not favorable for slumber, but yet -the boys were so tired that in a very short time both were<span class="pagenum">[116]</span> -sleeping quietly, and the mate, seated near the entrance to -the excavation, was keeping strict watch, with apparently -not the slightest idea of closing his eyes.</p> - -<p>He could hear the discordant chant from the inner -cave, now rising high, and again dying away until it was -lost in the distance, and this was continued so long that, -despite his will, the unconsciousness of sleep came upon -him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[117]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DISCOVERY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>While Mr. Jenkins slept, the fantastical worship in the -inner cave was brought to a close; the party separated, -each man going in a different direction across the island, -as if to ascertain the general condition of affairs, and before -they were reunited, the sun had risen.</p> - -<p>The wind continued from the same quarter with unabated -fury, and one needed only to see the trees bending -before the blast to understand that the <em>Day Dream</em> could -not come to an anchorage near that portion of the coast -for some time to come.</p> - -<p>The prisoners were not disturbed until nearly two hours -after daybreak, and then the mate was brought to his feet -very suddenly by a vicious kick from a burly negro, who -had evidently been selected to act the part of guard.</p> - -<p>Just for an instant Jenkins was disposed to show fight; -but before he could do anything so rash, the thought of -the consequences prevented him from raising his hands.</p> - -<p>The situation was sufficiently grave without his making -it worse by a useless show of resistance.</p> - -<p>“Get up, lads!” he cried, wishing to arouse his companions -before the brutal guard could deal them a blow, -and the boys sprang to their feet instantly, not understanding -where they were for several seconds, and then,<span class="pagenum">[118]</span> -as the unpleasant truth came slowly back to them, Gil -asked:</p> - -<p>“What’s going on now?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, my boy; but this dark-complexioned -gentleman has been trying his toes on my ribs in such -an energetic fashion that I fancy we are to make some -kind of a move. Whatever happens, keep close to me, -and don’t provoke the crowd by turning rusty when we’re -where we can’t help ourselves.”</p> - -<p>“How is the weather?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“About the same as when we arrived here. There’s no -chance of seeing the yacht to-day.”</p> - -<p>This brief conversation was interrupted by the remainder -of the black party, who now came from the outside, -and the prisoners were made to understand by signs -that they were to leave the cave.</p> - -<p>With the boys on either side of him, Jenkins marched -out, the huge black walking close behind the three, and the -others clustered around in a manner which precluded any -possibility of an escape.</p> - -<p>The captors were evidently making their way back to -the sea once more, and to both Gil and Nelse this fact was -in some slight degree pleasing, since it seemed to bring -them nearer the <em>Day Dream</em>.</p> - -<p>“How is your head?” Gil asked, when they had walked -a short distance in silence.</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t feel particularly comfortable; but I reckon -it’ll be all right after a while.”</p> - -<p>“If we could bathe it, you would look better. That<span class="pagenum">[119]</span> -bloody handkerchief and the matted hair gives you the -appearance of a veritable pirate.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t feel like one, at all events,” Mr. Jenkins replied, -with a laugh. “Just now I’m more of a cannibal -than anything else, for it seems as if I could eat a donkey -and then look over my shoulder for the rider.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose they intend to starve us?”</p> - -<p>“That’s a hard question to answer. It isn’t likely -they’ll take any too good care of us, and we stand a -chance of going hungry for some time to come.”</p> - -<p>“Such a thing wouldn’t trouble me, providing I could -see a way out of this scrape,” Nelse said, with a long-drawn -sigh. “If the yacht can’t come to an anchor while -the wind is so strong, we needn’t expect help to-day.”</p> - -<p>“There’ll be a change in the weather when the sun -sets,” the mate replied, encouragingly; but at the same -time he did not believe his own statement.</p> - -<p>The very old negro was evidently the chief of the -party, and he led them through a narrow path, cut amid -the dense tangle of foliage, until they arrived at the very -spot where the prisoners had witnessed the dance around -the pot while hidden among the trees.</p> - -<p>Here they were met by the two aged and highly-decorated -blacks, who had acted as masters of the ceremony -on the previous evening.</p> - -<p>All the repulsive-looking crowd evidently understood -that they were in no immediate danger of being hunted -out by those interested in the prisoners, for they moved -with the utmost deliberation.</p> - -<p>“The scoundrels know our shipmates can’t get here to-day,<span class="pagenum">[120]</span> -and are going to make the most out of the performance, -whatever it may be,” Jenkins said, angrily, as two -of the men began to lash him securely to a tree in such a -manner that he could do no more than turn his head from -side to side.</p> - -<p>The boys were fastened in the same fashion, and so -near together that it was possible for them to hear each -other when speaking in a low tone of voice.</p> - -<p>After the prisoners were thus disposed of, the blacks -began to prepare breakfast by roasting over a bed of coals -fifteen or twenty small animals, which resembled rabbits, -the three leaders retiring to the depths of the thicket as -if for consultation while this work was being done.</p> - -<p>The cooks had not even taken the trouble to dress the -game; but the odor of the roasting flesh was so appetizing, -and the prisoners were so hungry, that all three -waited with the liveliest impatience for the meal to be -made ready.</p> - -<p>“I’m certain I can eat a whole rabbit; but I don’t suppose -we’ll be allowed to have as much as we want,” Nelse -said, watching the operations eagerly.</p> - -<p>“We had better not count on regularly filling ourselves -up,” Jenkins replied, grimly, as a very unpleasant suspicion -began to creep into his mind.</p> - -<p>When the feast was prepared, the old men were summoned, -the remainder of the party standing at a respectful -distance until they had satisfied their hunger, and then -all hands set about devouring the food in a literally savage -fashion.</p> - -<p>Holding it in their hands and smearing themselves with<span class="pagenum">[121]</span> -fat and blood, until their black faces looked even more -hideous than before, the men gorged themselves, crunching -the smaller bones as dogs would have done, and only -when the last morsel had disappeared did they cease.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the prisoners could do no more than gaze -at the revolting spectacle, which, fortunately, partially -caused them to forget their hunger, and not a word was -spoken until Jenkins, seeing that his companions were -rapidly giving way to despair, tried to arouse them.</p> - -<p>“It’s no very great hardship to go hungry for twenty-four, -or even forty-eight hours,” he said, cheerily. “If -we think of eating, it’ll only make matters worse, so let’s -sheer off on some other tack.”</p> - -<p>“That is not so easily done,” Nelse replied, gloomily.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know about it. Look around and see what an -odd sort of a forest this is, compared to such as we have -at home.”</p> - -<p>“We’ve had time to be pretty well acquainted with it -since landing yesterday. There doesn’t seem to be anything -strange here, except it is the big palm tree near -where the old scoundrels are sitting. That——”</p> - -<p>Gil would have started to his feet in surprise, had it -not been for the bonds, as he cried:</p> - -<p>“It is the very tree we were hunting for! There are -none others as tall, and it’s surely old enough to have -served as a landmark when our chart was made.”</p> - -<p>“I believe you are right, my boy,” the mate said, after -a short pause. “It would be strange if these villains -have shown us just what we wanted to find.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t see that it will do us any good, even if we<span class="pagenum">[122]</span> -knew a big pile of gold was absolutely buried in the immediate -vicinity,” Nelse replied, grumblingly; but at the -same time he continued to gaze at the palm, and it could -be seen that, for the moment, the pangs of hunger were -forgotten.</p> - -<p>The possibility of their having finally arrived at the desired -place, through no inclination or volition of their -own, was sufficient to furnish them with a fruitful topic -of conversation, and but little attention was paid to the -blacks until the departure of several of the younger men -caused Gil to ask:</p> - -<p>“Where do you suppose they are going?”</p> - -<p>“Most likely to watch out for the yacht. It isn’t certain -your father won’t make an attempt to put in here in -search of us, although I don’t think one of our boats could -land, and they want to make sure of not being interrupted.”</p> - -<p>During the next half-hour the negroes remained idle, -lounging near the scene of the feast, and then the messengers -returned.</p> - -<p>Whatever report they made must have been satisfactory, -for immediately the fire was rebuilt, the pot slung on -two crotched sticks, and the old fellows took up their station -nearby, as if to repeat the mummery of the previous -evening.</p> - -<p>Now the prisoners understood that they were to take -some part in the ceremony, for three of the men stood -directly in front of them, while the priests began once -more the doleful chant.</p> - -<p>“They are going to kill us,” Nelse cried, in alarm, but<span class="pagenum">[123]</span> -forced to remain motionless before the blacks, each of -whom held a short-bladed knife in his hands.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jenkins no longer attempted to cheer his companions. -He believed, as Nelse did, and with good -reason.</p> - -<p>While the old men sang, those who had evidently been -selected as executioners advanced slowly, brandishing -their weapons, and making gestures, while the remainder -of the party stood nearby, gazing intently, as if at some -fascinating spectacle.</p> - -<p>Neither of the prisoners spoke. Death seemed so close -at hand that the numbness of despair was upon them, and -each watched the gleaming circles of steel as the knives -came slowly toward them.</p> - -<p>When the three men were not more than five feet away -from him, Gil fancied he heard a slight noise directly in -the rear, as if some one was lighting a match; but since -none of the blacks paid any attention to it, he fancied he -was mistaken, and tried to prepare himself in some slight -degree for the supreme moment.</p> - -<p>Now the circle of spectators grew smaller; the old men -forced their way through, that they also might witness -what was possibly one of their fiendish rites, and the -gleaming steel almost touched the victims.</p> - -<p>The two boys closed their eyes that they should not see -the deadly blow when it was delivered, and Jenkins believed -he had not many seconds to live, when a singular, -hissing noise was heard directly behind the helpless ones.</p> - -<p>Instantly it seemed that a shaft of fire came from the -foliage, with a scream as of some living creature.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[124]</span></p> - -<p>Opening their eyes suddenly, the boys saw this thing -of flame tear its way through the crowd, throwing sparks -right and left, and striking two of the blacks with sufficient -force to hurl them to the ground.</p> - -<p>The negroes fled with loud yells of terror, as the -“thing,” apparently caught by the foliage, continued to -send forth showers of flame, and before the last man disappeared, -both Gil and Nelse had fainted.</p> - -<p>The strain upon them had been too great, and over-taxed -nature gave way beneath it.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[125]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">ANDY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>At this particular time Jenkins paid but little attention -to the boys. He fancied the sudden appearance of the -stream of fire was simply a portion of the horrible ceremonies, -and believed the negroes’ terror to be only -simulated.</p> - -<p>When the last black disappeared in the foliage, a noise -directly behind him caused him to look for their return -from that quarter, and his surprise can be better imagined -than described when he saw Andy standing in front of -him, his wide mouth open to its fullest extent in silent -enjoyment of the complete rout.</p> - -<p>“Where in the name of all that’s wonderful did you -come from?” he cried, and would have followed this with -other questions, had not the cook whispered hurriedly:</p> - -<p>“Dere ain’t no time ter tork now, kase we’s boun’ ter be -outer dis yere place before dem debbils cum back. Don’ -speak a word.”</p> - -<p>With remarkable celerity, Andy cut the bonds of vines, -and while Jenkins was rubbing his arms and legs to restore -the circulation, the cook released the boys.</p> - -<p>It was as if the sudden change of position served to restore -them to consciousness, and by the time the cook -had made his arrangements for flight, they were aware of -the rescue.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[126]</span></p> - -<p>Gil would have followed Jenkins’ example, and overwhelmed -the negro with questions; but the mate whispered:</p> - -<p>“Keep quiet, now; we can hear all about it later.”</p> - -<p>Andy’s first care was to gather up the rope-like vines -and throw them on the fire, after which he ran into the -thicket, returning a few seconds later with a large package -wrapped in sailcloth.</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine erhead, an’ you’se mus’ cum erlong mighty -fas’ ef yer don’ wan’ ter see dem imps ergin.”</p> - -<p>Without waiting for a reply, he started toward the -coast to the westward, running so rapidly, laden though -he was, that the others had quite as much as they could do -to keep pace with him.</p> - -<p>During fully half an hour the flight was continued, and -just when Nelse was on the point of saying that he could -hold out no longer, however great might be the danger, -Andy halted in the midst of a palmetto thicket.</p> - -<p>“We’se gwine ter stay hyar fur erwhile,” he said, speaking -with difficulty, because of his heavy breathing; “but -dere mus’ be a mighty snug watch kept, kase dem debbils -are boun’ ter fin’ out wha’s been ergoin’ on.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us how you happen to be here, and where the -yacht is?” Gil asked, as soon as it was possible to speak.</p> - -<p>Andy’s story, interspersed as it was with threats -against and commentaries upon the voudoos, would require -too great a space to be related in his own words; -but the substance was as follows:</p> - -<p>After the boat had returned to the yacht, and the sailors -reported they could find no trace of the missing ones,<span class="pagenum">[127]</span> -Captain Mansfield was utterly at a loss to account for the -singular disappearance. He knew there were no wild -beasts on the island that could have attacked and killed -the entire party, therefore it seemed positive the mate and -the boys were detained by human beings.</p> - -<p>To search for them in the darkness would have been -useless, therefore he intended to wait until morning, when -he proposed going on shore himself; but the coming of -the gale prevented this plan from being carried into effect.</p> - -<p>It was absolutely necessary the yacht should be gotten -under way, and, in the absence of the mate, equally essential -for the safety of all on board, that the captain should -remain in command.</p> - -<p>Knowing they might be obliged to remain away two or -three days, and distressed at the thought of leaving the -missing ones to the mercy of those who had probably captured -them, Captain Mansfield called for some of the -crew to volunteer to go on shore and prosecute a search -during his absence.</p> - -<p>None of the sailors cared to venture, and then it was -that Andy offered his services, which were accepted the -more eagerly because of all on board, he could probably -accomplish more, owing to the partial acquaintance he -had with the natives of this and the adjoining islands.</p> - -<p>He took a small amount of food with him, and, in addition, -a number of signal rockets with which to make his -whereabouts known as soon as it should be possible for -the yacht to come in shore again. A revolver and a dozen -cartridges, together with a canteen of water, made up the -full list of his stores.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[128]</span></p> - -<p>It was only after the greatest difficulty that the sailors -succeeded in setting him ashore, for the sea began to run -high immediately the wind sprang up, and he remained -in the thicket near the beach until sunrise, when, almost -before he was ready to commence the search, the voudoos’ -chant told him where the prisoners were likely to be -found.</p> - -<p>Creeping cautiously up to where a view of the party -could be had, he realized that it would be the height of -folly to make an attack single-handed, and remained inactive, -fully believing the prisoners were to be killed, -until he chanced to think of the signal rockets.</p> - -<p>It was a poor experiment upon which to depend as a -means of saving the lives of three people; but, fortunately, -it succeeded admirably, and there was no question but -that the blacks fancied the sparks of fire had been produced -by some supernatural agency.</p> - -<p>“How did it happen that you dared venture on shore?” -Gil asked, when the story was ended. “You said nothing -could tempt you to run the risk of meeting the voudoos, -and there can be no mistake about the men who -came so near killing us.”</p> - -<p>“I’se dun gone got er charm, an’ when de sailors -wouldn’t cum ershore, dere was nuffin lef’ but fur me ter -do my level bes’.”</p> - -<p>“And it couldn’t be improved upon,” Jenkins said, as -he patted the old fellow’s woolly head.</p> - -<p>“It was mos’ly de charm,” Andy replied, modestly.</p> - -<p>“That had precious little to do with it,” the mate said,<span class="pagenum">[129]</span> -emphatically. “The rocket and the man behind it did the -business, and a thousand charms wouldn’t have frightened -those villains away so quickly.”</p> - -<p>“What made you spend so much time burning the vines -with which we were tied?” Nelse asked. “They couldn’t -have been used again.”</p> - -<p>“I wasn’ erfeared ob dat, honey; but we wanter make -dem debbils t’ink dat de ghostes dun took you off, ropes -an’ all.”</p> - -<p>“And it was a good idea, Andy,” Jenkins said. “Now, -if we can only keep them at a proper distance until the -yacht heaves in sight, we shall be all right.”</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter dribe de whole bilin’ offer dis yere island,” -the old man said, decidedly, much as if he was -proposing a very simple piece of business.</p> - -<p>“How do you count on doing that?” Gil asked. “You -said they could do no end of mischief, even when hundreds -of miles away?”</p> - -<p>“I’se got de charm, honey, an’ I’se got de rockets. Ef -we kin creep up on ’em once, I’ll start annudder fiery -sarpent what’ll make de voudoos t’ink de las’ day hab -cum.”</p> - -<p>“If that could be done, we would have a chance to find -out whether the pirates’ treasure is hidden near the old -palm tree,” Nelse cried, excitedly.</p> - -<p>“Now, honey, don’ you’se go ter speckerlatin’ erbout -dat any mo’. It’s wha’s got us all in dis yere trubble, an -we’se gwine ter keep clear ob it, ef I’se got a vote in de -bizness.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[130]</span></p> - -<p>“There’s plenty of time to talk about that,” Jenkins interrupted. -“The villains are here yet; it isn’t any sure -thing they can be frightened away, and while they remain, -we shan’t be able to do much of anything but keep -ourselves out of sight.”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it about time we thought of eating something?” -Nelse asked, suddenly. “Andy said he brought food from -the yacht, and I would like to have a bite.”</p> - -<p>“Take it all, honey, de ole man ain’ wantin’ any now,” -and the cook unstrapped a well-filled haversack from his -shoulders. “I’se had what’ll do me fur de nex’ four -days.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll make an equal division whether there is any -chance of your growing hungry or not,” Gil said, as he -began to distribute the food. “It is necessary that we -husband it as much as possible, unless we can count on -seeing father pretty soon.”</p> - -<p>“He won’t be able to make this portion of the coast -until the wind blows itself out,” the mate replied, “and -I advise that we go on short rations to-day.”</p> - -<p>This remark was hardly necessary, since the amount of -provisions Andy had brought did not suffice to make one -satisfactory meal for the party, and every crumb was devoured -before the hunger of either was more than half -satisfied.</p> - -<p>When the haversack of canvas had been emptied, the -cook said, as he examined the wound on Jenkins’ head:</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter fix yer up a little, Marse Jenkins, an’ -den we’d better light out ob dis yere place, kase dere’s no<span class="pagenum">[131]</span> -tellin’ when dat crowd’s cumin’ back ter see wha’ made de -sparks fly.”</p> - -<p>The mate would have objected to Andy’s spending any -time on what he considered a trifling matter; but the cook -did not wait for remonstrances. Using the water in the -canteen, regardless of whether his companions were -thirsty, he first bathed the wound, and then bandaged it -properly with strips torn from Gil’s shirt, after which he -said, with an air of pride:</p> - -<p>“I ’lows you’se gwine ter git ober dat little scratch widout -much trouble, an’ ef dere’s no objection, we oughter -keep on till we light on a better place dan dis yere bunch -ob trees.”</p> - -<p>After the generalship he had shown, there was no reason -why the cook should not take command of the party, -and he assumed the leadership by setting out at a rapid -pace toward the coast, the others following close behind -him.</p> - -<p>Not until they were within sight of the sea at a point -two or three miles from where the boys and the mate -were made prisoners did he halt, and then it was to say:</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter skurmish roun’ fur ter see whar dem -debbils am hidin’.”</p> - -<p>“Why shouldn’t we go with you?” the mate asked.</p> - -<p>“Kase dere’s no tellin’ how de charm’s gwine ter work -fur all han’s, an’ de res’ ob de crowd had better stay hyar -till de ole man gits back.”</p> - -<p>“The boys can take care of themselves for a while, and -I’ll keep you company,” Jenkins said, decidedly. “We -can’t afford to run the chance of an accident just now.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[132]</span></p> - -<p>Andy did not fancy being obliged to take a protector -with him; but the mate was determined to share all the -danger, and the two plunged into the thicket, after impressing -upon Gil and Nelse the necessity of remaining -hidden during their absence.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[133]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A SUCCESSFUL SCHEME.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>When the mate and cook started out to ascertain the -whereabouts of the natives, the former carried the revolver, -and the latter had strapped to his back the bundle of -signal rockets.</p> - -<p>At the time their only idea was to learn what the -blacks were doing, and to that end Andy led the way back -toward the cave, circling around in such a manner as -would permit an approach from the south.</p> - -<p>After traveling at a rapid pace for twenty minutes or -more, the cook came to a halt, exclaiming as he did so:</p> - -<p>“Dere’s no use tuckerin’ our legs all out at de start, -kase dere’s plenty ob time.”</p> - -<p>“How is it that you know this island so well? You -move around as if you had always lived here.”</p> - -<p>Andy tried to evade the question by speaking of the -weather and the possibility that the yacht could approach -the northern coast by the following morning; but Jenkins -insisted on an answer, and finally the old fellow said:</p> - -<p>“I mought jes’ as well tell de trufe; but I don’ hanker -after habin’ de capt’in know erbout it.”</p> - -<p>“Have you ever taken a hand in this voudoo business?” -Jenkins asked, sternly, as he watched the old man’s face -closely.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[134]</span></p> - -<p>“Nebber! Nebber! I’se done gone bin in a good -many scrapes, but nuffin like dat. Six or ten years ago, -when I was young an’ flighty like, annuder colored man -an’ me runned away frum a brig what we’d shipped in, -an’ hid hyar. De voudoos cum mighty nigh killin’ us -erfore we got took off, an’ dat’s how I’se sich a pertic’lar -’quaintance wid de island.”</p> - -<p>“Then you have seen these fellows before?”</p> - -<p>“Ef dey ain’ jes’ de same, dey looks a drefful sight like -em.”</p> - -<p>“And you knew where the cave was before I said anything -about it?”</p> - -<p>“’Deed I didn’t, fo’ a fac’. I nebber seen it; but I -reckon it was ’cause we kept mighty near de beach all de -time watchin’ fur a vessel.”</p> - -<p>“What did you find to eat?”</p> - -<p>“Dere’s plenty ob oysters ’roun’ de shore, an’ it’s a -prime place fur turtles. Dere ain’t no danger ob goin’ -hungry ef de <em>Day Dream</em> don’ come back fur a week.”</p> - -<p>“I’m glad to hear that, for the yacht may be away some -time—I don’t see any signs that this wind will haul around -very soon—and the food supply promises to become serious -to us. If you are rested, let’s push on; the boys may -grow frightened if we stay too long.”</p> - -<p>Andy acted upon this suggestion at once, and the two -did not halt again until they had reached a point from -which a view of the entrance to the cave could be had, -while they were screened by the foliage.</p> - -<p>From the first glance it appeared as if the blacks had -not returned to their underground hiding-place; but after<span class="pagenum">[135]</span> -waiting five minutes, a woolly head was seen at the entrance -for an instant, and then drawn back very quickly, -as if its owner did not dare to expose any portion of his -precious body very long at a time.</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter plump one ob dese yere rockets right -inter dat hole,” Andy whispered, as he began to unwrap -the package.</p> - -<p>“Don’t do anything so foolish,” the mate replied in the -same cautious tone. “They would then see the stick, and -know it wasn’t the work of supernatural beings. Besides, -we can use them to better advantage by waiting -until the whole gang come outside.”</p> - -<p>“Wha’ you’se mean by dat?”</p> - -<p>“Some of them have still got the revolvers taken from -the boys an’ me. If we could manage to put our hands -on them it wouldn’t be much of a job to hold the crowd -in check for as long as we wanted to stay.”</p> - -<p>“But how’s we gwine ter do dat wid de rockets?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know; we’ll wait a while, and perhaps something -may turn up in our favor.”</p> - -<p>Andy was eager to continue his work of terrifying the -blacks, but he managed to restrain his impatience, as -Jenkins requested, and during the next hour the two remained -silent and almost motionless, watching intently -for the appearance of their enemies.</p> - -<p>During this time two or three of the party had peeped -out several times, without showing any more of their -bodies than was absolutely necessary, and Andy had begun -to grumble because of the delay, when the entire -crowd emerged.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[136]</span></p> - -<p>They were walking in couples, with the old fellows, who -had put on a yet larger supply of paint, leading the way, -and, from the look of anxiety on their faces, it was plainly -seen that even the alleged priests felt very uncomfortable -in mind.</p> - -<p>Andy held one of the rockets at such an angle as would -send it in the midst of the party when it was fired, resting -the base against a tree to avoid the recoil; but Jenkins -prevented him from lighting the match until the crowd -were a dozen yards beyond the entrance to the cave.</p> - -<p>“Now give me your revolver,” the mate whispered, -“and be sure to take good aim. If you miss, all that has -been done will be wasted.”</p> - -<p>The old darky, probably remembering when he had -been chased by this or a similar gang, <a id="B_136" href="#Ref_136">adjusted the rocket -very carefully, and then ignited the fuse</a>. At the same -instant Jenkins discharged every barrel of the revolver, -aiming low to avoid killing any outright, and this portion -of the scheme was a perfect success.</p> - -<div id="Ref_136" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i181.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“Andy adjusted the rocket and ignited the fuse.” <a href="#B_136">See page 136</a>.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>The rocket plowed its way through the entire line from -the rear, as if it had come out of the cave, and no less -than five were thrown to the ground, while it could be -seen that two of the others had received the attention of -bullets.</p> - -<p>Those who were uninjured fled at the utmost speed into -the thicket, screaming with terror, and heeding not the -cries of their companions, who were begging for assistance.</p> - -<p>The leaders yelled louder than their followers, and<span class="pagenum">[137]</span> -thought only of their own safety, while all hands dropped -everything which might impede their flight.</p> - -<p>In the foliage a short distance from where the overturned -ones were lying, the rocket, caught among the -branches, hissed and sparkled, causing the most intense -desire on the part of those remaining to leave that particular -portion of the island as quickly as possible.</p> - -<p>While scrambling to their feet they did not cease to -scream at the full strength of their lungs, and once they -were in a condition to run, every man sought the shelter -of the bushes.</p> - -<p>“Now is our time,” Jenkins said, hurriedly. “You -rush out there and hunt for the weapons—I fancy some -of them were dropped during the scramble—while I see -what there is in the cave that we might want.”</p> - -<p>Andy ran like a deer in one direction, while Jenkins -went in another, and five minutes later the two returned -laden with the spoils.</p> - -<p>The old darky brought into the thicket two revolvers -with one ammunition belt, four freshly-killed animals, -such as the blacks had roasted for breakfast, and three -murderous-looking knives.</p> - -<p>Jenkins found two knives, a couple of hatchets, a small -bag filled with yams, and a spade, he saying, as he held -up the last-mentioned implement for Andy’s inspection:</p> - -<p>“I don’t know what we want of such a thing, but I was -determined to bring away as much as possible, and it may -come in handy before we leave.”</p> - -<p>“We’se boun’ ter make ’em pay fur de rockets, an’ de -spade will count on de bill. Hadn’ we better mosey<span class="pagenum">[138]</span> -’long to de boys? Dey’ll be erbout wild ef we don’ cum -mighty soon.”</p> - -<p>“Lead the way, and I’ll follow; but be careful, for it -won’t do to let those fellows have a glimpse of us.”</p> - -<p>Andy understood only too well that their safety depended -upon remaining under cover, and he conducted -the mate back to the place where the boys had been left, -by a circuitous route toward the east.</p> - -<p>“I’se ’lowin’ dat dem debbils hab all gone ober to the -souf shore, kase it’s frum dere dey kin strike across to de -big island, so all we has ter do is keep on our end, ef we -don’ wan’ ter see ’em.”</p> - -<p>When the two were with the boys again nearly five -hours had elapsed since the time of their departure, and -both Gil and Nelse were decidedly disturbed in mind.</p> - -<p>“I had just decided that we ought to go out in search -of you,” the former said, as the cook and Jenkins threw -themselves on the ground nearly exhausted by the long, -rapid tramp.</p> - -<p>“That would have been a foolish proceeding, even if -we had got into trouble,” the mate said, with a laugh. -“If the scoundrels could down us, it is safe to say you’d -hardly been able to render any assistance. It’s all right, -though, an’ we can count on being left to ourselves until -morning at the earliest.”</p> - -<p>Then Jenkins told the boys of what had been done, and -once more Nelse and Gil began to have hopes that a -search might be made for the supposed treasure.</p> - -<p>“Can we have something to eat now?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“Wait till dark, honey, an’ den I’se gwine ter git up a<span class="pagenum">[139]</span> -reg’lar jubelee feast. We kin build a fire, an’ dey can’t -see de smoke.”</p> - -<p>“The flames will show more plainly.”</p> - -<p>“Dey won’t, kase I’se de boy what knows how ter fix -sich t’ings.”</p> - -<p>They were well aware that Andy understood best what -should be done, and both tried to wait patiently until the -time when their hunger could be appeased without too -great danger.</p> - -<p>When the sun set the strength of the wind seemed to -increase, and Jenkins stated as his opinion that another -twenty-four hours must elapse before the yacht could be -brought to the old anchorage.</p> - -<p>“It don’t make so much difference, now that the blacks -are frightened, and we can defend ourselves in reasonably -good shape,” he said, cheerily. “Unless they contrive to -surprise us, I’ll answer for it that we will hold our own -against twice the number.”</p> - -<p>“At the same time I’d rather be on board the yacht until -we know they have left the island,” Nelse said, with a -feeble attempt at a smile.</p> - -<p>“So had I; but since it is necessary to wait, we might -just as well look on the bright side of the affair. How -long before you are going to dish up some of those rabbits, -Andy?”</p> - -<p>“I’se ready ter make a start now, an’ dat spade is gwine -ter come in mighty handy. Ef you’ll dig a hole, I’ll -mosey ’roun’ fur wood.”</p> - -<p>It was dark, not so much as a star appearing in the inky -blackness of the clouds, and the little party could safely<span class="pagenum">[140]</span> -move to and fro at will, provided they were careful not to -make a noise.</p> - -<p>All hands assisted the cook, whose fireplace was so far -beneath the surface that the flames could easily be -screened from view by bushes, and never had the boys -sat down to a more thoroughly enjoyable meal than this -one of roasted rabbits—more properly speaking, agoutis—and -yams.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[141]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">TREASURE HUNTING.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>In this world, when one desire has been satisfied another -springs up, as the boys learned after eating a hearty -supper, for as soon as their hunger was appeased both felt -the necessity of slumber.</p> - -<p>“It seems as if I hadn’t been to sleep for a week,” Nelse -said, with a yawn, as he stretched himself out at full -length where the bushes would screen him from the wind.</p> - -<p>“There is nothing to prevent your getting all you want -now,” the mate replied. “So scoop in a full supply.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think it is necessary to stand watch?” Gil -asked.</p> - -<p>“Andy and I will attend to that business.”</p> - -<p>“But we ought to do our share.”</p> - -<p>“If we are here to-morrow night, you shall take your -turn at it; but just at this time it is important to keep a -sharp lookout, and, tired as you boys are, I wouldn’t like -to trust the matter in your hands.”</p> - -<p>“You needn’t be afraid of our going to sleep when it -is necessary to keep awake.”</p> - -<p>“There are some things a fellow can’t prevent, no matter -how good his intentions may be, so we won’t waste -any more time in a discussion.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins spoke in such a decided tone that the boys understood<span class="pagenum">[142]</span> -it would be useless to continue the conversation, -and in a very few moments both were sleeping soundly, -while the mate and Andy stood most vigilant guard.</p> - -<p>Several times during the night the rustling of the -leaves or soughing of the wind caused the watchers to -make short excursions from the camping-place to learn if -the enemy were in the vicinity; but nothing of an alarming -nature was discovered, and when Gil and Nelse -awakened the general condition of affairs was such as to -give them renewed courage.</p> - -<p>The windstorm had cleared away, the sun was shining -brightly in an unclouded sky, and the morning breeze -was sufficiently strong to admit of the yacht’s working her -way up the coast.</p> - -<p>“Father should be here before sunset!” cried Gil, as he -sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p>“You are right, my boy,” the mate said, cheerily. “I -allow that she’ll be at the old anchorage, if the breeze -holds, before three o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“Have you seen anything of the voudoos?”</p> - -<p>“Not so much as a hair. Andy’s just about starting -off now to learn if they have gone back to the cave.”</p> - -<p>The old darky, who was standing near making his -preparations for the journey, did not speak. The expression -on his face told how grave and dangerous he -considered the mission to be, and at such a time he evidently -believed it beneath his dignity to enter into conversation.</p> - -<p>The precious rockets he was fastening over his shoulder -were to be used in case of a great emergency, and<span class="pagenum">[143]</span> -the boys noticed that he frequently pressed the bosom of -his shirt, as if to assure himself of the safety of some -object.</p> - -<p>“I’ll bet he has got his charm there,” Nelse whispered -to Gil. “I’ve noticed that he keeps his hand over that -portion of his shirt more than half the time.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll make him show it to us when we get on board -the yacht once more.”</p> - -<p>“Be careful of yourself,” Jenkins said, in a low tone, as -Andy turned to leave the camping-place. “Don’t use the -rockets unless it is absolutely necessary, and come back -as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>“Dere ain’ much danger ob my lingerin’ ’roun’ whar -dat crowd is,” the old man replied, as he disappeared -among the foliage.</p> - -<p>“Now, boys, I’m going to skirmish for some oysters,” -Jenkins said, when they were alone. “Here is one of the -revolvers, and in case of any trouble, fire two shots; but -don’t expose yourself by leaving this thicket.”</p> - -<p>“Haven’t we got enough for breakfast without your -leaving us?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“No; our appetites were too good last night for anything -to be left over from the small amount we managed -to get from the niggers. We can——”</p> - -<p>“Bress de Lawd!” Andy shouted, in a loud tone, from -a distance, and, as the little party ran in the direction indicated, -they heard him cry:</p> - -<p>“De hull bilin’ ob dem debbils am makin’ fur de odder -islan’ as fas’ as dey kin row. De rockets done gone -did it!”<span class="pagenum">[144]</span> -Hardly daring to believe the good news, Jenkins and -the boys kept on at full speed until they were at the -beach, where a view of the sea to the westward could be -had, and then their excitement was little less than that -displayed by the old darky.</p> - -<p>Far away on the water were three boats, one of them -probably the <em>Day Dream’s</em> tender, loaded with men, who -were working at the oars vigorously, and there was no -longer any question but that their enemies had been -literally frightened away.</p> - -<p>“De fiery sarpents was too much for dem!” Andy cried, -triumphantly, as he went through with a series of contortions, -evidently intended as a dance of joy. “We’se -done gone got de hull islan’ fur ourselbes.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t well to show them that we are nothing more -than men,” Jenkins said, as he pulled the old darky into -the thicket. “If they get an idea it was only a trick, we -may have our hands full before the yacht can come up the -coast. The boys and I will go for something to eat, while -you keep them in sight until they land on Hayti. Keep -just inside the thicket so you can’t be seen.”</p> - -<p>Andy threw off the burden, for the rockets were useless, -now the blacks had abandoned the island, and -obeyed the order given, while the others went toward the -northern coast, where they would be screened from view -of those in the boats.</p> - -<p>Here plenty of shell fish were found, and before the old -darky returned a most appetizing breakfast had been -cooked.</p> - -<p>His report was decidedly encouraging. He had seen<span class="pagenum">[145]</span> -the blacks land on the adjoining island, and watched the -boats sufficiently long to assure himself that there was no -danger of an immediate return.</p> - -<p>“Dey’s done gone runned off fur erwhile,” he said, in -a tone of satisfaction, “an’ we’se gwine ter lebe dis yere -place erfore dey wants ter cum back.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see anything of the yacht?” Jenkins asked.</p> - -<p>“Not a hooter; I reckon she’s done gone ’round de -udder side ob de islan’, an’ we’se gwine ter see her when -she’s lettin’ go de cable.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon you’re right, Andy, and since there’s nothing -more to fear, we can spend the time as we choose.”</p> - -<p>“If that is the case,” Gil said, in a serious tone, “Nelse -and I want to make one search for the treasure.”</p> - -<p>All Andy’s fears were aroused at this mention of the -pirates’ gold, as could be told by his face; but he made -no other protest than to say:</p> - -<p>“We’se bin in all dis yere trubble jes’ on ’count ob dat, -an’ it stands to reason we oughter lebe it go.”</p> - -<p>“But what harm will be done, if we spend the time -while waiting for the yacht in searching for it? When -she arrives we shall go on board, whether anything has -been found or not, and there can surely no trouble come -of that.”</p> - -<p>The old darky made no reply, but he shook his head in -an ominous manner while his hand rested on his shirt, -under which the boys believed the famous “charm” was -hidden.</p> - -<p>“Have you got the chart?” Jenkins asked.<span class="pagenum">[146]</span> -For reply, Gil took the piece of paper and strip of wood -from his jacket, saying, as he handed them to the mate:</p> - -<p>“The blacks didn’t think these were of sufficient value -to steal, otherwise we might have been obliged to give up -the search almost before it was begun.”</p> - -<p>“An’ dat would er bin a mighty good t’ing,” Andy muttered, -without so much as turning his head.</p> - -<p>For at least the twentieth time the mate pored over the -document, and then he said:</p> - -<p>“Suppose we have one try for it. That can surely do -no harm, and it will serve to occupy our time while waiting -for the yacht.”</p> - -<p>As may be supposed, the boys were more than willing -to act on this suggestion, and Jenkins immediately began -making preparations for moving the small amount of -stores to the place where they had so nearly met their -death.</p> - -<p>Andy assisted in the removal, but it could be seen that -he was far from being pleased with the proposition, and -nothing but a wholesome fear of the mate prevented him -from giving words to that which was in his mind.</p> - -<p>“I take it that the letters ‘F’ and ‘S’ are the initials of -the man’s name who drew this thing,” Jenkins said, when -they were at the old palm. “We’ll allow that, at all -events, an’ try for the course as marked out—18—8 -North, and 5 West from the tree.”</p> - -<p>“Will you take it in feet or fathoms?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“Feet, as a starter, an’ if the yacht hasn’t hove in sight -after we’ve dug at that spot, it won’t do any harm to try -fathoms.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[147]</span></p> - -<p>“But without a compass you can’t be positive as to the -direction.”</p> - -<p>“It’s so early in the morning that the sun will serve us -for that, I reckon, an’ we can verify the course after your -father comes.”</p> - -<p>Andy had thrown himself on the ground in the shade of -the foliage, his hand clutching the mysterious something -under his shirt, as if to show he did not take part in the -dangerous investigation; but the others paid no attention -to him, and Jenkins paced off the supposed distance in the -gravest manner possible.</p> - -<p>“I’se boun’ ter warn you dat we’se gwine ter hab -trubble, ef you’se hunts fur de gol’,” Andy said, solemnly. -“Better lebe it alone, an’ wait fur de yacht.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t be a fool,” Jenkins replied, petulantly. “We -can’t afford to lose so good a chance as this.”</p> - -<p>“Den I ain’ in it,” and the old darky closed his eyes, as -if to shut out even the movements of his companions.</p> - -<p>As nearly as he could judge from the position of the -sun, the mate measured the distance, and then designated -the spot where the boys should begin to dig.</p> - -<p>“It’s likely to be pretty far down,” he said, as Gil seized -the spade, “an’ we’ll take turns. You boys work till -you’re tired, an’ then I’ll do my trick.”</p> - -<p>Gil set about the task in the firm belief that but a few -moments would be necessary to unearth the treasure, and -Nelse watched eagerly every turn of the earth.</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes of such exercise under a hot sun was -enough for the treasure hunter, and then his companion<span class="pagenum">[148]</span> -relieved him, Jenkins waiting until both should be tired, -when he would wield the spade.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Andy had wandered toward the beach, as -if afraid even to remain in the locality, and just at the -moment when Nelse was ready to give up in favor of the -mate, the old darky shouted:</p> - -<p>“Hyar comes two boats, an’ dey looks like de <em>Day -Dream’s</em> tenders!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[149]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE WRECK.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>When Andy made this startling announcement the -treasure seekers abandoned their work to run with all -speed to the beach where the statement could be verified -by the evidence of their own senses.</p> - -<p>Two boats were coming up the western shore of the -island, both loaded nearly to the gunwales, and evidently -heading for the place where the little party was standing.</p> - -<p>“There’s no question about those being the <em>Day Dream’s</em> -tenders,” Jenkins said, after a long scrutiny. “White -boats with gilt ribbons are not so plentiful in these waters -that there can be more than two sets near here.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose father has anchored further down the coast, -and is coming up to look for us,” Gil said, in a tone of -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>The mate made no reply, but a troubled look came over -his face, and this deepened into positive dismay as Andy -said:</p> - -<p>“It beats me why dey’s done gone anchored wid a fine -breeze what would bring de yacht up hyar like a race -hoss.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps they saw the blacks when the other boats left -the island, and want to keep them in sight,” Nelse suggested.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[150]</span></p> - -<p>This was not a very reasonable proposition, but Gil accepted -it, since he could think of nothing better, and -Jenkins stood silent and motionless until the occupants of -the crafts could be distinguished. Then he muttered half -to himself:</p> - -<p>“If they have left the craft at anchor, not one has remained -behind to look out for her, because the whole -crew is here.”</p> - -<p>Gil was about to ask what he meant, when they were -hailed by Captain Mansfield from the leading craft.</p> - -<p>“Ahoy on shore!”</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir!” the mate replied.</p> - -<p>“Are the boys all right?”</p> - -<p>“Sound and hearty, sir, and none the worse for havin’ -stopped ashore a little too long. Where is the yacht?”</p> - -<p>“Off Pearl Point in forty fathoms of water.”</p> - -<p>“Is she wrecked?” Gil asked in dismay.</p> - -<p>“I’ll give you the particulars when we get ashore,” Captain -Mansfield replied. “It’s too hard work to tell much -of a story while it is necessary to shout.”</p> - -<p>“De voudoos done gone did it,” Andy said, in a low -tone. “I ’lowed dis yere was gwine ter happen when I -brung de charm ashore, but de captain ’sisted on some ob -de crew cumin’, an’ it had ter be done.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t lay it on the voudoos,” Gil replied, mournfully, -“but it is certainly true that we’ve had nothing but bad -luck from the moment we decided to hunt for the pirates’ -treasure.”</p> - -<p>“An’ you’se gwine ter hab wuss ef dis yere diggin’ is<span class="pagenum">[151]</span> -kep’ up. It’s a pow’ful bad plan ter fool ’round’ whar -dem debbils hang out.”</p> - -<p>The boys were not in the humor to discuss this phase of -the affair at this moment. Both felt as if they were personally -responsible for the disaster, because of having -urged Captain Mansfield to allow them to spend a certain -length of time on the island, and the knowledge that all -hands would now be forced to remain at this place was -far from cheering.</p> - -<p>These gloomy thoughts were in their minds when the -bows of the boats were run up on the sand, and after the -first hearty greetings had been exchanged the brief story -of the wreck was told.</p> - -<p>After leaving her anchorage the <em>Day Dream</em> was -headed down the coast for the purpose of running into -Gonaive, where a commodious and safe harbor would be -found.</p> - -<p>The night was dark, the gale so furious that the little -craft could not look up to it as she should have done, and -a miscalculation as to the distance run caused her to be -brought around just in time to strike the reefs west of -Pearl Point.</p> - -<p>By what, at that moment, was believed to be a rare -piece of good fortune, she slipped off into deep water after -the first shock, but the sharp coral had rent and torn her -timbers so cruelly that all efforts to keep her afloat were -useless.</p> - -<p>It was possible to work her under the lee of the land, -where she was sheltered, to a certain degree, from the -angry blast, and the crew took to the boats, with such<span class="pagenum">[152]</span> -supplies as could be gotten at in the hurry and excitement -of the moment, the jaunty little craft going to the -bottom before they had had time to row more than a -dozen yards from her side.</p> - -<p>“When the gale partially abated we started for this -island to satisfy ourselves that you were safe, and now I -propose to make Cuba in one of the boats, taking with me -a couple of men,” Captain Mansfield said, when his story -was concluded. “We have got canvas enough for a small -sail, and once at Havana there will be no trouble about -chartering a craft to run over here.”</p> - -<p>“Is it safe to go so far in the tender?” Gil asked, in -alarm.</p> - -<p>“The distance to the coast of Cuba is only seventy -miles, and, with a fair wind, we should be able to make -that in less than twenty-four hours.”</p> - -<p>“But why not take all hands?”</p> - -<p>“I would like to if our boats were large enough, but -with these cockle-shells it couldn’t be done. The only -question to be considered is whether you will be safe here. -Tell me what happened after you landed?”</p> - -<p>Gil gave his father a detailed account of their adventures, -Jenkins and Andy adding to the story from time to -time, and when it was concluded Captain Mansfield said:</p> - -<p>“Andy’s idea of using the rockets was a capital one, and -I don’t think we need have any fear the blacks will return -for some time, but if they should, your crowd is large -enough to resist an ordinary attack. I don’t expect to -be away more than four days, and you can surely hold out -as long as that.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[153]</span></p> - -<p>“Am I to go with you, sir?” Jenkins asked.</p> - -<p>“No; you must stay here in charge of the party, and -the boys are to obey your orders as they would mine. -Now we will see what can be done toward getting breakfast, -and then set about making ready for the voyage.”</p> - -<p>Andy immediately took up the duties as cook, and while -he and the boys went for a supply of shell fish, Jenkins -and one of the sailors started in search of water, for, now -that the party was so large, a greater amount of the -precious liquid would be needed.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield lost no time in making his preparations. -He was desirous of taking advantage of the first -fair wind, and therefore everything was done on this day. -Even the water and provisions were put on board the -tender, so that it would be only necessary to launch her -when the proper moment should arrive.</p> - -<p>It was yet quite early in the afternoon when the work -was finished, and Gil urged his father to go with him -and Nelse to the old palm.</p> - -<p>“If we are to stay here three or four days there is no -reason why we shouldn’t continue to hunt for the treasure, -since it will serve to occupy the time, but Andy believes -something terrible will happen if we do such a thing.”</p> - -<p>“If you find any pleasure in digging, keep at it, by all -means,” Captain Mansfield said, laughingly, “but I don’t -care to walk even a dozen yards for the purpose of seeing -an old tree. Andy’s foolish talk needn’t trouble you, for -it is merest nonsense to think a voudoo can do more than -any other person.”</p> - -<p>Gil wanted to get his father’s advice as to the best<span class="pagenum">[154]</span> -method of testing the correctness of the chart, but all -pleadings were in vain.</p> - -<p>The captain refused to make any suggestion whatever, -and the subject was soon dropped, as the coming voyage -was brought up for discussion.</p> - -<p>During the afternoon one of the sailors walked several -miles along the eastern and southern coast to make certain -the blacks were not returning, and in the hope of -sighting some sail, but both these missions resulted in the -same manner.</p> - -<p>No craft of any kind could be seen, and at an early -hour all hands “turned in” on the sand, it being thought -unnecessary to stand watch.</p> - -<p>It was not yet daylight when the boys were awakened -by Jenkins, who said, as they opened their eyes:</p> - -<p>“The wind has come around from the south’ard an’ -east’ard, and the captain is ready to start.”</p> - -<p>The little tender had already been launched, and it was -only necessary for the voyagers to step aboard.</p> - -<p>At the last moment Captain Mansfield had decided to -take but one of the sailors with him, in order that as large -a force as possible might be left behind in case the blacks -should return bent on mischief, and the remainder of the -party stood on the beach to say good-by.</p> - -<p>“We won’t go very strong on the parting business,” -the captain said, as he saw by the faces of Gil and Nelse -that they were considerably distressed because of his -leaving. “With this wind we shall be on shore again by -sunset, and the trip will be nothing more than child’s play.<span class="pagenum">[155]</span> -Keep together as much as possible, and remember that -Mr. Jenkins is in command.”</p> - -<p>Then he took his seat at the helm, the tiny sail was -hoisted, and in a few seconds the little craft was lost to -view amid the gloom.</p> - -<p>Those who had been left behind set about getting -breakfast, for the voyagers preferred to eat theirs in the -boat rather than lose time by waiting on shore until a meal -could be cooked, and when this very important portion of -the day’s duties was finished the question arose as to what -should first be done.</p> - -<p>Jenkins sent Andy down the coast to watch lest the -blacks should return unobserved, and then the boys proposed -that they be allowed to continue the search for the -supposed treasure.</p> - -<p>To this the mate agreed after some slight hesitation, -and once more the work of digging was begun, but on -this occasion fathoms instead of feet were measured off, -according to the suggestion of the sailor, who said:</p> - -<p>“It don’t stand to reason that any decent pirates would -put down figgers ’cordin’ to shore lingo. It’s fathoms, or -I’m a duffer.”</p> - -<p>Whether or no he was a “duffer,” both Gil and Nelse -were willing to try the experiment, more especially since -the first attempt resulted in such a signal failure, and -when the bearings had been taken—this time accurately -with one of the compasses saved from the <em>Day Dream</em>—the -boys went to work in good earnest, assisted now and -then by the men.</p> - -<p>During an hour they labored industriously without having<span class="pagenum">[156]</span> -seen anything to give encouragement, and just as -Gil was on the point of saying that he had had enough of -digging for supposititious gold, the spade struck something -which gave forth a metallic sound.</p> - -<p>“There’s more than earth down here!” he exclaimed, -triumphantly, plying the tool with renewed vigor, and -Jenkins leaped into the excavation as he cried:</p> - -<p>“Upon my word, lad, I believe there’s something in that -chart after all. Give me the spade until we see what’s -below here!”</p> - -<p>Now all hands were literally trembling with excitement, -as the mate threw out the loose sand in a perfect shower, -and when several fragments of decayed wood were disclosed -each one believed the desired discovery was about -to be made.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[157]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE UNDERGROUND PASSAGE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The treasure seekers were not kept long in suspense -after the first evidence that there was some foreign substance -beneath the surface.</p> - -<p>In less than ten minutes Jenkins cleared the sand away, -exposing to view an iron-bound hatch, which presented -the appearance of having been taken from a small vessel. -It showed every sign of age. The iron was so eaten with -rust as to be nothing more than thin ribbons of metal, -and the wood had been bored by insects or worms until it -looked like a gigantic sieve.</p> - -<p>“If there’s any treasure on this island here’s where we -shall find it,” the mate said, as he paused to wipe the -perspiration from his face. “It don’t stand to reason that -men would spend their time burying a thing like this, and -then make a chart to show exactly the spot, unless there -was something valuable underneath.”</p> - -<p>“Of course there’s plenty of gold down there, and perhaps -we shall find a lot of diamonds and jewelry,” Gil -cried, excitedly. “Why don’t you lift it up?”</p> - -<p>“That’s more than can be done from below here, unless -the hole is made at least twice as large, which will be -too much work to suit me. There are some pieces of rope -on the beach that were left over after we finished riggin’<span class="pagenum">[158]</span> -the boat. Get them, an’ we’ll soon have a purchase that’ll -raise this ’ere cover mighty easy.”</p> - -<p>Both the boys started for the shore at full speed. They -were too much excited to be able to converse about the -matter, and, without saying a single word, gathered up -the desired articles, returning to the scene of the discovery -in a wonderfully short space of time.</p> - -<p>When they arrived Andy had come up from the beach -to report that no craft of any kind was in sight, and he -stood looking at the ancient hatch in silent horror.</p> - -<p>“You see the chart we found meant something after -all!” Nelse cried, triumphantly, as Jenkins set about rigging -a rude purchase to a tree which stood near by.</p> - -<p>“It meant dat we wus boun’ ter git inter de biggest kin’ -ob trubble,” the old darky replied, after a short pause. -“You hear me, chillun, dis yere is a mighty bad bizness. -Ef you’se ain’ hankerin’ arter de wuss scrape you’se ebber -heard ob, kiver dat hol’ up right smart.”</p> - -<p>“But what is the matter with your charm?” Nelse -asked. “It worked well since the voudoos got hold of us, -and why should it fail now?”</p> - -<p>“It ain’ strong enuf fur dis kin’ ob fussin’—nuffin -would stan’ dat,” Andy replied, moodily.</p> - -<p>“Now don’t begin your croaking again,” Jenkins said, -with a laugh, the apparent certainty of finding treasure -causing him to feel very happy. “We’ve pulled through -so far, an’ I reckon there won’t be anything startling -happen before we can get a peep of what is underneath -this hatch.”</p> - -<p>“How’s you’se bin pullin’ trou’?” the old darky asked,<span class="pagenum">[159]</span> -angrily. “Didn’t you’se cum widin a han’s bref ob bein’ -killed?”</p> - -<p>“But we wasn’t, and the rockets instead of your charm -did the business for us.”</p> - -<p>“Has yer done forget when de men set us driftin’ ’roun’ -in de little boat?”</p> - -<p>“We got our own jest the same, and didn’t have to -undergo many hardships.”</p> - -<p>“Kin yer git de yacht ag’in? Ain’ she dun bin sunk -by de voudoos?”</p> - -<p>“She is sunk, for a fact, but the fellows on this island -didn’t have anything to do with it.”</p> - -<p>“Who tole yer so?”</p> - -<p>“My own common sense.”</p> - -<p>“Den let yer common sense show yer how ter git outer -de scrape what you’se hankerin’ fur now,” and Andy -stalked solemnly away, not so much as turning his head -when the boys begged of him to wait until the hatch -should be raised.</p> - -<p>At that moment, when they were all so happy at the -apparently successful result of their labors, the old -darky’s anger seemed very comical, and no one tried to -restrain his mirth, until Jenkins said:</p> - -<p>“This won’t do if we want to find out how much -treasure the pirates have buried here. All hands tail onto -the rope, and we’ll soon have gold enough to tassel our -handkerchiefs in great shape.”</p> - -<p>It required considerable labor to raise the cumbersome -mass of wood and iron, but it was finally accomplished, -and, as the hatch swung above the surface each member<span class="pagenum">[160]</span> -of the party rushed to the edge of the excavation excitedly.</p> - -<p>Instead of seeing a vast amount of valuable plunder -such as pirates are supposed to hide, nothing more -startling than a deep hole or shaft met their gaze.</p> - -<p>“The stuff must be at the bottom,” Gil said, after all -had looked in silence for several moments.</p> - -<p>“It’s a shaft of some kind,” Jenkins added, half to himself, -“and I reckon we’ve had our labor for our pains. -Old Andy knew what he was about when he refused to -have anything to do with the scheme.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t certain that we’ve worked for nothing,” Nelse -replied. “I can see what appear to be steps cut in the -side, and as likely as not we shall find all we want at the -bottom.”</p> - -<p>“Seeing there’s nothin’ better to do, we might as well -find out the whole story. Lay hold of that rope an’ lower -me down.”</p> - -<p>In another instant the mate was descending. His companions -were able to perform their portion of the task -with but little difficulty because he found a foothold here -and there by which he could aid himself.</p> - -<p>At least twenty feet of the rope had been payed out, -when he shouted:</p> - -<p>“I’m at the bottom, and there is a tunnel which runs on -the level. Lower something for a torch, and I’ll keep on.”</p> - -<p>“Why can’t we all come down?” Gil asked.</p> - -<p>“There’s nothin’ to prevent. Throw some light wood -in first, and then make the rope fast to a tree. You can -come hand over hand without any trouble.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[161]</span></p> - -<p>After gathering what would be sufficient to supply the -party with torches for several hours, Jenkins’ orders were -obeyed, and the boys and the sailors were soon with the -mate in a tunnel leading at right angles from the shaft, -of sufficient height for one to walk upright. The passage -looked as if it had been hewn from the solid coral, and, -although evidently not used for many years, the air was -pure as if it had never been closed.</p> - -<p>Some little difficulty was experienced in lighting the -wood, but when that had been done, Jenkins marched on, -holding the torch as high as possible, that all might see -this underground path which was supposed to lead to the -valuable deposit.</p> - -<p>“It’s certain this tunnel wasn’t dug for nothing,” Gil -said, after they had walked at an ordinary pace for at -least twenty minutes without having seen anything but -the coral walls. “People wouldn’t spend much time on -such work simply for fun, and it must have required -many days to hew out such an amount of rock.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon we’ve come to the end,” Jenkins replied, as -the passage began to trend upward at a very decided inclination, -and a moment later he stopped at what appeared -to be the termination of the tunnel.</p> - -<p>Before them was apparently a solid wall, but, as the -light was thrown on it, Gil could see a crevice, very narrow -and nearly filled with dust, at the side and bottom.</p> - -<p>“It’s a door!” he cried, “and behind it is the gold!”</p> - -<p>Jenkins handed the torch to Nelse, and threw his whole -weight against the rock.</p> - -<p>It yielded slightly, giving an opening not more than<span class="pagenum">[162]</span> -half an inch wide, through which warm air and a glow as -of a fire entered the tunnel.</p> - -<p>Quickly, and without speaking, the mate extinguished -the torch, and, to the astonishment of all, the sound of -voices could be heard, indistinctly, it is true, but sufficiently -to make it positive human beings were conversing -at no very great distance from the aperture.</p> - -<p>This was a conclusion to the tour of discovery upon -which the explorers had not reckoned, and for several -moments all stood in silent dismay, not knowing what -course to pursue.</p> - -<p>Then Jenkins tried to close the stone door, but in vain. -It was perfectly smooth, and he could gain no hold -upon it.</p> - -<p>But few seconds were spent on the useless work.</p> - -<p>Whispering softly, the mate directed his companions to -retrace their steps with as little noise as possible, and all -hands crept back through the now dark tunnel to the foot -of the shaft which they had entered.</p> - -<p>“What are we to do now?” Gil asked, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“That’s just what we must decide upon,” Jenkins replied, -“an’ it isn’t going to be an easy question to answer.”</p> - -<p>“Who do you suppose the men are?” Nelse asked. “I -thought it was certain all the blacks had left the island.”</p> - -<p>“It seems that we made a mistake in coming to that -conclusion. I’ve an idea the tunnel leads straight back to -the cave where we had the pleasure of spending one -night.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[163]</span></p> - -<p>“Then the apparent mystery can be explained if we -make a search there,” Gil suggested.</p> - -<p>“You are right, but it will be a good idea to hunt -mighty cautiously, or we may find ourselves in a worse -scrape than before. You stay here while I take a short -trip in that direction, and at the same time warn Andy of -what has been discovered.”</p> - -<p>Both of the boys were unwilling the party should -separate. Strength of numbers seemed to be their only -protection, and the loss of one would be very serious.</p> - -<p>Jenkins, however, was positive his plan offered the only -chance of safety, and after some discussion the others -agreed to it.</p> - -<p>“I’ll take one of the revolvers, and you fellows will -have the other. It is likely that I shall be away some -time, therefore you mustn’t get nervous if I stay nearly -all day. You had better get in the tunnel half-a-dozen -yards from the shaft, so your voices won’t be heard if -anybody happens to come this way.”</p> - -<p>“But what about Andy?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll try to make him come down here, for it isn’t safe -to remain where those people, whoever they are, may find -an opportunity of getting hold of him.”</p> - -<p>After giving these orders, Jenkins swarmed up the -rope hand over hand, and, without so much as an “adieu,” -disappeared from the view of those in the shaft.</p> - -<p>The three waited in almost perfect silence during fully -half-an-hour, and then, as a slight rustling was heard -from above, the cook’s head could be seen at the edge of -the excavation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[164]</span></p> - -<p>His black face was literally gray with terror, and one -would have said his eyeballs protruded very much more -than usual as he asked, in a hoarse whisper:</p> - -<p>“Am it er fac’ dat you chillun reckon on stayin’ hyar -wid de whole crowd ob voudoos so nigh at han’?”</p> - -<p>“What else can we do?”</p> - -<p>“Come out an’ hide whar dere’s a chance to gib de debbils -de slip ef dey begin’ cuttin’ up shines.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[165]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A TRAP.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The sailors, superstitious as are nearly all their class, -believed the wisest course would be to follow the old -darky’s advice, arguing that since he knew more about -the island and the ways of the repulsive beings who had -been found upon it, than any one else, it was reasonable -to suppose he could best extricate them from their uncomfortable -situation.</p> - -<p>Both Gil and Nelse, however, were determined to stay -where they were until Jenkins returned, and to this end -the former said to Andy:</p> - -<p>“Come down here until you know what has been found. -There can be no danger, since you’ve got your charm with -you, and we are now positive that all the blacks have not -left the island.”</p> - -<p>“I dun seed ’em go wif my own eyes.”</p> - -<p>“You saw three boats; but I tell you there are more not -far from here, and, what is worse, it’s the old ones who -have been left behind.”</p> - -<p>Andy appeared incredulous until the sailors joined with -Gil in the statement, and then, looking around suspiciously, -as if expecting to see his enemies near at hand -ready to spring upon him, the cook prepared to descend -by first clutching firmly the mysterious “something” -which was concealed beneath the bosom of his shirt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[166]</span></p> - -<p>On reaching the bottom of the shaft he went through a -series of gestures, probably intended for the purpose of -warding off danger, and then whispered, cautiously:</p> - -<p>“Wha’ hab you seen, honey? Don’t try to fool wid de -ole man, kase dis yere am no kinder time ter play pranks -when de wustes’ sort ob trubble am cummin’.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want to fool you,” Gil replied, impatiently, -“but it is necessary you should know that there are people -in a sort of cave, perhaps the very one where we were -kept prisoners, and their voices can be heard distinctly if -you listen at the end of this tunnel, where it looks as if a -wall of solid rock rose right up before you. Go on, and -try to make out what they are talking about.”</p> - -<p>While speaking, the boy had seized the old darky by -the arm, as if to force him onward, and the latter shrank -back with every show of terror.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t go dere fur a millyon dollars, an’ dat’s eh -fac’,” Andy said, with a long-drawn sigh. “Af it’s de ole -debbils wha’ hab been lef behin’, de odders are skinnin’ -roun’ fur ter get a crowd ober hyar to ketch us all.”</p> - -<p>“Why would so much trouble be necessary, when they -outnumber us at least three to one?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“Dat’s jes’ wha’ dey don’ know, honey. De fiery sarpints -hab done made ’em t’ink we’se er hard gang, an’ -dey’s gwine ter bring more ob dem ole fellers ter help -erlong wid de hoodoo.”</p> - -<p>Upon this point Andy appeared to be so positive that it -would have been only a waste of time to argue the matter, -and Gil urged him to follow up the tunnel in the hope of<span class="pagenum">[167]</span> -learning by the conversation who the men were in the subterranean -chamber.</p> - -<p>This was a most signal failure, however, for the old -darky not only refused to take a single step in the desired -direction, but would not so much as look into the opening.</p> - -<p>“I’se done gone had enuf ob sich t’ings,” he said, -solemnly, “an’ now I’m gwine ter keep my ole head outer -trubble whar dar’s a chance. Dere’s a boat hyar what -b’longs ter de captain, an’ de bes’ t’ing we kin do is ter -git ’way frum dis yere islan’ afore de witches ’gin ter take -a han’ in de muss.”</p> - -<p>“We are willing to risk it a while longer, and your -charm should be sufficient to make you stay while the rest -of the party are here,” Nelse said, with a nervous laugh -which had very little mirth in it.</p> - -<p>“I’se got frou takin’ chances, no matter ef I had er -hun’red charms,” the old darky replied, clutching yet -tighter that which was suspended from his neck. “We -wants ter mosey outer dis yere place, nebber min’ wha’ -Job Jenkins says erbout it, kase I tells yer, chillun, it am -mighty onhealthy when dem debbils begin for to git in -dere work.”</p> - -<p>Then Andy started to his feet as if on the point of -swarming up the rope again, but before he could do so -the mate appeared at the opening above, saying in a -whisper, as he began to descend:</p> - -<p>“Take care, below there, for the sun blinds my eyes so -I can’t see where I’m going.”</p> - -<p>In another instant he was in the midst of the anxious<span class="pagenum">[168]</span> -group, all of whom, with the exception of Andy, began -to overwhelm him with questions.</p> - -<p>“It won’t take long for me to tell the story,” Jenkins -said, as he seated himself on the ground. “There is no -question but that this passage leads to the big cave. I -went there, and hunted around quite a while before finding -any signs of another outlet. Things were just as -when I saw them last, an’ I could ’a’ taken my oath the -whole crowd skipped out after the second dose of signal -rockets, until I ran across what appeared to be a door cut -in a piece of coral.”</p> - -<p>“Did you open it?” Gil asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Of course. What would ’a’ been the use of lookin’ if -I didn’t do the thing in proper shape? I pried the stone -open till I could see a narrow passage that led in this -direction, an’ then I stopped, for there was no reason of -pokin’ my nose into danger. I reckon we’d better take to -the boat, if we can manage to stow into the one we’ve got, -for if that crowd comes back, as I feel certain they’re -bound to do, we’ll be in hot water.”</p> - -<p>“Now you’se torkin’ sense,” Andy said quickly. “When -a man shoves his head inter de lion’s mout’ once, dat may -be a mistake; but ef he does it de secon’ time, dat shows -how big er fool he kin make ob hisself.”</p> - -<p>The sailors were also eager to get away from such a -dangerous locality, and against this preponderance of -opinion neither Gil nor Nelse thought he should make any -objections, although both believed the safest plan would -be to take the chances and await Captain Mansfield’s return.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[169]</span></p> - -<p>Now that the mate shared his opinion in regard to leaving -the island, Andy was in a perfect fever to get away, -and, without waiting for the others, he swarmed up the -rope to the surface, the remainder of the party following -a few seconds later, urged to what seemed foolish haste -by his description of the dangers which threatened.</p> - -<p>“Don’t stay down dar torkin’ ’bout nuffin,” he said instantly, -on gaining the surface. “I’se been right yere -afore, an’ knows how dese images kin skip ’roun’ when -dey has bizness. We’se boun’ to mosey erlong like er -flea, ’less we wants ter be cotched ergin.”</p> - -<p>“Now don’t run the risk of carryin’ away your spars -by crackin’ on too much sail,” said Jenkins, with a laugh. -“I allow the fellers won’t be back for two or three days, -an’ we can take things easy.”</p> - -<p>The old darky was most vehement against delay, and -did not cease to repeat what the blacks were able to do, -until all the party were out of the tunnel. Then he would -have started toward the shore without even waiting to -gather up the small store of goods they had left on the -surface if Jenkins had not peremptorily ordered him to -stop until they were in proper marching order.</p> - -<p>When the necessary arrangements had finally been -made, Andy darted through the underbrush at such speed -that the others were obliged to exert themselves to the -utmost in order to keep pace with him, and the heat rendered -rapid traveling both painful and exhausting.</p> - -<p>“Let him go ahead,” Jenkins said, impatiently, after -five minutes passed, during which the whole party had -been running rather than walking. “He’s worse than an<span class="pagenum">[170]</span> -old woman when he gets frightened, an’ we couldn’t move -faster than we’re doin’ now if the whole crowd were at -our heels.”</p> - -<p>“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t take our time,” -and Gil halted for a comfortable breath. “It will be -better to start after dark, anyway, for no one could row -very long in this heat.”</p> - -<p>Having thus allayed their own nervousness, the little -party proceeded toward the beach in a most leisurely -fashion, until the sound of the surf told that they were -very near the sea, when Andy burst through the underbrush -at a faster gait than he had departed.</p> - -<p>His black face was of an ashen hue, and his eyes open -and staring as he said, in a hoarse whisper:</p> - -<p>“De boat’s dun gone!”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean, you fool?” the mate asked, -angrily.</p> - -<p>“She’s gone, an’ dat’s a fac’. Dem ole debbils knowed -wha’ we was er tryin’ ter do, an’ dey’ve hoodooed her -outer sight!”</p> - -<p>“Probably you didn’t go within half-a-mile of where -we left her.”</p> - -<p>“Dere’s de tree we hitched her to, an’ you kin see whar -dem as took her off walked ’roun’ huntin’ for us.”</p> - -<p>“Then what you mean is that the crowd have come -back, an’ we’re cut off again,” Jenkins replied, in a tone of -relief, despite his oft-repeated assertion that he did not -believe in what Andy called “cunjurin’.”</p> - -<p>“Dat am de fac’.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you said the old men had hoodooed her?”<span class="pagenum">[171]</span> -Nelse added, and the old darky said, with considerable -show of spirit:</p> - -<p>“Ob course dey did, else how could dem wuffless trash -know where to fin’ her?”</p> - -<p>“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a look at the beach,” -Jenkins said, as he took a revolver from his pocket. “Just -as likely as not Andy has made a mistake.”</p> - -<p>The others pressed forward, but the cook refused to -move a single step. He declared that no earthly power -could force him to leave the shelter of the trees, and was -so vehement in his protestations that even the boys began -to think perhaps it would be as well to exercise a little -caution.</p> - -<p>“Don’t rush right out in the open, for fear those who -stole the boat may see you,” Gil said to the mate. “Perhaps -the best way would be for us to stay here while you -have a look around.”</p> - -<p>“All right, keep under cover, an’ I’ll soon be back,” Mr. -Jenkins said, as he disappeared from view amid the -foliage, and the remainder of the party waited in silence -for his return.</p> - -<p>They were not to be kept very long in suspense. Five -minutes later the mate returned looking very serious, and -Nelse asked, eagerly:</p> - -<p>“What did you see?”</p> - -<p>“Enough to make me wish your father had waited one -day longer. From the appearances I should say a regular -mob of men had been around where we left the boat, and -there is little doubt but that they are the same kind of a -crowd we saw dancin’ near the fire. They’ve made off<span class="pagenum">[172]</span> -with our craft, an’ now count on huntin’ us down at their -leisure.”</p> - -<p>Although this information was no more alarming than -what Andy had predicted, the old darky seemed to be -literally paralyzed with fear. He remained silent and -motionless, staring at Mr. Jenkins as if in the latter’s -face he could read even more terrible intelligence than -had already been imparted.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[173]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">RUN TO COVER.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Andy was not the only one who felt as if an unkind -fortune had dealt the crowning blow in a series of disasters, -and that it would be useless to struggle longer -against such overwhelming odds.</p> - -<p>It is true the little party were armed, after a certain -fashion, and could act on the defensive for a short time in -a creditable manner; but the supply of ammunition was -woefully small, and when the last cartridge should have -been fired they had only two knives and two hatchets with -which to hold their own against a party of perhaps forty.</p> - -<p>To each one these thoughts came much as if they had -been presented for consideration, and, after five minutes -or more had been spent in mournful reflections, Jenkins -said, with a feeble attempt at cheerfulness:</p> - -<p>“It’s worse than foolish for us to sit here moonin’ over -what we’ve got to meet like men. It’ll be strange if we -can’t hold our own against such a crowd as is on this -island; but we sha’n’t make any headway by suckin’ our -thumbs.”</p> - -<p>“You are the leader, and we are waiting to hear what -you propose doing,” Gil replied, forcing himself to speak -firmly and even carelessly, because of the effect he knew -his words would have upon the others.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[174]</span></p> - -<p>“That’s what I haven’t had time to decide on,” Jenkins -said, deliberately. “Suppose we try to cook up some plan -between us? What is your opinion, Andy?”</p> - -<p>The old darky shook his head, but made no reply. He -was without hope, and could do no more than clutch the -charm which was covered by his shirt; but even his faith -in this seemed to have been shaken by the news that the -main body of the enemy had returned to the island.</p> - -<p>Jenkins waited a few seconds for some one to speak, -and, as all remained silent, he said, in a thoughtful tone:</p> - -<p>“It stands to reason we’ve only got to hold our own a -few days at the outside, for the captain is bound to be -back before long, and then all the trouble will be at an -end. It is now so near night that I reckon we can count -on bein’ left alone till mornin’, an’, with so much time -before us, we ought to be able to make considerable headway -takin’ care of ourselves. The first thing is to find a -hidin’-place, an’ Andy knows more about this island than -any one else, so he must attend to that portion of the -work.”</p> - -<p>“It can’t be did,” the old fellow said, in a whisper. -“Dem brack debbils done gone know ebbry spot on dis -yere islan’ whar a skeeter could poke his nose, an’ dey’s -boun’ to hab us out ’fore ter-morrer mornin’.”</p> - -<p>“That remains to be seen,” Gil replied. “It is certain -they’ll get hold of us if we sit here doing nothing, but it -must be possible to hide during the short time father will -be gone.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, Gil, an’ if we don’t lose our pluck, -things is sure to come out all right,” Jenkins said, approvingly.<span class="pagenum">[175]</span> -“It won’t do to trust to the shelter of the -trees, for those fellows can track us down; so I go in for -hittin’ on some spot where we can hold out against them -till the captain comes.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but where’ll we find such a place?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“That is what we must hunt for, an’ there’s no time to -lose, because it’ll soon be too dark to travel around much.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins looked toward Andy as he spoke, but the old -darky did not so much as move an eyelid. He acted as if -all hope had fled, and he was trying to resign himself to -the inevitable.</p> - -<p>“I should think it would be a good idea to hunt around -for food before we go into hiding,” Nelse said, after a -pause. “We may be obliged to keep under cover quite a -while, and, according to the experience I have had on this -island, it isn’t always convenient to go whenever a fellow -feels so disposed.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, my boy, and I’ll hunt for a hiding-place -if the rest will act on your suggestion. We can -meet here any time between now an’ sunset, so there’ll be -no danger of losing each other. Andy, show them -where the shell fish can be found easiest.”</p> - -<p>The cook, who had thrown himself on the ground as if -in such despair that his legs could no longer be depended -upon to do their duty, rose slowly and silently, which was -sufficient intimation that he would so far oblige, however -unnecessary he might think it to provide for a party who -were doomed to death.</p> - -<p>“Bring in everything eatable you can find,” Jenkins<span class="pagenum">[176]</span> -said, and then started through the underbrush to perform -his portion of the work.</p> - -<p>Gil was forced to speak quite sharply to Andy before -the latter would lead the way toward the beach, but after -the old fellow once started he did his best to procure the -provisions in the shortest possible space of time.</p> - -<p>When the party left the shelter of the trees, and walked -cautiously out on the sands, where the gentle swell of the -sea was rolling up in tinkling measures, not a sign of the -enemy could be seen. It was as if they were alone on -the island, and, while this apparent security caused the -others to feel considerably more confident than at any -time since it had been discovered the boat was stolen, it -filled Andy with the gravest apprehensions.</p> - -<p>“I’se done been hyar afore,” he said, with a solemn -shake of the head, “an’ I tell yer, honey, we’se gwine ter -hab a power ob trubble.”</p> - -<p>“There don’t seem to be any signs of it around here,” -Nelse replied, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>“Dat’s kase yer don’t know wha’ kin’ ob folks dese yere -imps be, honey. Dey’s layin’ low like now; but look out -fur ’em, look out, I say, an’ don’ trus’ de snake jes’ kase -he ain’ in de humor fur bitin’. Dey’s done got dere eyes -on us now, an’ when de right time comes we’se gwine to -fin’ it out.”</p> - -<p>“If they don’t do any more than keep their eyes on us -for the next hour we shall stand a good chance of laying -in a stock of provisions, for the oysters appear to be -plentiful on this part of the beach.”</p> - -<p>Andy contented himself with simply shaking his head,<span class="pagenum">[177]</span> -as if to say he could tell a great deal more if he felt disposed, -and then all hands began industriously gathering -the shell fish, which were to be seen just above the low -water mark in enormous beds.</p> - -<p>It was hard work to detach them from the seaweed and -rocks, but the little party were literally laboring for life, -and before an hour had passed a heavy load for each member -was secured.</p> - -<p>“There’s no need of taking more than we can lug comfortably,” -Gil said, when the tide had covered the largest -beds, “and now comes the question of how they may be -carried to the place where we agreed to meet Jenkins.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon my mate an’ me can rig up somethin’ that’ll -answer for baskets,” one of the sailors replied, as he began -gathering a quantity of vines, and in this labor Andy -assisted without being especially requested so to do.</p> - -<p>Under the skillful fingers of the three men the vines -soon assumed shape, and the sun was yet above the -horizon when five rude receptacles had been woven.</p> - -<p>After these were filled with oysters it was found that -each one had as much of a load as could comfortably be -carried on his back, and, laden heavily, all hands started -for the rendezvous, arriving there just as the mate returned, -looking tired and disappointed.</p> - -<p>“We’ve done our portion of the work,” Gil said, cheerily, -“and what have you accomplished?”</p> - -<p>“Nothin’, so far as a hidin’-place is concerned. It won’t -do to go so far into the interior of the island that we -stand a chance of gettin’ lost while tryin’ to find our way -back to the beach, an’ I can’t find a spot where anything<span class="pagenum">[178]</span> -bigger than a rabbit could hide himself this side of the -cave.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see anything of the blacks?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, the whole crowd are near the entrance, an’ from -the appearance of things they have got over the scare we -gave ’em.”</p> - -<p>“How many are there?”</p> - -<p>“Thirty at the lowest calculation, without countin’ them -as were hidin’ in the cave. All hands are loafin’ around -the entrance, as if not carin’ whether we saw them or not, -an’ I reckon they’ve sized us up mighty nigh right.”</p> - -<p>“But what are we to do to-night?” Nelse asked, his -voice betraying the uneasiness he felt.</p> - -<p>“There is only one plan I can think of, which is to get -into the tunnel we found.”</p> - -<p>“Why, that would be putting ourselves directly in their -power!” Nelse cried, and Andy looked at Jenkins as if -fancying the mate had suddenly lost his reason.</p> - -<p>“When it comes to dots, we are in their power already, -and without much chance to defend ourselves, if they -should surround us in this thick underbrush. There we -could hold our own for a while, at any rate, because not -more than one could attack us at a time, an’ our revolvers -would keep ’em back a good many hours.”</p> - -<p>The boys immediately recognized the force of the argument, -as did both the sailors, but Andy was literally -beside himself with impatience because such a scheme -had been proposed.</p> - -<p>“I’se done gone got enuff ob dis yere crowd,” he said, -angrily. “When you cotch de old man runnin’ his nose<span class="pagenum">[179]</span> -inter de hornet’s nes’ jes’ tell him he’s makin’ a mighty -big fool outer hisself. We’se bad enuff hyar widout -makin’ it wuss.”</p> - -<p>“But, Andy, it really seems to be the best thing we can -do,” Gil said, persuasively. “It is as Mr. Jenkins says—we -shall at least have a chance of defending ourselves -there, and it’s only necessary to hold out until father gets -back before the trouble will be at an end. Then we can -show these scoundrels a trick or two at hunting which -perhaps they won’t appreciate so well.”</p> - -<p>“I ’preciate dis yere scrape, an’ ain’ gwine ter put my -nose in any mo’,” the old fellow replied, doggedly. “Ef -you is boun’ dar, go ahead, an’ Andy’ll kinder grub ’roun’ -fur hisself.”</p> - -<p>“But we mustn’t separate, you obstinate old man! -Can’t you see that there’s a chance, with all this food, of -holding our own a good many hours?”</p> - -<p>“Whar’s de water? Bymby somebody’s gwine ter -want er drink, an’ den whar’ll de debbils be?”</p> - -<p>“I hadn’t thought of that,” Gil exclaimed, in dismay, -and Jenkins added, quickly:</p> - -<p>“We must try to lay in a stock to-night. I’ll run the -risk of snoopin’ round a bit after dark, an’ it’ll be hard -lines if I can’t bring in a little. At any rate, it’s better to -be in the tunnel, where we’ve got a show for our lives, an’ -be thirsty, than stay out here where all hands can be surrounded -by daylight. If Andy won’t go with us I don’t -see any other way than let him paddle his own canoe.”</p> - -<p>The sailors decided in favor of the mate, and Gil and<span class="pagenum">[180]</span> -Nelse could do no less than agree with the more experienced -and less timid portion of the party.</p> - -<p>“We’ll go to the tunnel,” Gil decided, after a pause, -“and if Andy wants to stay outside it can’t be helped.”</p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter look arter myself,” the cook replied, -doggedly, and, without further conversation, he disappeared -among the underbrush.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[181]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">SECRET OF THE CAVE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The cook hurried away so quickly that his companions -had no time to persuade him to a different course, even -provided they wished to do so, and when he was out of -sight Jenkins said, as he took up the load of oysters which -Andy brought:</p> - -<p>“It won’t do any good for us to stay here talkin’ about -what the old fool has done, for we must get under cover -before it is too dark to admit of seeing our way through -the woods. His pig-headedness may cost him his life, -but we are not to blame. It only remains for us to take -care of ourselves.”</p> - -<p>“Do you propose to go directly there, or shall we circle -around so they can’t track us easily?” Nelse asked.</p> - -<p>“It’ll be as well to drive ahead, I reckon; they’ll find -us out anyhow, for we can’t hide the trail any better than -these woods will do it for us.”</p> - -<p>Then Jenkins signified that he was ready, and the little -party, each carrying a quantity of oysters, followed at his -heels in perfect silence.</p> - -<p>The mate had the bearings of the old palm well in -mind, and went directly toward it without swerving to -the right or the left, coming to a halt only when he -reached the spot where, a few hours previous, the boys<span class="pagenum">[182]</span> -had been so certain a large amount of treasure was about -to be found.</p> - -<p>Although he had said that the blacks would be certain -to discover their hiding-place, he took good care not to -make any more noise than was absolutely necessary.</p> - -<p>“Swarm down there,” he whispered, cautiously, “and -the last man shall pull the rope after him, for it won’t do -to let those blacks have a chance to steal it.”</p> - -<p>“If we do that, how will it be possible for us to come up -again?” Gil asked. “We can’t make the rope fast above -while all hands are below.”</p> - -<p>“I have thought of that. We must take the chances of -climbin’ up the sides by diggin’ small holes where the -sand is hardest. At all events, I’ll guarantee we get back -here again, if they leave enough of us.”</p> - -<p>One of the sailors obeyed the motions made by the -mate, and began to slip slowly down the rope. When he -was at the bottom of the shaft first one and then another -of the bags were lowered, until all had disappeared, and -then the second sailor followed his comrade.</p> - -<p>“Now remember to pull the rope after you, an’ don’t -show yourselves again till you hear me speak,” Jenkins -said, as he urged Gil toward the mouth of the shaft.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean? Don’t you intend to come -with us?”</p> - -<p>“Not just yet. We’ve got to have water, an’ I’m goin’ -for some.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve nothing to bring it in, no matter how much -you should find.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got a scheme for attendin’ to that part of the<span class="pagenum">[183]</span> -business, an’ want to leave as soon as possible, so don’t -make me stay here chinning.”</p> - -<p>Gil realized that it was not the time to ask many questions, -and he obeyed without another word, after Nelse -had let himself down the opening.</p> - -<p>In less than five minutes from the time the second sailor -joined the first all hands except Jenkins were crouching -in the tunnel, with the rope coiled up beside them, and -already had the shades of night gathered so densely that -it was impossible to distinguish each other, save by the -tones of the voices.</p> - -<p>Now they had reached what seemed a desirable hiding-place -while the matter was under discussion, it no longer -appeared either safe or comfortable, and the prospect of -being besieged while in such cramped quarters was anything -rather than pleasant.</p> - -<p>“I’m beginnin’ to think Andy had more sense than the -rest of us,” one of the sailors said, as he tried to find a -spot where he could stretch out at full length. “It’ll be -mighty hard lines after them imps shut us in here like -rats in a trap, an’, when the captain comes back, I’d like to -know how he’s goin’ to find us if there are fifteen or -twenty blacks standin’ around the openin’ up there ready -to kill the first who shows himself long enough to hail -them as may be huntin’ for us.”</p> - -<p>This was a phase of the case which neither Gil nor -Nelse had taken into consideration, and they began to feel -very uncomfortable in mind.</p> - -<p>“What should we do if we heard father and couldn’t -let him know where we were?” he asked, in a whisper.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[184]</span></p> - -<p>“I’m sure I don’t know,” Nelse replied, with a long-drawn -sigh. “It is certain we couldn’t make our whereabouts -known, and I’m inclined to think we’ve been more -than foolish to come here.”</p> - -<p>“We might leave now, and take our chances in the -woods as Andy is doing.”</p> - -<p>“How would you contrive to get out?”</p> - -<p>“Gracious! I’d forgotten that we’re shut in here already,” -Nelse exclaimed, and then he relapsed into silence, -while Gil tried in vain to see some cheerful ray in the -very disagreeable situation.</p> - -<p>During the next half-hour nothing was said, and then -one of the sailors spoke:</p> - -<p>“Never mind what’s goin’ to happen, there’s no call for -us to be hungry while there are so many oysters waitin’ -to be invited to supper. Here goes for a couple of dozen. -Can you boys open them?”</p> - -<p>“I never tried, but this seems like a good time to begin,” -Gil said, with a vain attempt to laugh.</p> - -<p>“You’d make a poor fist if you’re green at the business. -Set close, both of you, an’ I’ll engage to fill you up -before startin’ in for myself.”</p> - -<p>Speaking about food had caused the boys to remember -that they were very hungry, and they accepted the generous -proposition without delay.</p> - -<p>It is certain that trouble seems less when viewed by one -whose stomach is full, as Gil and Nelse soon learned. -When the satisfactory meal was ended both ceased to -think the situation so very desperate, and actually began -to plan what steps should be taken to continue the search<span class="pagenum">[185]</span> -for the supposed treasure as soon as Captain Mansfield -returned.</p> - -<p>That Jenkins did not come back, although the night had -fully shut in, gave them no uneasiness, for all believed he -would play the spy once more before joining them, and it -would not be surprising if he were absent until past midnight.</p> - -<p>It was dull work sitting there in the darkness after the -conversation regarding their movements when they should -be free was exhausted, and it seemed as if they must have -been in the tunnel several hours, when Gil said, with a -yawn:</p> - -<p>“Of course, somebody must keep awake so’s to hear -Jenkins when he wants the rope passed up to him, but -that’s no reason why all hands of us should sit here nodding.”</p> - -<p>“You’re right, lad. Turn in, an’ me an’ my mate will -’tend to the rest of the business.”</p> - -<p>“But you must have some sleep.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll have a chance to get plenty before leavin’ this -’ere hole, so don’t trouble your head about us.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll crawl back a short piece, and try to find a place -where we can stretch out at full length,” Gil suggested, -and Nelse replied:</p> - -<p>“Go ahead; I’ll follow close enough to keep hold of -your coat.”</p> - -<p>Gil proceeded on his hands and knees to avoid a possible -fall, and at least twenty yards had been traversed -when his companion asked:</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think we’ve gone about far enough? It<span class="pagenum">[186]</span> -isn’t safe to get too near that door at the end, for there’s -no knowing when the blacks may come down this way.”</p> - -<p>“Up to this point a fellow would have had to double -himself into a bowknot in order to lay down, and we’re -not so very far from the shaft. I’ll go on a little further, -and then if it hasn’t widened we might as well rejoin the -others, because——”</p> - -<p>The sentence was never finished, for at that instant -Nelse felt the earth sink beneath him, and Gil’s coat was -torn from his grasp as its owner plunged forward.</p> - -<p>For a few seconds Nelse remained motionless, unable -to understand what had happened, and then he realized -that his companion must have been precipitated into a -cavity of some kind, although the floor of the tunnel appeared -firm when the whole party traversed it a few hours -previously.</p> - -<p>“Gil! Gil!” he called, and it seemed almost an endless -while before the reply came:</p> - -<p>“I’m all right, but I must have fallen twenty feet or -more, and the breath was pretty nearly shaken out of my -body.”</p> - -<p>“What can I do to help you?”</p> - -<p>“Get the rope and pull me out, for I don’t fancy staying -here all night.”</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t sound as if you were buried very deep.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not buried at all, but simply in a big hole, which -I don’t care to explore for fear of getting into worse -trouble.”</p> - -<p>By this time Nelse had collected his partially scattered -senses, and at once made his way back to the shaft with<span class="pagenum">[187]</span> -all speed, startling the sailors into something very nearly -resembling fear, as he hurriedly told what had befallen -Gil.</p> - -<p>“This ’ere is gettin’ too hot to suit me,” one of the men -said, in a tone of apprehension. “Who knows but that -them black scoundrels have got a way to let the whole -bottom drop out of the tunnel, an’ that’s why we’ve been -allowed to crawl in here.”</p> - -<p>“Of course such a thing couldn’t be, because they had -no idea we should find the shaft—perhaps don’t know -where we are.”</p> - -<p>“That may be, but I’m beginnin’ to think a good deal as -Andy does about the island’s bein’ bewitched.”</p> - -<p>“It wouldn’t do any good just now if you were positive -that such a state of affairs existed. Gil is in the hole, -and it doesn’t seem fair to leave him there while we talk -nonsense.”</p> - -<p>“You’re right, lad, an’ I’m an old fool. Here’s the -rope; heave ahead an’ we’ll foller, but be careful not to -tumble into the same place.”</p> - -<p>“Some one should stay here in case Jenkins comes -back,” Nelse suggested, as he began to retrace his steps, -and one of the sailors said, as he lighted his pipe:</p> - -<p>“I’ll hang around. You two can ’tend to him, I -reckon.”</p> - -<p>It was not an easy matter to find the cavity without -falling in, and Nelse moved forward slowly, calling to -Gil from time to time until the latter answered, thus -guiding him to the proper place.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[188]</span></p> - -<p>“Where’s the rope?” he asked, and, instead of replying, -the sailor lighted a match, saying as he did so:</p> - -<p>“I’d like to have a squint around before we do very -much, for it ain’t sure——”</p> - -<p>“Have you got the rope?” Gil cried, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“It’s here, an’ we’ll soon have you out.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t you send down some kind of a light? I’ve -fallen on what I truly believe is the decaying fragments -of a chest, and unless I’m very much mistaken in regard -to what I’ve got in my hand, we’ve struck the treasure at -last.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[189]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE TREASURE CHAMBER.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Strange as it may seem, Gil’s announcement caused -Nelse to forget entirely the danger by which they were -surrounded, and, regardless of the fact that none of the -party were certain of ever leaving the tunnel alive, his -only desire now was to gain possession of the supposed -hoard.</p> - -<p>The sailor was not one whit less excited; he had a -stock of matches in his pockets, but could not find them -until after a search of several seconds, owing to extreme -agitation caused by Gil’s announcement.</p> - -<p>“Do hurry!” Nelse cried, impatiently, as the man -fumbled about his clothing. “Something may happen to -prevent us from seeing the treasure if you spend so much -time doing nothing.”</p> - -<p>“I’m trying to find another match, an’ then, perhaps, -we can rig up somethin’ that’ll answer for a torch, but it -seems as if my fingers were all thumbs jest now.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t keep me waiting here all day, for I want to -know what I’ve struck,” Gil cried, and after a few seconds -more a tiny flame told that the sailor had finally succeeded -in finding that which was wanted so badly just at that -moment.</p> - -<p>Nelse seized the first opportunity to search with his<span class="pagenum">[190]</span> -eyes for something which would serve as a torch, but the -floor of the tunnel was as clean as though swept with a -broom, and he said to Gil:</p> - -<p>“There isn’t so much as a twig here, but I reckon we -can afford to use a few matches so’s you can find out -what you’ve got. Send it up, an’ I’ll soon see if it is the -article we’ve been hunting for.”</p> - -<p>“Lower the rope, and I’ll bring it.”</p> - -<p>“How far down are you?” the sailor asked, as, the -match having been consumed, he crept toward the aperture.</p> - -<p>“I can’t tell, but it seemed as if I fell a long distance. -We’ll soon find out if you’ll give me the chance.”</p> - -<p>Nelse paid out on the rope until he was certain not less -than fifteen feet had been lowered into what he hoped -would prove to be a veritable treasure chamber, and then -Gil shouted:</p> - -<p>“Hold on, I’ve got enough. You’ll have to pull me up, -for I want to come with both hands full.”</p> - -<p>“Make it fast under your arms, and I reckon we’ll be -able to manage the rest.”</p> - -<p>This portion of the work was quickly accomplished, -and when Gil stood beside his companions the sailor -would have lighted another match if the boys had not -prevented him.</p> - -<p>“Wait until we are at the entrance, and then, perhaps, -the same light will show us materials for a torch,” Nelse -said, as he seized Gil’s arm, hurrying him toward the -shaft.</p> - -<p>The man who was on watch had heard all the conversation,<span class="pagenum">[191]</span> -and his excitement was quite as great as that of -the others.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got a piece of paper here, an’ we’ll use it to help -out with the matches.”</p> - -<p>As he and his mate twisted this firmly to prevent it -from burning too quickly, and then ignited one end, Gil -held forth the supposed treasure, and loud exclamations -of joy and surprise burst from the lips of all, as they saw -what at first glance seemed to be a mass of sparkling fire -in the boy’s hand.</p> - -<p>“They’re diamonds!” Gil cried, with yet greater excitement. -“A whole string of them, and there must be -more that’s valuable where these came from.”</p> - -<p>Not until the paper had been entirely consumed did -either member of the party cease to gaze at the wondrously -brilliant gems, and then all realized that they had -neglected to look for wood with which to make a torch.</p> - -<p>“We must use more matches,” Nelse said, breathlessly, -“and if we can’t find wood here, one must venture out, -for we’re bound to know what is in that hole before morning.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon we’ll stay right in this spot till Jenkins comes -back, seein’s how we’re prisoners so long as the rope is at -the bottom of the shaft,” Gil replied, grimly; “but it won’t -be so very hard to wait, now we know the treasure has -been found. I wonder how much more there is?”</p> - -<p>“Did you feel anything else?”</p> - -<p>“It seemed as if there were a lot of packages, done up -in rotten sail-cloth as these were. I felt around some,<span class="pagenum">[192]</span> -but didn’t dare to move very much, for fear of getting another -fall.”</p> - -<p>“Was the place a regular cave, or only a hole?”</p> - -<p>“I think it’s a room built to hide things in, for there -seemed to be a floor of rock, though, of course, a good -deal of earth fell in with me, and made it appear as if -filled nearly full; but I could take several steps in half-a-dozen -directions.”</p> - -<p>During this conversation the sailors had ignited another -of the precious matches, and learned to their great -disappointment that there was nothing in the shaft out of -which a torch might be made.</p> - -<p>“We can afford to wait,” Gil said, philosophically, and -he had hardly ceased speaking when a low hail from the -surface caused all hands to spring to their feet.</p> - -<p>“Hello below! Everything goin’ on ship-shape?”</p> - -<p>“Who’s there?” one of the sailors asked, cautiously.</p> - -<p>“Me—Jenkins. I only came to see if anything had -gone wrong, an’ now I know you’re all right I’ll do a -little more skirmishin’. I haven’t found anything to -bring the water in yet.”</p> - -<p>“Come down first!” Gil whispered. “We’ve found a -lot of diamonds!”</p> - -<p>“What?”</p> - -<p>“We’ve got fifteen or twenty big diamonds——”</p> - -<p>“Pass up the rope, an’ be quick about it!”</p> - -<p>The sailors did in a few seconds what might have -taken the boys a long while to do, and Jenkins came down -with the greatest possible speed.</p> - -<p>As a matter of course, it was necessary to use more<span class="pagenum">[193]</span> -matches in order to show him the treasure, and he literally -gasped with surprise when the glittering gems were held -before his eyes.</p> - -<p>“Talk about luck, boys!” he cried, in delight. “Why, -sich a sight as that makes up for the scrape we’re in, an’ -if it was twice as bad I wouldn’t have it changed, providin’ -we could get as much more out of the business. -That old picture amounted to somethin’ after all, didn’t -it; but we might never have read the thing right, an’ it’s -mighty fortunate them imps forced us to cover.”</p> - -<p>Again Gil was forced to repeat his story, and when it -was concluded the mate insisted on making an examination -of the excavation at once.</p> - -<p>“There’s plenty of time to look for water after we know -how much you’ve found. I’d rather see diamonds than -drink the best stuff these old pirates ever took on board.”</p> - -<p>“Get the torch, an’ we’ll all go,” Gil said, with a laugh, -for he felt very jolly, despite the enemies who would -soon hunt him down, now the location of the treasure had -been discovered.</p> - -<p>Jenkins climbed to the mouth of the shaft as nimbly as -a cat, returning a few moments later, after having thrown -down inflammable material sufficient to provide the party -with light for many hours.</p> - -<p>Binding together several pieces of fatty wood, and -coiling the rope on his arm, the mate led the way into -the tunnel a short distance, where the torch was ignited, -and the work of searching for the pirates’ wealth began.</p> - -<p>There was no difficulty in finding the place where Gil -had sunk through the bottom of the passage. The earth<span class="pagenum">[194]</span> -had given way at one side of the tunnel, until a hole fully -a yard square was formed, and, peering into this, the excited -ones could see a small chamber, which was evidently -hewn from the solid rock.</p> - -<p>The size or shape could not be determined, but that -made little difference just then, so eager were all to know -what was concealed beneath.</p> - -<p>“You two wait to help us up,” Jenkins said to the -sailors, “and after we’ve had a squint at the place you -shall have a chance.”</p> - -<p>“Will stayin’ here keep us out of a share of the stuff?” -one of the men asked, as if doubtful whether he would be -dealt with fairly.</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” Gil replied, quickly. “I suppose you -will be satisfied to have father make a division of everything -that’s found, and what he says is fair you shall -have.”</p> - -<p>“We’re ready to trust to the captain’s way of sizin’ the -thing up.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon you’ll have to be,” Jenkins growled, “for -when it comes down to what is square, neither of us are -entitled to anything. The picture belonged to the boys, -an’ we come here in the captain’s employ, drawin’ good -wages, so the profits of the voyage oughter go to him the -same as if the <em>Day Dream</em> had got these diamonds for -freightin’ a cargo.”</p> - -<p>“But this ain’t the same thing as freightin’, by a long -shot,” was the sulky reply. “We’re on land now, an’ -the yacht is at the bottom, consequently we’re our own -masters.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[195]</span></p> - -<p>“You won’t say that when it comes to a question of -drawin’ wages.”</p> - -<p>“It ain’t any sure thing that we’ll be paid for this kind -of work.”</p> - -<p>“Now see here,” Gil said, in a tone of authority, “we -won’t have any quarreling. Whatever treasure may be -found shall benefit all hands in such proportion as father -may think best, though, of course, it wouldn’t be right to -divide it into even shares.”</p> - -<p>“We don’t expect as much as he gets, but want a fair -divvy,” the second man said, sulkily, and the boys understood -that the finding of the diamonds had but given them -a new cause for anxiety, since the sailors, made greedy -by the sight of the gems, might prove worse enemies even -than the blacks.</p> - -<p>“You heard the promise that Gil made, which was more -than reasonable, considerin’ they’re entitled to everything -if the matter should go inter a court of law, an’ now hold -your tongues,” Jenkins said, angrily. “We’re standin’ -here fightin’ when at least one of us should be in the shaft -to know if anything is goin’ on wrong outside, an’ there’ll -be plenty of time to settle the division part when we’ve -found all that’s below.”</p> - -<p>“You are takin’ up more time chinnin’ than we did,” -the older of the men replied, insolently, and Gil began to -regret having made the discovery so soon.</p> - -<p>Jenkins remained silent a moment as if trying to decide -what should be done to check the apparent mutiny -before it assumed dangerous proportions, and Gil whispered:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[196]</span></p> - -<p>“Don’t pay any attention to what they say. Neither of -them will be dissatisfied after father comes, no matter -how much we may find.”</p> - -<p>“I was wonderin’ whether we hadn’t better stop the -whole thing right here, an’ let the captain——”</p> - -<p>He ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that instant a -shrill cry was heard from the direction of the shaft, and -Nelse said, as he ran forward:</p> - -<p>“That was Andy! The blacks have got hold of him!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[197]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">TO THE RESCUE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>As the boys started down the tunnel in response to the -continued cries for help, Jenkins extinguished the torch -and caught up the rope.</p> - -<p>He understood that the old cook must have been very -near the shaft when he made the frenzied appeal, otherwise -his voice could not have been heard so distinctly, -and there was no necessity of letting it be known any -one else was in the vicinity.</p> - -<p>Even the sailors, eager though they were to share the -treasure, did not hesitate at first to rush to the rescue and, -for the time being, everything save Andy’s danger was -forgotten.</p> - -<p>On arriving at the shaft, Nelse prudently halted until -his companions could join him, and Jenkins, who arrived -a second later, whispered:</p> - -<p>“Don’t even breathe loud. There’s no tellin’ where -some of them imps may be, an’ as likely as not half-a-dozen -are above there waiting to find out if we are here.”</p> - -<p>This injunction was obeyed implicitly until a few moments -later, when another scream was heard, and this -time the listeners could hear distinctly the words:</p> - -<p>“Gil! Nelse! Fur de lub ob heaben help de ole man! -De debbils has done cotched me, an’ I’se boun’ ter be -sarved like you’se——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[198]</span></p> - -<p>This prayer for aid ended in a smothered groan or -shriek, as if the speaker’s mouth had suddenly been closed -against his will, and Gil whispered to the mate:</p> - -<p>“We mustn’t stand still here and let them kill him.”</p> - -<p>“There’s nothin’ we can do in the darkness, an’ while -the whole crowd are most likely layin’ low in the hope that -we’ll rush out.”</p> - -<p>“But remember what he did for us! If he hadn’t taken -some chances then we should have been murdered, and it -is better for us to run every risk now, rather than stay -here idle at such a time.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins remained silent and motionless for several moments, -as if studying the situation, and then he said, -speaking slowly and thoughtfully:</p> - -<p>“I’ll try my hand at helpin’ the old man, providin’ you -boys agree not to leave this place if the blacks succeed in -getting hold of me.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll do nothing of the kind,” Gil replied, indignantly. -“It’s not likely you’ll be able to accomplish very much -alone, but with all hands we may manage to get the old -fellow out of their clutches. Surely with the weapons we -can make a rush they can’t stand.”</p> - -<p>“That might work if it was daylight, but in the night -we have no means of knowin’ where to find the scoundrels.”</p> - -<p>“But we can’t wait until morning,” Nelse nodded. -“They’ll kill him before that time.”</p> - -<p>“An’ we shall share the same fate, I’m afraid,” Jenkins -replied, in hopeless tone.</p> - -<p>The sailors had not joined in the conversation, but<span class="pagenum">[199]</span> -stood a short distance inside the tunnel, discussing, as the -boys believed, the situation in cautious whispers.</p> - -<p>Neither Gil nor Nelse proposed to remain idle while -one member of the party was in peril, even though he -had brought the trouble on himself by refusing to remain -with the others, and the former insisted most peremptorily -that the mate decide upon some plan of action in which -all could join.</p> - -<p>“If you don’t, we shall go alone, for we won’t have it -to think of that the poor fellow was killed because we refused -to help him.”</p> - -<p>“It’ll take half-an-hour to get out of here, now the -rope has been pulled down,” Jenkins said, as if on the -point of yielding to their demands.</p> - -<p>“Then so much the more reason why we should begin -without delay. Come on, Nelse, we’ll do all that is possible, -and let the others join us or stay here as they -choose.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, Gil began to grope around the sides of the -shaft in order to select that portion where the earth was -packed solidly, for the task of cutting his way upward, -and had dug with his knife a hole for one of his feet, -when Jenkins approached.</p> - -<p>“Now see here, boys, I’m willin’ to do all I can, so -there’s no use in startin’ off before you’re ready. Besides, -you’ll never get out by working in that way.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, then; show us how, and we’ll do our share.”</p> - -<p>Calling the sailors to him, Jenkins mounted on their -shoulders, which brought his hands within a short distance<span class="pagenum">[200]</span> -of the surface, and there he stood some moments -listening.</p> - -<p>No sound betokened the presence of any of the enemy, -although there was every reason to suppose one or more -might be waiting for just such a move on the part of the -white men, and then, digging his hands and feet into the -loose earth, the agile mate succeeded in clambering to the -top.</p> - -<p>“Pass up the rope,” he whispered, and when this was -done he directed the boys to tie one end under their arms.</p> - -<p>“I’ll pull you two up, an’ the others can look out for -themselves. Bring the revolvers, knives, an’ hatchets, -for I reckon we shall need everything we’ve got in the -way of weapons.”</p> - -<p>The sailors helped the boys secure the rope under their -arms, and assisted in gathering the articles of defense; -but when the two had been drawn to the surface the men -made no move toward joining them.</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you come up?” Jenkins whispered, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“’Cause we’ve concluded to stay here. This ain’t no -scrape of ours, an’, seein’s we’re only ’foremast hands, -it’s better manners to stay where we are.”</p> - -<p>“They intend to hunt for the treasure,” Nelse whispered, -and Gil replied, in the same cautious tone:</p> - -<p>“That’s a fact; but I don’t see how we can help ourselves. -It’s better to let them get away with everything -than for us to stop here guarding whatever may be in the -underground chamber while poor old Andy is being murdered.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[201]</span></p> - -<p>“I reckon they won’t get very far off if they should -try to play us a scurvy trick,” Jenkins said, thus showing -that he also was thinking the sailors meditated treachery. -“We’ll pass back the rope, an’ make it a reasonably hard -job for ’em to crawl out.”</p> - -<p>“Then you think they stayed behind to have a look at -the place I found?” Gil said, interrogatively.</p> - -<p>“Of course; why else would they refuse to go with us? -I knowed trouble was brewin’ from the way they talked -about dividin’ the stuff, an’ perhaps we’ll be gettin’ out -cheap if they take all that’s left. Have you got the diamonds?”</p> - -<p>“They are in my breastpocket.”</p> - -<p>“Then let ’em go ahead, an’ it ain’t no dead certain -thing that we won’t overhaul ’em before your father -comes back. We’ve got all the weapons, an’ they’ll be in -a tight place if the blacks want to make a rush through -the tunnel. Now, that’s enough for them, an’ we’ll turn -our attention to huntin’ for Andy. Foller me, an’ I’ll -guarantee to find him; but whether it’ll be possible to do -the poor fellow any good is another matter.”</p> - -<p>Each of the little party had a revolver, and the total -number of cartridges was sixteen, therefore they could -make quite a spirited fight, provided it was not prolonged. -This fact served to give the boys no slight degree of -courage, and as Jenkins led the way through the underbrush, -where it was so dark that one could not see objects -twenty inches in advance, both felt positive the cook -would be rescued in time.</p> - -<p>Although Jenkins appeared to be walking at random,<span class="pagenum">[202]</span> -he was in reality pursuing the most direct course possible -for the cave, since it was more than probable the prisoner -had been taken to that stronghold.</p> - -<p>After half-an-hour’s rapid traveling the mate halted, -and, parting the branches in front of him, pointed to the -reflection of a fire about fifty yards away.</p> - -<p>“That’s where we’ll find cookee, or I’m a Dutchman. -These cattle don’t seem to be able to do anything without -havin’ a big blaze to work by, an’ we’ve only got to crawl -up there in order to see him.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead quickly, or we may be too late.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon they’ll take plenty of time to carve him up. -It seems they’re countin’ on catchin’ the whole of us -without much trouble, or else some of ’em would have -been hangin’ around the entrance to the shaft waitin’ for -us to come out.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps they didn’t know we were there. It isn’t -safe to trust to chances, and we ought to end matters as -soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins did not wait to argue further, but continued -the advance cautiously, his companions remaining close -behind him, until they were where it was possible to see -the main body of the enemy.</p> - -<p>The number of the blacks had at least been doubled -since the boys saw them last, and that they felt perfectly -secure from an attack could be told by the fact that all -were gathered around an enormous fire, without having -taken the precaution to post sentinels.</p> - -<p>At the mouth of the big cave, tied hand and foot, was -poor old Andy. On either side stood a burly black man,<span class="pagenum">[203]</span> -whose body was covered with grotesque ornaments, and -the entire party were waiting in silence for the coming of -the old mummers, or, at least, so the boys judged from -the expectant manner in which all gazed toward the entrance.</p> - -<p>“If we had a hundred rounds of ammunition, I -wouldn’t be afraid to open fire on the crowd this minute, -an’ it’s ten to one that they’d be cleaned out in twenty -minutes, or made to take to their boats.”</p> - -<p>“But we haven’t got that number of cartridges, and it -seems to me we had better begin operations mighty soon, -for it’ll be harder after the old fellows are there to urge -the rest on,” Gil suggested, and Nelse expressed the same -opinion by saying:</p> - -<p>“Suppose we make a rush? We can fire half-a-dozen -shots at short range, and jump in on them while they -are in confusion.”</p> - -<p>“It’s takin’ a big risk,” Jenkins replied, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“Of course it is, but we’ve got to run the chances, or -give up all hopes of doing anything.”</p> - -<p>It was only natural for Jenkins to hesitate, knowing, as -he did, that Captain Mansfield would hold him responsible -if anything happened to the boys while they were -thus virtually under his charge, but both were so persistent -and impatient that he was forced to act upon their -suggestion or see them start off alone.</p> - -<p>“We’ll try it,” he said, with a long-drawn breath; “but -remember, if anything goes wrong, that I advised ag’in a -battle where we’re outnumbered at least ten to one.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll take it on myself to say you shan’t be blamed, no<span class="pagenum">[204]</span> -matter how badly we are beaten,” Gil replied. “Now are -you ready?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; have your revolvers in hand. We’ll creep up as -near as we can, an’ when I give the signal each must -shoot as fast as he can till we’ve given ’em three shots -apiece; then make a rush for Andy, an’ if we get hold of -him, make the best time for the shaft. That’ll draw the -whole crowd down on us, an’ we haven’t any water; but -he’ll be safe for a while.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead; we’ll follow. Move quick, for it don’t -improve a fellow’s courage to stand here thinking about -what’s to be done.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[205]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A PITCHED BATTLE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It was not necessary for the boys to advise Jenkins to -move quickly, since he was quite as eager as they to have -the desperate affair settled.</p> - -<p>That he should feel nervous was not to be wondered at, -for he realized fully how many chances there were -against success, and in case of a triumph, bought at the -expense of a dangerous wound to one or the other of the -boys, the mate knew only too well that Captain Mansfield -would bring him to a rigid accounting.</p> - -<p>“This is where I’m bound to get the worst of it anyhow,” -he muttered to himself as he crept forward to a -cleared spot, where it would be possible to use the revolver -to advantage, “an’ I don’t know as it makes much -difference how the thing turns out. If we get the best of -it here, we’ve got to settle with the sailors, who, if any -amount of treasure has been found, will be ripe for mischief.”</p> - -<p>Then, as if in desperation, he leveled his weapon, gave -the signal for all to be ready, and fired three shots in rapid -succession.</p> - -<p>The boys followed his example, except, perhaps, that -they did not take as careful aim, for the idea of shooting, -with intent to kill, at a human being, was, despite the<span class="pagenum">[206]</span> -gravity of the situation, something at which their better -nature revolted.</p> - -<p>The reports of the weapons rang out in a scattering -fashion, causing it to sound as if ten instead of three men -were firing, and, as the smoke arose, preventing any view -of the enemy, Jenkins shouted:</p> - -<p>“Now for it, boys!”</p> - -<p>The little party dashed across the cleared space without -knowing what effect the bullets had had.</p> - -<p>A cheer went up from Gil as the greater number of the -enemy were seen fleeing into the cave, each man so determined -to gain a place of safety first that the entrance -was literally choked, and those who were prevented from -entering could do no less than turn at bay.</p> - -<p>“We’ve frightened ’em too much!” Jenkins cried as he -dashed toward Andy, hoping to sever his bonds while the -blacks were yet panic-stricken, and the words were hardly -spoken when he found his progress barred by two burly -fellows who had come to a halt at the mouth of the -cavern where their companions were packed so closely -that it was impossible for them to take another step forward.</p> - -<p>“Look out for Andy!” Jenkins cried, as he raised his -hatchet to ward off a blow aimed at him by a heavy ax. -“I can hold my own here if you’ll attend to him.”</p> - -<p>The boys were so excited that they hardly heard the -words, but, since both were aiming for the same object, -the command was involuntarily obeyed.</p> - -<p>Lying prostrate on the ground where he had been -overturned by the first frenzied rush, the old man was<span class="pagenum">[207]</span> -holding up his hands that the bonds might be severed, -and with one slash of his knife Gil succeeded in cutting -the ropes of grass.</p> - -<p>Nelse had fallen over a wounded black as he reached -the prisoner’s side, but he managed to scramble to his feet -and sever the remaining bonds before Gil could do anything -more, and the cook leaped up, and seized a huge -club from a pile of wood near the fire, thus adding one -more to the small numbers of the attacking party.</p> - -<p>The boys’ first impulse was to escape with the rescued -man, but a glance toward Jenkins told that he was in sore -need of assistance, and both darted to his side.</p> - -<p>The enemy were so active that the mate had not been -able to deal a single blow with any effect, and pressed him -so hotly that he did not have an opportunity to draw his -revolver.</p> - -<p>“Shoot that biggest imp!” he shouted, as his friends -gained his side. “I’ll attend to the other!”</p> - -<p>Gil aimed directly at the fellow’s head, for it was no -time to hesitate about shedding blood, but before he could -discharge the weapon Andy came to the rescue.</p> - -<p>With one swinging blow of his huge club he sent both -the blacks sprawling on the ground, and Jenkins shouted, -as he leaped back:</p> - -<p>“Save all your cartridges now, an’ make a dash for the -bushes!”</p> - -<p>It was quite time the white party beat a retreat, for the -panic-stricken ones had been turned, probably by the old -men in the cave, and were now returning to the fight. -When they should realize how few were those who made<span class="pagenum">[208]</span> -the attack it would hardly be possible to check them, and -Jenkins’ only hope was to gain a shelter before this fact -was known.</p> - -<p>So far as could be ascertained in this brief interval of -time, none of the blacks had been killed, but several were -wounded, and these lay on the ground where, unless their -fear was too great, they could see the whites as they ran -toward the bushes.</p> - -<p>One of the boldest of those who were returning to the -fray ran after the retreating party with an uplifted ax, -but Jenkins put a bullet through his arm, and he fled once -more, screaming as if in mortal agony, toward the cave, -thus checking the pursuit momentarily.</p> - -<p>It was hardly more than three minutes from the time -the first shot was fired before those who had made the -brave charge were within shelter of the foliage, waiting -to regain their breath, and the mate said, in a tone of -deepest relief:</p> - -<p>“We’ve come out of that mighty lucky, and now if we -can get to the shaft before they gather their wits, there’s -a chance of pullin’ through all right; but I allow, Andy, -that you’re willin’ to stay with us after this.”</p> - -<p>“I’se boun’ to do dat; but I’se gwine ter hol’ to it dat -dere’s no use in stoppin’ whar de hoodoo is mighty -strong.”</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t strong enough to prevent us from getting -you clear after they had you trussed up like a chicken -ready for roasting,” Gil said, grimly, panting so hard that -he could speak only with difficulty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[209]</span></p> - -<p>“Dat’s a fac’, honey; but de charm was wha’ did de -mos’ ob it.”</p> - -<p>“You was left alone with your charm, and would have -been killed if we hadn’t followed at risk of our own lives, -so I don’t want to hear any more about that thing,” Nelse -replied, sharply. “If it were of the same power you -seem to think, there would have been no need of us.”</p> - -<p>“Dere’s some tings it carn’t do, ob course; but when -you sees it I’se suah you’se gwine ter fall right down -in ’sprise.”</p> - -<p>“Then why didn’t you show it to those fellows when -they caught you, an’ saved us all this trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I hadn’t de time, honey. Dey done cum so quick I -couldn’t mo’n wink afore de ropes was woun’ all ober -me.”</p> - -<p>“You managed to make considerable noise, just the -same.”</p> - -<p>“Dat’s wha’ I’se boun’ ter do so’s you’se would hyar -me.”</p> - -<p>“There’s no use arguin’ with the old fool,” Jenkins said, -impatiently. “We’ve got to get back to the shaft, an’ if -we don’t move mighty lively the whole crowd will be -down on us.”</p> - -<p>Even in the face of their danger the boys had allowed -their thoughts to be occupied with the cook to the exclusion -of everything else, and now, as they gazed toward -the fire, it could be seen that the blacks were making ready -for a regular battle.</p> - -<p>The repulsive-looking old men had come from the -cave, and were now addressing their followers, probably<span class="pagenum">[210]</span> -for the purpose of inciting them to fight, and the more -courageous had already advanced toward the thicket, as -if ready to wreak vengeance.</p> - -<p>Four were receiving considerable attention as their -companions bound up the wounds inflicted by the revolvers; -but none were in such a dangerous condition but -that they could give a good account of themselves in the -chase which would probably ensue, and Jenkins said, regretfully:</p> - -<p>“We oughter been more careful. What they want is -a good lesson, an’ if we’d succeeded in killin’ half a dozen, -the rest wouldn’t be so bold.”</p> - -<p>“We’ve done mischief enough,” Gil said, with a shudder, -“and if we can get back to the tunnel it is to be hoped -they’ll leave us alone.”</p> - -<p>“That’s exactly what they don’t intend to do, my boy. -See! they are after us hot foot already!”</p> - -<p>It was as Jenkins had said. The entire crowd were -beginning to move down the slope from the cave, and -there was no longer any hope of being allowed to retire -peacefully.</p> - -<p>“It has turned into a runnin’ fight,” the mate said, as -he examined his revolver. “You fellows must start, an’ -I’ll try to hold ’em in check a little. Then I’ll join you, -an’ we’ll work the same game over again. Andy, can you -lead the way to the shaft?”</p> - -<p>“I’se able ter do dat much.”</p> - -<p>“Then go, and don’t wait for me until I’ve fired three -times. After that I shall come on the best I know how.”</p> - -<p>The old man started through the underbrush after assuring<span class="pagenum">[211]</span> -himself that the boys were close behind, and during -the next five minutes the three traveled at a rapid -pace without hearing the slightest sound from the rear.</p> - -<p>Then came two shots in succession, and Gil would have -stopped but that the old darky reminded him they should -hear another before coming to a halt, and in less than a -minute the third rang out so near at hand that it seemed -as if Jenkins must have been standing close beside them -when he fired.</p> - -<p>“Where are you?” Nelse cried, and the mate replied:</p> - -<p>“Don’t speak so loud. They are right behind, and our -only hope is to throw them off the scent, or we may not -be able to get under cover.”</p> - -<p>“Even if we gain the shaft it is only a question of being -starved out.”</p> - -<p>“Very true; but we can stand considerable hunger an’ -thirst before we’ll come out to be killed.”</p> - -<p>Now it was Jenkins who led the way, and he traveled -at full speed until the footsteps of the pursuers could be -heard close in the rear, when he halted.</p> - -<p>“Go on, boys; I’ll try to stop ’em once more, an’ on the -next tack we must sight the shaft, or give up all hope of -gettin’ back there.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, chillun! Don’t stop now when dem -debbils are so nigh!” Andy shouted, and in another instant -a cry of terror burst from his lips as he ran almost -into the arms of a black man.</p> - -<p>The devotees of voudooism were not so dumb as the -mate had fancied, and instead of following behind, a portion<span class="pagenum">[212]</span> -had circled around the party, thus cutting off the line -of the proposed retreat.</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you go on?” Jenkins cried, angrily.</p> - -<p>“Because they have succeeded in surrounding us,” Gil -replied, but by no means calmly. “It’s a question of fighting, -now, whether we want to or not.”</p> - -<p>“Then be careful that every shot tells,” the mate cried, -taking no heed of the fact that in the intense darkness it -was impossible to do more than fire at random.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[213]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">UNDER COVER.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>In an instant every one of the fugitives realized that -perfect silence was of the utmost importance in aiding -them to ascertain the location of the enemy, and not one -moved or spoke during the minute which followed the -alarming discovery.</p> - -<p>Then could be heard the stealthy footsteps of those -who were tracking them to the death, and Jenkins fancied -he saw a way out of the dangerous situation.</p> - -<p>Pressing the hand of Nelse, who was nearest, he intimated -that the boy was to follow him, and the latter, in -turn, communicated the command by the same means to -Gil and Andy.</p> - -<p>The mate’s purpose was to steal off at an angle, and -thus avoid the enemy, who was steadily closing in on -them, for a hand-to-hand conflict was not to be thought -of for a single instant, and that was what must come in -a very short time, unless the pursued could escape the net -which was being drawn tighter each moment.</p> - -<p>Stealthily the four crept toward the left, advancing -slowly but surely each instant until, just when all began -to fancy the plan might be a success, it was Jenkins’ turn -to run plump into the arms of one of the enemy.</p> - -<p>During a few seconds neither of his companions understood<span class="pagenum">[214]</span> -why he halted so suddenly, nor what caused the -unusual rustling among the foliage, and then Gil realized, -more by the sense of touch than of sight, that the mate -was putting forth all his strength in a struggle for the -mastery, the loser of which might expect only death.</p> - -<p>For an instant it seemed singular that the black did not -summon others to his aid, and then Gil learned that the -sailor had grasped his adversary by the throat, thus preventing -him from making any outcry.</p> - -<p>Once this discovery had been made, the only question -was as to how the mate might be assisted, and Gil could -think of no way, except to seize the man by the legs, which -he did with such suddenness and strength that the fellow -was hurled to the ground, his head striking an uncovered -root a resounding thump that deprived him of consciousness.</p> - -<p>Now was the time to continue the flight, for every second -was precious, and the little party pushed on through -the underbrush at a rate of speed that promised to give -them a decided advantage over possible pursuers.</p> - -<p>At the best pace each ran, Jenkins leading the way, -the others following in single file, each grasping the clothing -of the one in advance that they might not be separated. -The blows received by coming in contact with the low-hanging -branches were not noticed in this race for life, -nor did any heed the dangers that might be encountered -by a misstep, or a mistake as to the course; but all pressed -on literally for dear life, and when twenty minutes had -passed Jenkins paused at the mouth of the shaft.</p> - -<p>Not a sound could be heard to betoken that the enemy<span class="pagenum">[215]</span> -were in pursuit, and the mate was on the point of whispering -to the sailors to pass up the rope, when Gil said:</p> - -<p>“Here it is, made fast to the tree as when we left.”</p> - -<p>“And they were so crazy about the treasure that it -wasn’t thought worth while to look out for safety. It -would have been a nice mess, if those imps had come here -ahead of us, an’ taken a notion to find the meaning of such -a ladder.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind that now,” Gil said, soothingly, as he saw -that the mate was likely to linger too long over this neglect -of duty. “Let’s get below first, and talk about what -should have been done afterward.”</p> - -<p>“Go down; I’ll wait until you are at the bottom, so’s to -make sure the black villains haven’t yet discovered our -hiding-place.”</p> - -<p>Gil swung himself over the edge, and allowed the rope -to slip slowly through his hands until he reached the -bottom.</p> - -<p>Neither of the two men came to ask the result of the -foray, and he thought with surprise that they must be -sleeping.</p> - -<p>It was necessary every member of the party should be -on the alert, and he went into the tunnel to awaken them, -feeling around with his hands.</p> - -<p>Nothing could be found. It was as if the place had -been abandoned. Pressing farther in he continued the -blind search, but without success, and finally the truth -of the matter flashed upon him. Running to the shaft, -arriving there just as Jenkins descended, the others having -reached the bottom in safety, he said, excitedly:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[216]</span></p> - -<p>“The sailors have gone to help us, and now I suppose -we ought to start out to find them, though it seems like -advertising our whereabouts to the enemy.”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean that neither of the fellows are here?” -Jenkins asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>“Not unless they are in the treasure chamber. I went -up the tunnel as far as I dared without a light, and found -it empty. I suppose they thought we were getting the -worst of it when the firing was heard, and wanted to -help.”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” the mate said, angrily. “They’ve been -overhaulin’ the treasure; taken all they could find, an’ -now propose to give us the slip.”</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t seem reasonable they would run so many -risks just for a little money.”</p> - -<p>“The chances are that they’ve found a good deal, and -rather than divide, or be contented with what the captain -might choose to give them, have parted company -with us.”</p> - -<p>“That seems like suicide, for they can’t show themselves -when father arrives without giving up what has -been carried away.”</p> - -<p>“Most likely they count on stealin’ a boat from the -blacks, an’ gettin’ to the mainland; but they’ll find that a -mighty slim chance. I wish I had hold of the sneaks -for a minute, I’d show them what it means to play such -a trick.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t bother your head about it. We are well rid of -men who will act like that.”</p> - -<p>“But they’ve made way with all the treasure you discovered,<span class="pagenum">[217]</span> -most likely,” and in his anger Jenkins spoke incautiously -loud.</p> - -<p>“What of it? The chances are neither they nor we can -leave the island with it, and our lives are more precious -than all the pirates’ hoards that were ever buried.”</p> - -<p>The mate failed to look at the matter in such a philosophical -light, and he would have continued to give way -to his anger in unmeasured terms, if a noise from the entrance -had not warned him to be silent.</p> - -<p>Animated by the same thought, each member of the -party crept to the edge of the shaft, and there the hum of -voices proclaimed that the secret of their hiding-place had -been discovered.</p> - -<p>“We’re under cover now, for a fact,” Jenkins said, -grimly, as the sound of footsteps told that the enemy were -moving to and fro, evidently for the purpose of examining -the surroundings, “and the worst of it is that we’re reg’larly -shut in till the captain comes back, for I’ll guarantee -that crowd don’t leave while we are down here alive.”</p> - -<p>“Then the sailors are better off than we, and have a -good chance to get hold of the boats.”</p> - -<p>“It ain’t likely these imps are so careless as to leave the -crafts where anybody can get them, an’ we shall have to -wait till mornin’ before knowin’ who’s in the best condition. -We’ll have a few oysters, an’ then try to get a little -sleep, for there’s no danger of an attack between now -an’ daylight.”</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t close my eyes a single minute while that -crowd is waiting around to kill us,” Nelse said, with a -shudder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[218]</span></p> - -<p>“Don’t be so sure, lad; you’ll get used to it in a little -while, an’ the need for sleep will come mighty strong -before morning.”</p> - -<p>Nelse was positive Jenkins spoke at random, and he -also thought he couldn’t eat anything under the circumstances; -but when his companions attacked the oysters -he succeeded in swallowing quite as many as did Gil, and -even Andy made a hearty supper.</p> - -<p>It was no longer possible to hear any noise from -around the mouth of the shaft; but the besieged knew beyond -a doubt that the enemy were still there, and, acting -upon the mate’s suggestion, all hands moved a short distance -inside the tunnel, where they could talk without -danger of being overheard.</p> - -<p>As a matter of course, every one was anxious to hear -the story of Andy’s adventures, and he was able to tell -it in a very few words.</p> - -<p>After refusing to enter the tunnel with the remainder -of the party, the old man had made his way toward the interior -of the island, hoping to find a hiding-place in some -of the trees, and succeeded only in losing his way.</p> - -<p>After walking nearly an hour, he found himself in -sight of the big cave where the blacks were assembled in -full force, and this so frightened him that he thought only -of trying to find his comrades. To that end he struck out -in the direction where he supposed the shaft to be located, -and was within a few yards of the desired spot when he -was seized by five men.</p> - -<p>From that moment until the revolvers were discharged, -Andy had no hope anything could be done to aid him,<span class="pagenum">[219]</span> -and, losing faith for the first time in his mysterious charm, -prepared for death.</p> - -<p>It was evident from the manner of telling the story -that he did not care to go into the details, after having -brought the trouble all on himself, and a remark made -by Gil relative to the treasure-chamber gave him a good -excuse for changing the topic of conversation.</p> - -<p>“Am it sure dem men took all de gol’ dere was in de -hole?” he asked, and Nelse said, with some slight show of -enthusiasm:</p> - -<p>“What’s to prevent us from finding out exactly the -condition of affairs? We’ve got to stay here, and an examination -of the place will serve to make the time pass -more quickly.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps we might be needed here suddenly,” Gil suggested; -but Jenkins said, decidedly:</p> - -<p>“I’ll guarantee there’ll be nothin’ goin’ on in this part -of the island till sunrise, so if you feel disposed to have -a look at the place after them scoundrels have got away -with the treasure, there’s nothing to prevent.”</p> - -<p>“Somebody will have to help us down. I wouldn’t -want to try to lower Nelse alone.”</p> - -<p>“Andy can attend to that part of the business. Let him -stand by the rope, an’, in case anything should happen -which ain’t probable, I can pass the word to him.”</p> - -<p>“Is yer gwine ter keep right on lookin’ fur de pirates’ -gol’?” the old man asked, in evident alarm.</p> - -<p>“Yes, we want to see if the men have left any.”</p> - -<p>“Den I stays right hyar. We’se done had trubble enuff -’bout dat ar’ money, an’ I wants ter keep ’way frum it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[220]</span></p> - -<p>It was in vain that the boys and Jenkins alternately -coaxed and scolded; the old fellow positively refused to so -much as take a single step into the tunnel, and it seemed -as if the investigations would necessarily be postponed -until a more convenient season.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[221]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A SECOND ALARM.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The old darky’s superstitious fears sometimes resembled -stubbornness, as in this particular case, and Gil, -after exhausting his powers of persuasion without effect, -said impatiently:</p> - -<p>“It’s mighty strange that you’re always afraid when -there’s something on hand in the shape of work.”</p> - -<p>“Cummin’ to dis yere islan’ wasn’ none ob my fixin’, an’ -ef de captin would er lef’ me I’d done been gone outer de -yacht afore she got pas’ New York Harbor, kase I -knowed wha’ was goin’ ter happen,” and then Andy relapsed -into moody silence.</p> - -<p>The fact that they could not examine the treasure-chamber -caused the boys the most intense desire to do so, -and finally Nelse suggested that they try it alone.</p> - -<p>“I’ll contrive to lower you down, Gil, an’ Mr. Jenkins -can come into the tunnel long enough to help pull you -out.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got a better plan than that,” the mate said, suddenly, -as a happy thought occurred to him. “Andy shall -stay here to listen for the blacks, an’ I’ll bear a hand. -After you’ve been there long enough I can come after -you.”</p> - -<p>“I’se willin’ to stan’ watch ef all hands wants ter go,”<span class="pagenum">[222]</span> -Andy added, gruffly, and thus the matter was settled, although -it would be necessary for Jenkins to remain in the -tunnel.</p> - -<p>The old darky seated himself with his back against the -side of the shaft, a very dangerous position if any of the -enemy should descend quickly, and the others commenced -operations.</p> - -<p>The torches were found in the tunnel where they had -been dropped when Andy’s cry for help was heard, and, -as he ignited one, Jenkins said:</p> - -<p>“Now have a good look around, boys, an’ make sure -them thieves didn’t leave anything behind.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps there was nothing but the diamonds in the -hole,” Nelse suggested.</p> - -<p>“I don’t allow pirates would go to the trouble of diggin’ -sich a place for the sake of hidin’ a little thing like that. -Have you still got them safe, Gil?”</p> - -<p>“Trust me for that. Even while we were stealing up -on the enemy, I kept feeling in my pocket to make sure -they couldn’t get lost.”</p> - -<p>“I allow there’s more than enough in them ’ere stones -to pay for the <em>Day Dream</em>, an’ leave some over to tassel -our handkerchiefs with. Now, are you ready?”</p> - -<p>While they were speaking, Jenkins had been uncoiling -the rope, and began to fasten one end under Gil’s arms as -he spoke.</p> - -<p>Then, lifting the boy clear from the ground, he let him -drop slowly to the bottom with the torch in his hand.</p> - -<p>The same operation was repeated with Nelse, and the<span class="pagenum">[223]</span> -two had ample opportunity to examine the subterranean -chamber.</p> - -<p>It had been built with exceeding care. The sides, -which were cut in a coral ledge, as was the entire excavation, -had been chiseled smooth, an operation which must -have required no slight amount of time, and in the roof -were what appeared to be two small apertures for the -escape of air.</p> - -<p>These details, however, were not noted by the boys -until they had been in the cavern some time. Their first, -and, in fact, only thought was of the supposed treasure.</p> - -<p>The large amount of earth which had fallen when -Gil was precipitated into the chamber, covered one end -of the apartment entirely, and the fact of this having been -thrown around considerably told that it had been overhauled -to a considerable extent since Gil was drawn up, -while the fragments of what he believed to be a box were -scattered in every direction.</p> - -<p>“There’s no question but that the men have been here,” -Nelse said, sufficiently loud for Jenkins, who was lying -over the aperture in such a manner that he could both -hear and see, to distinguish the words.</p> - -<p>“Of course they have,” the mate replied, angrily, “an’ -that’s why they wouldn’t come with us to help Andy. Do -you see anything?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing more than this pile of dirt,” Gil replied. “If -the spade is in the shaft we might throw it all over, an’ -make sure they got everything.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a good idea. Wait a minute an’ I’ll fetch it.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins’ face disappeared from the aperture, and while<span class="pagenum">[224]</span> -he was absent the boys had a good opportunity to survey -the singular place. In addition to what has already been -spoken of, they noted with no small degree of surprise, -that the remains of a stone stairway occupied one corner -of the chamber, and immediately above it was a portion -of a wooden hatch or trapdoor set in the earth by iron -bands.</p> - -<p>It was directly in the center of this, where the wood -had decayed, that Gil fell, and the wonder was that he did -not strike on the steps, in which case the mishap might -have had a more unpleasant ending.</p> - -<p>“All I can say is that the pirates must have had a lot of -spare time on their hands, if they went to all the trouble -necessary to make a place like this just to bury their -treasure, when it would have been safer buried in the -earth where a fellow couldn’t fall through by mistake, as -you did,” Nelse said, laughingly. “It looks as if some one -had the idea of living here.”</p> - -<p>Before Gil could reply Jenkins arrived with the spade, -and he said, as the implement was dropped on the loose -earth:</p> - -<p>“Better make a thorough search, boys, an’ if you think -the work is likely to be too hard, come back, an’ I’ll go -down.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll attend to it. It can’t take such a very long -time to get at the bottom,” Gil replied, as he began the -task.</p> - -<p>During five minutes of rapid work nothing was disclosed; -but at the end of that time Gil unearthed a bench<span class="pagenum">[225]</span> -which had been crushed by the falling earth, and after -that the discoveries came thick and fast.</p> - -<p>Fragments of chairs, a mass of decaying matter which -appeared to have been wearing apparel, rusty cooking implements, -and, finally, in one corner, a low writing desk -was found.</p> - -<p>As the last-mentioned article was unearthed the boys -gave vent to a cry of triumph, and Gil shouted excitedly:</p> - -<p>“Here’s where we shall find the gold that the sailors -overlooked.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon you’re makin’ a mistake about that, my boy,” -Jenkins replied, in a thoughtful tone. “It looks to me as -if this place was used to live in, an’ most likely what -treasure the people had who built the place was in the -chest you fell on. If there were diamonds in it, the gold -was there to a dead certainty, an’ we shan’t see anything -more in the way of valuables.”</p> - -<p>“It won’t take long to find out what is in here,” and Gil -struck the ancient desk a heavy blow with the spade, -causing it to fall in fragments.</p> - -<p>At this instant the torch was extinguished, the wood -having been consumed, and the eager explorers were -forced to wait until Jenkins could make and send down -another.</p> - -<p>Now they searched carefully among the fragments, and -the first article found was a metal casket covered with -rust, and securely locked.</p> - -<p>“Here’s what we want!” Gil cried, triumphantly, as he -held it above his head that the mate might have a full -view. “When this is opened we shall see a pile of gold!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[226]</span></p> - -<p>“It doesn’t appear to be very heavy.”</p> - -<p>“You’re right. I never thought of that,” was the reply, -in a tone of disappointment, and Gil tried in vain to open -the box by striking it with the spade.</p> - -<p>“Use this!” and Jenkins threw down one of the hatchets.</p> - -<p>Even with such an effective implement it was not an -easy matter to break the casket; but the metal finally -yielded after repeated blows, and the boys gazed at the -exposed contents in dismay.</p> - -<p>Instead of treasure, they had unearthed nothing more -than a lot of time-stained documents and Gil was about -to throw them away when Jenkins called sharply:</p> - -<p>“Pass them up here. We’ll have a look at the writin’ -first, an’ then’ll be plenty of time to say they are worth -nothing. What else was there in the desk?”</p> - -<p>Again the boys resumed the search; but it seemed as -if all the important contents of the chamber had been -exposed to view.</p> - -<p>Several tiny vials; some curious instruments, which -might once have belonged to a surgeon, and a package -of quills for pens, comprised the entire list of articles.</p> - -<p>The loose earth had been examined thoroughly, and -Gil said with a sigh of disappointment:</p> - -<p>“There’s no reason why we should stay here any longer. -It’s too hot down here for comfort, and we can look at the -papers up above where there’s more air.”</p> - -<p>“All right, here’s the rope. Send the iron box first, an’ -then I’ll pull you out.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[227]</span></p> - -<p>Five minutes later the boys were in the tunnel, and -since there could be no question but that the sailors had -succeeded in getting the greater portion of the treasure, -the contents of the casket attracted considerable attention.</p> - -<p>“Let’s go up a long bit where there’s no danger the light -of the torch can be noticed from the shaft, an’ see what’s -written on all that paper,” Gil suggested, and Jenkins -ran back to tell Andy of the change of position before following -the boys to a point within twenty or thirty feet -from the stone door which had been discovered some time -previous.</p> - -<p>Here the three seated themselves on the ground, and -the mate was about to take the yellow documents from -their long resting-place, when the torch was suddenly extinguished -without apparent cause.</p> - -<p>Nelse was on the point of making some laughing remark, -when he felt the mate’s hand pressed firmly over his -mouth, and at the same instant a draught of air swept -down the passage as if a vent had suddenly been opened.</p> - -<p>Motioning for the boys to follow his example, Jenkins -rose to his feet, and as he did so it was possible to see a -tiny thread of light from the end of the tunnel, where, -a moment previous, had been only the most profound -darkness.</p> - -<p>There was no need now to speculate as to why the torch -had been extinguished.</p> - -<p>The blacks had discovered, even if they did not know it -before, that the cave communicated with the tunnel, and<span class="pagenum">[228]</span> -were about to creep upon the white party, hoping to take -them by surprise.</p> - -<p>The supreme moment had come, and the three who -stood in that gloomy place listening for the sounds which -should tell that the enemy was advancing, knew it was -to be a struggle to the finish.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[229]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">IN THE TUNNEL.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>During several moments Jenkins remained motionless, -as if trying to decide what course to pursue, and the boys -bent forward in their efforts to hear the first sound which -should come from the direction of that ray of light; but -nothing broke the almost profound silence, save their own -labored breathing.</p> - -<p>“They are goin’ to take plenty of time about it, an’ -we’ll do the same,” Jenkins whispered, cautiously, with -his mouth close to Gil’s ear. “The idiots think the light -don’t show through, an’ are tryin’ to find out if we’re in -the tunnel.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what’s to be done? We can’t stand here till they -come.”</p> - -<p>“Take off your shoes, an’ we’ll steal down to the shaft. -We mustn’t make a stand here, for it ain’t certain a lot -of ’em won’t come in from the outside at the same time.”</p> - -<p>In their stockinged feet the three crept softly down the -passage, hugging the left side to avoid being precipitated -into the excavation, until they arrived at the point where -Andy, clutching firmly the “charm” on his bosom, was -keeping watch.</p> - -<p>In reply to Jenkins’ whispered questions, he declared -that nothing larger than a night bird had moved in the<span class="pagenum">[230]</span> -vicinity, and on being told of what was occurring at the -opposite end of the tunnel, would have leaped to his feet -with a cry of alarm but for the firm hold the mate had -upon him.</p> - -<p>“Sit still, an keep your wits about you while I creep -back a short distance,” the latter whispered. “If you -make a noise, or try to kick up any bobbery because you -don’t like our way of managin’ things, I’ll shoot you as -quick as I would one of them voudoo-dancin’ black men.”</p> - -<p>This threat was sufficient to reduce Andy to a state of -complete submission; but it destroyed his usefulness as a -watcher, for he was no longer in a frame of mind where -he could distinguish between a genuine noise and his -own imagination.</p> - -<p>“Be ready to shoot the first heathen who shows his -head,” the mate said to Gil, and then he disappeared in -the tunnel.</p> - -<p>It was useless to expect any assistance from Andy, and -the boys stood at the foot of the shaft listening intently, -with their revolvers ready for use; but nothing save the -sighing of the night wind among the foliage came to their -ears.</p> - -<p>The mate moved as noiselessly as a shadow, and the -silence was almost terrifying.</p> - -<p>The minutes passed like hours, fearing as the boys did -that each instant would come the sounds of conflict, proclaiming -that they must begin the struggle for life, and -fully half-an-hour had passed before Jenkins appeared, -saying in a low, hurried tone, as he stood beside Gil and -Nelse:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[231]</span></p> - -<p>“They have started. I counted six before the door was -closed, an’ they’ll be here in about five minutes. Our best -plan is to hug the wall of the shaft close by the entrance -to the tunnel, an’ wait till they are at close range, when -every shot will count.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll do whatever you think best,” Gil replied, nervously, -and the mate continued:</p> - -<p>“We can’t fight very long with the small number of -cartridges, so each one must bring down a man. If the -fellows from the top join in, as I reckon they’re bound to -do, keep far enough inside to prevent them from seeing -the flash of the powder, an’ take to your hatchets when the -last shot has been fired. It’s better to die here fightin’ -than allow ourselves to be taken prisoners for their pleasure.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll do our share,” Gil said, “and now I shan’t hesitate -to try to kill a human being.”</p> - -<p>“It’s your life or theirs, an’ you’d be foolish to have any -scruples now. I’ve brought the iron box here in case -there should be a chance of gettin’ out of this place; but -I don’t s’pose we’ll have any call for it, because there are -too many blacks for us to get the best of in a fair fight.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that moment -a rustling of the leaves was heard from the top of -the shaft, and all expected the onslaught would be made at -once.</p> - -<p>Even Andy understood it was a question of fighting, -and that his charm would not avail him at such a time, -therefore he joined the defenders, although he had no -weapon.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[232]</span></p> - -<p>One, two, three minutes passed, and to the boys it -seemed as if every drop of blood in their bodies was literally -boiling with excitement. Their mouths became -parched, and each tried in vain to moisten his burning lips, -as he mentally braced himself for the coming struggle.</p> - -<p>The suspense was worse than reality, and only with the -greatest difficulty could Gil prevent himself from shrieking -to break the awful silence. Five minutes more passed, -and it seemed as if fully half-an-hour must have elapsed -when the little party were absolutely electrified by hearing -a blood-curdling cry from the forest, which was echoed -and re-echoed by the trees until one could have sworn -a hundred men were in their last agonies.</p> - -<p>Almost at the same instant the sound of footsteps came -from the tunnel, and before the boys could draw their -weapons, it was succeeded by a cry of distress from a -dozen throats.</p> - -<p>Then all was still once more.</p> - -<p>Nelse turned toward Jenkins as if to ask whether this -had simply been a trick of the imagination, and then came -a cry of terror from the tunnel, repeated again and again -until the air was filled with the hideous noise.</p> - -<p>What it could mean no one knew, and as Andy cowered -in mortal terror against the side of the shaft, Jenkins -saw a human form outlined upon the lighter darkness of -the opening.</p> - -<p>Raising his revolver he fired, and a heavy body fell to -the ground almost at their feet.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter?” Gil asked, unable longer to remain -silent.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[233]</span></p> - -<p>“I’m blest if I know. Anyhow, here’s one of the villains, -an’, what’s worse, he ain’t dead.”</p> - -<p>Again a tumult in the tunnel was heard, and Nelse -cried:</p> - -<p>“The fellows who were trying to surprise us have fallen -into the underground chamber. So much is certain; but -what’s the meaning of that?” and he stopped for an instant -as the shrieks from the forest rang out again in -such a tone of agony there could no longer be any question -that a human soul was being sent to its final account.</p> - -<p>The terrifying cries died away in the distance, even as -the little party listened, and once more silence reigned, -save when the wounded mass of humanity gave vent to a -groan.</p> - -<p>Unless one believed in voudooism as did Andy, everything -was incomprehensible, and even the old darky could -think of no satisfactory explanation just at this moment, -for he cowered close to the others, shaking like one in an -ague fit, and clutching with the strength of despair at -the mysterious “something” concealed beneath his shirt.</p> - -<p>One, two, three minutes more passed, and then Jenkins -said, with a long-drawn breath:</p> - -<p>“I can’t stand this sort of thing any longer, boys. -We’re bound to find out what’s been goin’ on, an’ the facts -can’t be any worse than a fellow’s imagination as he -stands here shiverin’.”</p> - -<p>The boys would have followed him as he went into the -tunnel, but he prevented them by saying:</p> - -<p>“Stay here, an’ keep a mighty sharp watch. Nobody<span class="pagenum">[234]</span> -knows but that all this yellin’ was done to throw us off -our guard.”</p> - -<p>“I’m certain those noises couldn’t have been made for -effect, an’ you’ll find a whole crowd in the place where -the diamonds came from,” Nelse replied, in a decided -tone.</p> - -<p>“Then all the more reason why some one should be -there to prevent them from crawlin’ out. I can take care -of a good many, if they’re in that trap; but we are bound -to watch out for all the chances.”</p> - -<p>Jenkins was so reckless as to light a match before he -was more than a dozen feet inside the tunnel, and a moment -after the boys saw a glow, telling that he had ignited -one of the torches.</p> - -<p>From the outside not a sound came, and in a few seconds -the boys heard the mate’s cheery cry:</p> - -<p>“You were right, Nelse. The whole boilin’ of ’em are -in here like rats, an’ believe I’m goin’ to kill ’em.”</p> - -<p>“Can you see them?” Gil asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>“Of course I can, as well as if the whole lot were on -exhibition in a dime museum. One of you come here an -take a peep, for there’s no question now but that some -of their plans have gone wrong.”</p> - -<p>Nelse ran into the tunnel in response to this invitation, -and on reaching the hole saw seven black forms crouching -at the bottom in deepest terror, while Jenkins was amusing -himself by walking around the edge of the excavation -throwing the light on the huddling mass, and threatening<span class="pagenum">[235]</span> -the poor wretches with what he proposed doing when -it should be convenient.</p> - -<p>“Do you think it is just safe to stand here while more -of the party can jump in on you by the same way these -came?” Nelse asked, and this question put a very sudden -end to the mate’s sport.</p> - -<p>“Wait while I have a look around,” he said, as he -handed the torch to the boy and disappeared in the darkness.</p> - -<p>Before Nelse could explain the cause of his delay to Gil, -the mate returned, saying, in a tone of satisfaction:</p> - -<p>“They’ve shut the door tight, to keep us out in case -these fellows failed, I reckon, an’ it won’t be a bad idea -for me to keep watch there while you an’ Gil divide the -work here. We must stop any nonsense at the beginnin’, -an’ then they can’t get the upper hands of us.”</p> - -<p>“Is there a real necessity of watching this crowd?”</p> - -<p>“Of course; otherwise they could soon manage to wriggle -out by climbin’ on each other’s shoulders. Stand by -and shoot the first who rises to his feet,” Jenkins replied, -and then he added, in a stern tone to the trembling blacks, -as if believing they could understand him: “Don’t you -so much as move, or we’ll kill the whole boilin’ the same -as we would mosquitoes. Lay down, an’ the first one who -raises his head shall serve as an example for the rest.”</p> - -<p>It was evident that the fellows understood the purport -of his words, for they crouched yet lower, and he added -to Nelse:</p> - -<p>“Don’t hesitate to shoot if they make any show of<span class="pagenum">[236]</span> -tryin’ to get out, for our lives depend upon holdin’ the -whole crowd.”</p> - -<p>“You ought to tell Gil where I am.”</p> - -<p>“He’s got sense enough to know that at such a time as -this he must remain at his post, so do as I tell you, an’ -don’t take your eyes off the gang for a single minute.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[237]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE STORY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Nelse did as he was bidden; but while standing at the -edge of the excavation holding the torch in one hand and -his revolver in the other, he could not fail to realize -how quickly the tables might be turned if the blacks -should make a combined dash.</p> - -<p>That which held them in subjection was the fact that -the walls of the underground chamber were so high they -could not gain the floor of the tunnel without climbing -on each other’s shoulders, and while this was being done -the sentinel would have ample opportunity to shoot with -reasonable accuracy of aim.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Gil was straining his ears for the repetition -of that fearful noise which had literally caused the blood -to chill in his veins, and Andy remained crouching within -the shadow of the tunnel busily engaged in executing a -series of wonderful contortions evidently intended as an -incantation to weaken the power of the voudoo -worshipers.</p> - -<p>During fully half an hour matters remained in this condition, -not a sound save the usual night noises of the forest -breaking the silence, and then the old darky, his alleged -spell having been wrought, came toward Gil as he -said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[238]</span></p> - -<p>“I’se gwine ter take my trick at standin’ watch, an’ -you’se kin fin’ de odders.”</p> - -<p>“It won’t take much hunting to do that, for I reckon -they are guarding the other end of the tunnel; but, if you -can attend to matters here for a while, I’ll be glad to see -how things are getting on.”</p> - -<p>“I’se done gone fixed myself,” was the grave reply, and -Gil naturally came to the conclusion that the “fixing” was -neither more nor less than those wonderful contortions in -which the old darky had been indulging.</p> - -<p>Nelse was more than pleased at seeing his friend, for -the mental strain of watching over so many of the enemy -was beginning to tell upon him, and, what seemed more -important, the torch was nearly consumed.</p> - -<p>“Stand here a while and I’ll make another,” he said, -glad of any excuse which should take him from the -chamber, with its frightened, cowering occupants, and -Gil readily agreed to shoulder the responsibility.</p> - -<p>To recount all that took place on this eventful night -would be tedious. It suffices to say that a strict watch -was kept at each point from which danger might be anticipated, -and when morning came every member of the -party felt thoroughly worn out and exhausted.</p> - -<p>Jenkins had but little fear an attack would be made during -the day, except it might be from the farther end of -the tunnel, and proposed to run the risk of this by withdrawing -the sentinel from that point and stationing him -at the underground chamber, where his duty would be to -stand watch over the entire tunnel.</p> - -<p>“In that way we shall all get a chance to sleep, which is<span class="pagenum">[239]</span> -what we’re needin’ mighty bad, an’ I’ll take the first trick. -Andy shall stay near the shaft, an’ you boys are to have a -good two-hour snooze.”</p> - -<p>“It strikes me that the torches won’t hold out a great -while longer,” Nelse said, as he looked ruefully at the -small supply of wood, which had diminished rapidly since -the blacks were caught in the trap.</p> - -<p>“We won’t worry about that. Time enough when we’ve -used the last one. The important thing is to get some -rest, an’ I want you boys to begin without delay so’s Andy -an’ I can have our turn.”</p> - -<p>Despite the fact that they had thought it would be impossible -to close their eyes in slumber, while in a situation -of such peril, the boys had hardly stretched themselves -out on the floor of the tunnel before they were -sleeping soundly.</p> - -<p>Not until three hours later did either awaken, and then -the mate aroused them with a cheery cry of:</p> - -<p>“All hands on deck!”</p> - -<p>To their great surprise they saw the shaft comfortably -full of black men, and Jenkins said, in reply to their questions:</p> - -<p>“Andy an’ I did that while you were snoring. We -found out that the fellows in the treasure-chamber could -understand a kind of lingo he talks, an’ then we made ’em -know what was wanted. We brought ’em up here one -by one, after tyin’ the hands of each with that string-piece -he wore around his waist, an’ now they’re quiet an’ harmless -as lambs. None of ’em dares to wink very hard, an’ -we can do all the watchin’ at this place.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[240]</span></p> - -<p>“Ain’t you afraid they will make a sudden rush?” Nelse -asked, thinking it anything rather than safe to allow the -fellows so near.</p> - -<p>“Not while their hands are tied, an’ one of us manages -to keep awake. They know what the result will be if -any of ’em so much as moves his head the wrong way, an’ -I reckon they’ll stay quiet enough.”</p> - -<p>“But what about the door at the other end of the tunnel?”</p> - -<p>“I’m takin’ my chances on that ’cause we’ve dug away -the earth at the top of the treasure-chamber, an’ it’ll be a -mighty smart darky who can crawl along there without -tumblin’ in, seein’s they can’t afford to bring a light with -’em. You see, this does away with the trouble about -torches, an’ I’ll admit that I don’t know how we could -a-got more when these were used up. Now, I’m goin’ to -take about forty winks. Andy has been right there for -the last hour, so you can turn him out for the next trick.”</p> - -<p>As he lay down, Jenkins motioned toward the mouth -of the tunnel, where the cook was sleeping with his huge -mouth opened to its widest extent, and it seemed to the -boys as if the former had but just stretched himself out -when he was aiding Andy in the snoring concert.</p> - -<p>Some of the prisoners had so far recovered from their -fears as to be able to indulge in slumber, and those who -remained awake were doing their best to convince the -watchers that their intentions were peaceable.</p> - -<p>Although the situation was decidedly improved from -what it had been when the boys lay down, it was yet<span class="pagenum">[241]</span> -far from being reassuring, and not until ten minutes or -more had passed did they feel at all comfortable in mind.</p> - -<p>Then Gil said, as he saw the iron casket lying near the -entrance, where Jenkins had placed it for safe keeping:</p> - -<p>“I think it’s about time we examined those documents. -You keep your eyes on the fellows, an’ I’ll find out what’s -written there.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead; but I don’t believe you’ll have much luck, -for most likely it’s in French or Spanish, an’ we ain’t very -well posted in those languages, although we might have -been by studying a little harder.”</p> - -<p>“It’s English!” Gil exclaimed, in a tone of satisfaction, -as he drew the stained documents from their long -resting-place, and forced to use the greatest caution in -opening them lest the paper, brittle with age, should be -destroyed.</p> - -<p>“If you read it, go on, an’ I’ll keep my eyes on this -crowd of very interesting young gentlemen,” Nelse said, -as he settled himself into a more comfortable position for -listening, and displayed his revolver ostentatiously.</p> - -<p>“The writing is plain enough, except in places where -the ink has faded, and I reckon I can get through with it, -so here goes for the first sheet.”</p> - -<p>“How many are there?”</p> - -<p>“Seven or eight; but the most of them appear to be -memoranda of business transactions, for all except the -first are covered with figures. It starts off like a will:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I, Nissage Boyer, native of France, and adopted citizen of -the United States, owner of the finest plantation on the island of -Hayti, and lessee of the government forest containing the most<span class="pagenum">[242]</span> -valuable dye-wood, deposit here a memoranda of my possessions -in case I should never succeed in leaving this place alive, hoping -it may fall into the hands of my family, who, fortunately, are -now safe in New York.</p> - -<p>“During the past year I have done my best to keep out of -political entanglements; but Soulouque, who capers like a -crowned monkey under his borrowed name of Faustin I., has laid -many traps, some of which I have fallen into, and, in order to -retain possession of my property, and at the same time send my -family to a place of safety, I bound myself to his falling fortunes. -Now, in the year 1857 I find myself threatened both by the emperor -and insurgents. Trying to serve two masters, I have fallen -to the ground, and am a fugitive, trusting to the fidelity of my -slaves, and seeking an opportunity to set sail for the United -States.</p> - -<p>“Condemned to death by both parties, I should have been executed -several days ago but for some of my negroes, who aided -me to reach this island, where I fitted up a place of refuge in -the year Soulouque declared himself emperor, knowing full well -that the evil times would soon come, and hoping this might -serve as a hiding-place for my dear ones. The shaft, the tunnel -and the main cave were probably built by the buccaneers who -settled here in 1702; but the voudoo worshipers have made the -island their abiding-place so long that none of the negroes and -few white men care to visit it.</p> - -<p>“Protected by these same voudoo priests, who have always -done all in their power to frighten their countrymen away from -this place, I am awaiting the arrival of a fisherman’s vessel -which should be here in a week at the outside, unless the situation -at the capital becomes so grave that all the sailing crafts will -be seized by the alleged emperor or the so-called insurgents. I -have succeeded in bringing away the most valuable of my personal -property, and, in addition, a necklace of diamonds for -which I sold the contents of a warehouse, taking them in exchange, -since gold is not readily gotten hold of without exciting -suspicion that the owner wishes to leave the island.</p> - -<p>“The stones, together with as much money as I have been able -to secrete, will remain in this subterranean chamber——”</p></div> - -<p>“Look here,” Nelse cried, interrupting Gil, “according -to what you’ve been reading we haven’t found any pirates’<span class="pagenum">[243]</span> -treasure, but something for which an owner may appear -at any moment.”</p> - -<p>“That’s just the size of it, and when we give up the -diamonds we sha’n’t be able to account very satisfactorily -for what the sailors stole. Our story will seem rather -fishy, I’m afraid; but let’s find out the balance of this communication, -and then we shall know better what must be -done.”</p> - -<p>“Are we to give up all hope of coming at the gold -which is described by the chart?”</p> - -<p>“I think we may as well own up that it is a failure; but -we can tell after I——”</p> - -<p>The conversation was interrupted by a noise from the -outside, and, springing to his feet, Gil went toward the -edge of the shaft, arriving there just as a shower of missiles -descended.</p> - -<p>Standing near the edge of the shaft as he did, Gil escaped -a blow; but the prisoners were hit freely, and they -set up such an outcry as caused Jenkins and Andy to -spring to their feet very suddenly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[244]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">AN OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It was several seconds before the mate understood what -had happened, and then, realizing that the enemy was -making an attack, he shouted as he darted into the tunnel:</p> - -<p>“Keep your eyes open, boys, for it’s certain they’ll try -to take us from both sides at the same time.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon you and I had better hold on here,” Gil said -to Nelse. “There’s mighty little use rushing into a place -where you can’t see a thing, and unless we look sharp the -whole crowd will be in from this end.”</p> - -<p>Andy remained motionless, and for this he could not be -blamed very severely, since he had no weapons with which -to defend himself; therefore he would only be in the way -of the others in case a hand-to-hand fight ensued.</p> - -<p>Stones, fragments of trees, and even earth were thrown -in from the top of the shaft, the enemy remaining concealed -from the view of those at the bottom meanwhile, -until the prisoners succeeded in making their friends understand -that no damage was being done to the white -party, and then the attack ceased at this point.</p> - -<p>From the tunnel the boys could hear a medley of -sounds; but since there was no report of firearms they -rightly concluded that the danger was not sufficiently -great to warrant Jenkins in making his presence known.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[245]</span></p> - -<p>“What is going on in there?” Gil shouted, after five -minutes passed and the din had not subsided.</p> - -<p>“The whole boilin’ of ’em have struck the trap, an’ are -flounderin’ around in great style,” the mate replied. -“Are you all right out there?”</p> - -<p>“The blacks can’t do anything without inflicting the -most damage on their friends, and since understanding -that fact have been quiet. There’s nothing to fear here -for a while, so if you need one of us I’ll come.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon this end of the fight is takin’ care of itself; -but we’re shut in now, an’ can count on starvin’ or surrender.”</p> - -<p>Up to this moment the boys had been so interested in -the manuscript found in the so-called treasure-chamber -that they had forgotten both thirst and hunger; but now -they began to realize there was nothing in the way of -provisions, and, what was worse yet, not a drop of water -had been procured.</p> - -<p>“I wish he hadn’t said anything about it,” Nelse whispered, -“for now I begin to feel as if I must have a drink.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll have to take it out in feeling for a while, because -it would be the height of folly to venture away from -this place until father comes.”</p> - -<p>“And that may not be for a week.”</p> - -<p>“It can’t be helped, unless——”</p> - -<p>“Unless what?” Nelse asked, eagerly, as Gil hesitated.</p> - -<p>“I fancied for a minute that we might possibly make a -trade with these fellows. How would it do to tell them -they might go, if their friends would bring us water and -food?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[246]</span></p> - -<p>“It isn’t probable they’d agree to it.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon they are like almost everybody else, and would -do a good deal to save their own lives.”</p> - -<p>“That is true, and it couldn’t do any harm to try the -scheme, although I don’t believe it will amount to anything; -but it’s only fair Jenkins should know what we intend -to do.”</p> - -<p>“Go up the tunnel, and ask him what he thinks of the -plan. I’ll stay here on watch, and if he agrees we can -make Andy do the talking.”</p> - -<p>Nelse ran into the passage, returning a few moments -later, as he said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Jenkins is willing we should try to make the -trade; but he don’t believe it can be done.”</p> - -<p>“How are things in there?”</p> - -<p>“The fellows tumbled into the hole; but there were so -many that all but two managed to get out, and the chances -are they’ll be more careful in the future.”</p> - -<p>“Does Jenkins think there will be another attack?”</p> - -<p>“He says they’re bound to starve us out, for it must be -known how easily that can be done.”</p> - -<p>“Is he holding the two who are in the hole?”</p> - -<p>“There’s no need for him to do anything, since the fellows -can’t get out, an’ we’ve got such a small number of -cartridges that it would be foolish to shoot at men who are -unable to do any mischief.”</p> - -<p>“Then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t try my plan. -Here, Andy, talk to these fellows.”</p> - -<p>The old darky came forward very unwillingly, and Gil -explained the offer he wanted to make.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[247]</span></p> - -<p>“I’se boun’ to tell ’em, honey; but it won’t do the leastest -mite ob good.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, and we’ll soon find out what they think of -it. At all events, there’ll be no great amount of harm -done.”</p> - -<p>Andy did as he was bidden, and after a long conversation, -during which it seemed as if both the interpreter and -the prisoners had considerable difficulty in understanding -what was said, the blacks hailed those on the outside.</p> - -<p>Then no slight amount of talking ensued, the men on -the surface keeping themselves securely hidden, and at the -close Andy was called upon once more to learn the result -of the interview.</p> - -<p>“Dey say how dey ain’ got anything to do dis yere bizziness,” -the old man replied, after a painful effort to understand -the prisoners; “but some ob de gang am gone to -fin’ out ef it kin be fixed.”</p> - -<p>“You won’t get any water, that I’ll guarantee,” Jenkins -said, as he emerged from the tunnel. “They have -gone to talk with the old men, an’ them fellers ain’t sich -fools as not to know it’ll only be necessary to wait twenty-four -hours before our jig is up.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you leave the tunnel?” Gil asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>“Because there’s no use in staying there any longer. -They’ve given up tryin’ to come in by that way, an’ in a -few minutes the bosses of this ’ere fun will know jest how -we’re situated.”</p> - -<p>“Then you believe I did wrong in proposing to make -the trade?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[248]</span></p> - -<p>“No, I don’t. It can make mighty little difference to us -just now, an’ there was no harm to try.”</p> - -<p>During the next five minutes the little party remained -in almost perfect silence, each one thinking over the situation -until all understood how futile would be their struggles -unless Captain Mansfield returned very shortly, and -then came a hail from the outside, which was answered -by one of the prisoners.</p> - -<p>A short conversation ensued, and when it was ended -Andy stepped forward to act as interpreter.</p> - -<p>One of the prisoners spoke at some length, and then the -old darky said, hesitatingly:</p> - -<p>“Dey says ef we’se willin’ for to come out as prisoners -dey’ll gib us all we’se wants; but dere won’t be any water -sent down hyar. Ef you’se gwine ter make any bargain, -Marse Jenkins, don’ koun’ me in, kase I knows wha’ dese -fellers am boun’ ter do, ef dey gits de chance.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you worry, Andy, we haven’t the slightest idea -of acceptin’ any such temptin’ offer. Tell that feller to -say to the others we’re goin’ to stay right where we are, -an’ some of this crowd will be sorry before the row is -ended.”</p> - -<p>“Say that if any attack is made on us we shall feel -obliged to defend ourselves by shooting the prisoners,” Gil -added, hoping the threat might frighten the leaders; but -by no means intending to carry it into execution.</p> - -<p>The old darky did as he was bidden, and during the -next five minutes a most exciting conversation followed -between those above and the ones below; but it finally -ceased, and Andy seated himself in the tunnel once more,<span class="pagenum">[249]</span> -this time taking good care to keep well out of range, as -he said:</p> - -<p>“Dat ends de tork, an’ now dey’s countin’ on windin’ -dis yere bizziness up mighty quick.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know what they mean to do?” Jenkins asked.</p> - -<p>“Nebber a word; but one ob de rascals said dey’d hab -us outer hyar right soon.”</p> - -<p>“They had better begin now, for we shall need a pile -of drivin’ before agreein’ to give ourselves up to sich -a gang,” Jenkins said, as he flourished his revolver; but -the look on his face belied the words, for he understood -only too well how soon the struggle must be ended, and -had no hope Captain Mansfield could return in time to -aid them.</p> - -<p>The hour which followed was passed almost in perfect -silence. Each member of the party had bitter food for -reflection, and all knew how soon they would be overpowered -in case the enemy made a vigorous attack.</p> - -<p>The one question which troubled them all was as -to which quarter the next move might be expected from, -and the boys were quite certain the blacks would confine -themselves to the tunnel, since there they could at -least enter without exposing themselves to the fire from -the revolvers.</p> - -<p>“I believe they’ll do——”</p> - -<p>Gil ceased speaking very suddenly as a thin thread -of blue smoke came curling down the passage, and his -eyes involuntarily sought Jenkins’.</p> - -<p>“That’s the size of it,” the mate exclaimed, as he<span class="pagenum">[250]</span> -leaped to his feet. “They’ve hit on a plan that’ll do us -up in a little while without our bein’ able to stop it.”</p> - -<p>“You mean they’re going to smoke us out?”</p> - -<p>“Of course; can’t you see the plan has already been -begun? We shall have to stay in the shaft, an’ from -the top they’ll accomplish their work regardless of what -we may do to the prisoners.”</p> - -<p>Even while Jenkins was speaking the smoke increased -in volume, and before five minutes passed all the party -were standing at the entrance of the tunnel trying to -free their eyes and lungs from the stifling vapor.</p> - -<p>“There they come,” Nelse cried, and at that instant -half-a-dozen spearlike clubs were thrown, two of them -striking so near Jenkins that the sleeve of his coat was -torn into shreds.</p> - -<p>Without stopping to think that they might need the -cartridges more at some future time, Gil discharged -two barrels of his revolver at random, and in reply came -more missiles, one of which knocked Andy senseless.</p> - -<p>Both the boys would have sprung to his side, but that -the mate restrained them, as he said, sharply:</p> - -<p>“There’s no time to attend to him; we’ve got to look -out for ourselves, an’ it’s time something——”</p> - -<p>At that instant a loud cheer, unmistakably from the -throats of white people, was heard, and Jenkins cried, -excitedly:</p> - -<p>“Here comes the captain! I know that shout; but -I’m blest if I understand how he could have got here -so quick. Now we shall see the imps take to their -heels, an’ I’d like to have a chance to help them along.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[251]</span></p> - -<p>Before he could say anything more, Gil saw his -father’s face peering over the edge of the shaft, and -the revulsion of feeling from such a depth of despair -to that of certainty his troubles were at an end, caused -him to reel and relapse into a state of semi-unconsciousness, -which was not very far removed from a veritable -fainting spell.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[252]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE DEPARTURE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>In the shortest possible space of time the entire situation -was changed.</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield was accompanied by half-a-dozen -men, all fully armed, and they at once proceeded to help -the little party out of the shaft, Andy being the first -who was sent to the surface.</p> - -<p>The old darky revived before he was fairly drawn -up, and the fact that he was no longer in any danger -caused him to forget his injuries in the joyful knowledge.</p> - -<p>“How did you get here so soon?” Jenkins asked, after -the captain had welcomed the boys.</p> - -<p>“We fell in with a trading schooner, and came directly -back, for somehow I had an idea that you might -be in trouble. But where are the rest of the party?”</p> - -<p>Gil told in the fewest words possible of what had happened, -and showed the diamonds in proof, Jenkins adding -to the story:</p> - -<p>“They’re hangin’ ’round here somewhere, an’ all I ask -is the chance to have it out with them before we leave.”</p> - -<p>“You shall have the opportunity, if we fall in with -them; but I don’t propose to stay here any longer than -is absolutely necessary. After you have had something<span class="pagenum">[253]</span> -to eat we’ll go on board the schooner, and read the remainder -of the story.”</p> - -<p>Gil insisted on releasing the prisoners before starting -for the beach, and the poor wretches manifested the -greatest surprise at being allowed to go free when they -had fully expected to be killed. They stopped not on -the order of their going; but rushed through the tunnel -regardless of the smoke, and a few seconds later -their outcries told that they had fallen into the underground -chamber for the second time.</p> - -<p>“Let them alone,” Jenkins said, with a laugh. “I’ll -guarantee they manage to get out after we leave, an’ it -won’t do ’em any harm to flounder ’round a little while.”</p> - -<p>Captain Mansfield was in too much of a hurry to allow -the rescued party to linger very long near the scene of -their misadventures; but hurried them away after the -broken casket had been brought from the shaft, much to -the delight of Andy, who said, gleefully, as he clutched -firmly the mysterious “something” beneath his shirt:</p> - -<p>“De cham hab done gone worked hissef out at las’ jes’ -as I knowed it would; but dem debbils don’ ketch dis yere -nigger ergin, kase I’se gwine ter stick mighty clus to de -vessel arter dis.”</p> - -<p>What a relief it was to find themselves in a stanch boat, -manned by a full crew, and heading for a trim-looking -schooner. It seemed to the boys as if the sky had never -been so blue, the water so sparkling, nor the air so balmy -as on this day while they were being rowed to the vessel -Captain Mansfield had chartered.</p> - -<p>Then how good the water tasted. At another time they<span class="pagenum">[254]</span> -might have found fault with the flavor; but now it seemed -simply delicious, and the boys devoured the hard ship’s -biscuit as if they were the lightest and sweetest of Andy’s -productions.</p> - -<p>When the little party had refreshed themselves, and -were able to realize that they had really been saved from -a horrible death, Captain Mansfield said, as he took the -manuscript from the shattered casket:</p> - -<p>“I will see if there is anything here which should be -attended to before we leave, and if not, the schooner shall -be gotten under way at once.”</p> - -<p>“You promised to give me a chance at them thieves,” -Jenkins said, quickly.</p> - -<p>“You shall have it, never fear, providing the business -can be settled before dark.”</p> - -<p>Then the captain turned his attention to the manuscript, -and read, in a low tone, after glancing over that portion -which has already been given:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The stones, together with as much money as I have been able -to secrete, will remain in this subterranean chamber in case anything -should happen to me, and I have no fear the blacks will -betray the whereabouts of the hiding-place, since they are only -too eager to invest every portion of the island with mystery.</p> - -<p>“Whether this story will ever be read I know not; but, in case -it is found, I implore whoever peruses it to cause search to be -made for my family. The gold and plate will be sufficient to -pay all necessary expenses, and I pray the diamonds may be given -to my wife, together with the accompanying memoranda of the -property I own in or near the capital.”</p></div> - -<p>That completed the story. There was no name signed -to it, neither were there any hints as to how the members -of his family might be found; but Captain Mansfield said,<span class="pagenum">[255]</span> -as he assured himself there was nothing more connected -with the unfortunate man’s history in the casket:</p> - -<p>“If his wife or children are yet alive, we should be able -to trace them by giving the outlines of this story to the -different newspapers.”</p> - -<p>“And we shall have no treasure after finding one,” Gil -added, mournfully.</p> - -<p>“It should be sufficient to pay you for all the labor and -pain, that you will be able to relieve the wants of those -who own the jewels, providing they are in distress. It -is now quite important those sailors should be overhauled, -for they must have carried away a reasonably large -amount of gold, which must be recovered.”</p> - -<p>“Shall I go ashore, sir?” Jenkins asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes; but come back as soon as possible, for we want to -sail while this wind holds.”</p> - -<p>Neither the boys nor Andy cared to accompany the -mate; but he had quite a large following in the crew of the -schooner, all of whom were eager to join in the search.</p> - -<p>It had been expected Jenkins would be absent a long -while; but, to the surprise of all, he returned in less than -an hour, bringing two packages in baskets of grass.</p> - -<p>“Did you find the men?” Gil cried, impatient to learn -the news, and not willing to wait until the boat came -alongside.</p> - -<p>“We found where they had been. The screams you -heard last night while the blacks were coming through the -tunnel, were their death cries.”</p> - -<p>“Have they been killed?” Nelse asked, in tones of -horror.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[256]</span></p> - -<p>“We discovered their bodies not a hundred yards from -the mouth of the shaft, and in the thicket near by was the -stuff they had stolen.”</p> - -<p>By this time the boat was alongside, and Jenkins passed -over the rail the remainder of the treasure, consisting of -silver plate and gold coin of considerable value.</p> - -<p>“Did you meet any of the blacks?” Captain Mansfield -asked.</p> - -<p>“No, sir. I wanted to have one more brush with ’em; -but you spoke about bein’ in a hurry, so I thought it -wouldn’t pay.”</p> - -<p>“And you did quite right. Swing the boat inboard, -boys, and we will be off.”</p> - -<p>Half-an-hour later the island looked to Gil and Nelse -like nothing more than a small cloud on the surface of -the water, and the venturesome cruise was really at an -end, for before the sun rose again the schooner arrived -at a Cuban port from which a freight steamer was on -the eve of sailing for New York.</p> - -<p>The journey home was decidedly uneventful after the -many stirring adventures through which Gil and Nelse -had passed, and it is well to bid them adieu as they -greet the loved ones once more.</p> - -<p>To-day, if they are reading this story, imperfectly -told though it is, they will be able to verify all which -is here set down, and can add for the information of -those who may be interested, that the <em>Day Dream</em> is -afloat. Not the one which was sunk off Pearl Point; -but a new and even more speedy yacht, and she is commanded, -as may be imagined, by Job Jenkins, while the<span class="pagenum">[257]</span> -captain of the galley is the same Andrew Jackson Washington -Storts, who wore the mysterious charm which -the boys were so eager to see, and which he still cherishes -as something of the utmost value and power.</p> - -<p>Was the real owner of the treasure ever found?</p> - -<p>Indeed she was, and never was money more needed -than by the unhappy man’s wife, who was in deepest distress -when she chanced to see the advertisements Captain -Mansfield had caused to be inserted in the daily -papers.</p> - -<p>The value of the diamonds was sufficient to place her -beyond want, in a pecuniary sense, and both Gil and -Nelse are more proud of the gold watches presented by -the old lady in token of her gratitude, than they could -possibly have been, if the venturesome cruise had ended -with the discovery of the buccaneers’ treasure.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center xxlargefont"><span class="smcap">The Boys’ Own Library</span></p> - -<p class="center boldfont">Handsomely Bound in Cloth. <span style="padding-left:1em">Price, 75 cents per Volume</span></p> - -<p>This series contains the best boys’ books written by the best authors -for boys. It is pre-eminently a library for young people. The stories are -of the bright and sparkling kind, full of adventure and not overburdened -with lengthy descriptions—in fact, just the sort that must appeal to every -healthy boy who is fond of thrilling exploits and deeds of heroism.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline"><b>Adventures of a Telegraph Boy.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Arthur Helmuth.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Battle and a Boy.</b> Blanche Willis Howard<br /> -<b>Boy Boomers.</b> Gilbert Patten<br /> -<b>Boy Cattle King.</b> Gilbert Patten<br /> -<b>Boy From the West.</b> Gilbert Patten<br /> -<b>Boys in the Forecastle.</b> George H. Coomer<br /> -<b>Butcher of Cawnpore.</b> Wm. Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>Cadet Kit Carey.</b> Lieut. Lounsberry<br /> -<b>Captain Carey.</b> Lieut. Lounsberry<br /> -<b>Centreboard Jim.</b> Henry Harrison Lewis<br /> -<b>Chased Through Norway.</b> James Otis<br /> -<b>Check Number 2134.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Commodore Junk.</b> George Manville Fenn<br /> -<b>Cruise of the Snowbird.</b> Gordon Stables<br /> -<b>Cryptogram.</b> William Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>Catmur’s Cave.</b> Richard Dowling<br /> -<b>Dean Dunham.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Dick Chiverly.</b> W. H. G. Kingston<br /> -<b>Dingo Boys.</b> George Manville Fenn<br /> -<b>Don Kirk’s Mine.</b> Gilbert Patten<br /> -<b>Ensign Merrill.</b> Henry Harrison Lewis<br /> -<b>Eric Dane.</b> Matthew White, Jr.<br /> -<b>Erie Train Boy.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Five Hundred Dollar Check.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>From Canal Boy to President.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>From Farm Boy to Senator.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>From Lake to Wilderness.</b> William Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>From Powder Monkey to Admiral.</b> W. H. G. Kingston<br /> -<b>From Tent to White House.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Gay Dashleigh’s Academy Days.</b> Arthur Sewell<br /> -<b>Giant Islanders.</b> Brooks McCormick<br /> -<b>Gold of Flat Top Mountain.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>Golden Magnet.</b> George Manville Fenn<br /> -<b>Golden Rock.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Grand Chaco.</b> George Manville Fenn<br /> -<b>Guy Hammersley.</b> Matthew White, Jr.<br /> -<b>Happy-Go-Lucky Jack.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>Heir to a Million.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>How He Won.</b> Brooks McCormick<br /> -<b>In Barracks and Wigwam.</b> William Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>Inland Waterways.</b> James Otis<br /> -<b>In Search of an Unknown Race.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>In Southern Seas.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>In the Sunk Lands.</b> Walter F. Bruns<br /> -<b>James Braithwaite.</b> W. H. G. Kingston<br /> -<b>Joe Nichols.</b> Alfred Oldfellow<br /> -<b>Jud and Joe.</b> Gilbert Patten<br /> -<b>Kit Carey’s Protege.</b> Lieut. Lounsberry<br /> -<b>Land of Mystery.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Lieut. Carey’s Luck.</b> Lieut. Lounsberry<br /> -<b>Mark Stanton.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Midshipman Merrill.</b> Henry Harrison Lewis<br /> -<b>My Mysterious Fortune.</b> Matthew White, Jr.<br /> -<b>Mystery of a Diamond.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>Nature’s Young Noblemen.</b> Brooks McCormick<br /> -<b>Ned Newton.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>New York Boy.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Old Man of the Mountain.</b> Geo. H. Coomer<br /> -<b>On the Trail of Geronimo.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Perils of the Jungle.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>Peter the Whaler.</b> W. H. G. Kingston<br /> -<b>Pirate Island.</b> Harry Collingwood<br /> -<b>Rajah’s Fortress.</b> William Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>Rival Battalions.</b> Brooks McCormick<br /> -<b>Silver Ship.</b> Leon Lewis<br /> -<b>Spectre Gold.</b> Headon Hill<br /> -<b>That Treasure.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>Tiger Prince.</b> William Dalton<br /> -<b>Tom Tracy.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Tour of a Private Car.</b> Matthew White, Jr.<br /> -<b>Uncle Nat.</b> Alfred Oldfellow<br /> -<b>Unprovoked Mutiny.</b> James Otis<br /> -<b>Voyage to the Gold Coast.</b> Frank H. Converse<br /> -<b>Walter Griffith.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>War Tiger.</b> William Dalton<br /> -<b>Way to Success.</b> Alfred Oldfellow<br /> -<b>Weathercock.</b> George Manville Fenn<br /> -<b>Wheeling for Fortune.</b> James Otis<br /> -<b>White Elephant.</b> William Dalton<br /> -<b>White King of Africa.</b> William Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>White Mustang.</b> Edward S. Ellis<br /> -<b>With Boer and Britisher.</b> William Murray Graydon<br /> -<b>Won at West Point.</b> Lieut. Lounsberry<br /> -<b>Young Acrobat.</b> Horatio Alger, Jr.<br /> -<b>Young Editor.</b> Matthew White, Jr.<br /> -<b>Young Vagabond.</b> Z. R. Bennett</p> -</div> - -<p class="center">Any volume sent, postpaid, upon receipt of price</p> - -<p class="center largefont">STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="boxit"> -<p class="center sansseriffont xxlargefont boldfont"><span class="smcap">Camp and Canoe Series</span></p> - -<p class="center sansseriffont largefont boldfont">By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE</p> - -<p class="sansseriffont xlargefont boldfont">“Canoe and Camp-Fire”</p> - -<p>In this, the first -book in the series, -the splendid setting -of the story is in the woods of Maine. A grasping uncle -waylays his nephew in the pine wilderness and endeavors to -force him to part with his birthright. A sturdy chum comes -to the rescue just in time, and joins hands in routing the thieving -relative.</p> - -<p class="sansseriffont xlargefont boldfont">“Paddling Under Palmettos”</p> - -<p>The boys -who play -their parts -in the second volume in this absorbing series, are manly, -whole-hearted boys, knowing no fear, whether set upon at midnight -while bivouacked around the camp-fire, or plying their -paddles in treacherous currents and menaced by unseen foes on -shore.</p> - -<p class="sansseriffont xlargefont boldfont">“The Rival Canoe Boys”</p> - -<p>Is the title of -the third book in -the “Camp and -Canoe Series.” It is a story of mystery, ill-fortune, and perseverance. -Two manly boys, of the lake region, are face to face -with an unscrupulous specimen of the dude type and a villainous -guide, who is open for any crime, provided there are -enough dollars back of it.</p> - -<p class="ir0 sansseriffont xlargefont boldfont">In Cloth: $1.00 per Volume</p> - -<div class="center"> -<p class="xlargefont boldfont displayinline"><em>STREET & SMITH</em></p> -<p class="center smallfont boldfont displayinline" style="vertical-align:-30%; padding-left:1em"><em>238 William Street<br /> -NEW YORK</em></p> -</div></div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="boxit1"> -<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont sansseriffont">The Rockspur Athletic Series</p> - -<div class="boxit3"> -<p><em>THE SIX BOOKS IN THIS SERIES ARE -THE SORT THAT MUST APPEAL TO -EVERY BOY WHO IS FOND OF OUTDOOR -EXERCISE OF WHATEVER KIND</em></p> -</div> - -<p class="sansseriffont xxlargefont boldfont r1">The Rockspur Nine</p> - -<div class="boxit2"> -<p>Is a base-ball tale of absorbing interest, which -must be read not alone for its story—which -is admirable—but also for its many hints on -pitching, catching and batting, that will be -found invaluable to the boy who wishes to -shine in the base-ball world.</p></div> - -<p class="sansseriffont xxlargefont boldfont r1">The Rockspur Eleven</p> - -<div class="boxit2"> -<p>Is, appropriately enough, a story of foot-ball; -and it is impossible to conceive a yarn more -fascinating to the healthy boy who feels at his -best in his foot-ball rig.</p></div> - -<p class="sansseriffont xxlargefont boldfont r1">The Rockspur Rivals</p> - -<div class="boxit2"> -<p>The scenes are those of winter, and most of -the action takes place on the ice. Here, too, -there is much useful information in a readable -shape—this time about ice-boats, fancy skating, -sleds and skis, and ice hockey.</p></div> - -<div class="boxit3"> -<p class="boldfont">Three other books will be added to the Series -later on. Their titles are: “The Rockspur -Athletes,” “The Rockspur Crew,” and “The -Rockspur Champions.”</p> -</div> - -<p class="center boldfont sansseriffont"><em>ELEGANTLY BOUND IN CLOTH<br /> -$1.00 PER VOLUME</em></p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">Street & Smith, <span style="padding-left:1em">238 William St., N. Y.</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont sansseriffont">Ranch and Range Series</p> - -<p class="center boldfont"><em>By St. GEORGE RATHBORNE</em></p> - -<p class="boldfont">There are no more delightful characters in fiction than -Karl, the young cowboy, and Cuthbert Lee, his tenderfoot -“pard,” whose strange adventures are chronicled in the -three volumes which comprise this series.</p> - -<p>In “<b>Sunset Ranch</b>,” which is the first -volume in the “<span class="smcap">Ranch and Range Series</span>,” -Karl succeeds in saving from the clutches of a -villainous gang, Cuthbert’s long-lost cousin, a -laughing-eyed maid who has spent most of her -life on the prairie. Fascinating in the extreme -are the descriptions of Cowboy life as it was -in its most famous days; of the grand round-up, -range-riding, night “wrangling,” and Indian -horse racing.</p> - -<p>The scene changes to a lone dug-out in the pine -woods in the second book of the Series, which is -called, “<b>Chums of the Prairie</b>.” There -is trouble for the two boys right along from the -first chapter, whether it be facing death in a -bear’s den, or brought to bay by the gray terror -of the pine.</p> - -<p>Third in the “<span class="smcap">Ranch and Range Series</span>” -comes “<b>The Young Range Riders</b>,” in -which Karl and Cuthbert invade the land of the -Montezumas, and find fresh adventure on a -Mexican ranch.</p> - -<div class="center"> -<p class="displayinline xlargefont"><b>In Cloth</b>,</p> -<p class="displayinline smallfont">at all<br /> -booksellers,</p> -<p class="displayinline xlargefont"><b>$1.00</b></p> -<p class="displayinline smallfont">per<br /> -volume</p> -</div> - -<p class="center xlargefont p-1">Street & Smith, <span style="padding-left:1em">238 William St., N. Y.</span></p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="xxlargefont boldfont r1">THE FRANK<br /> -MERRIWELL<br /> -SERIES</p> - -<p class="xlargefont boldfont">School -Stories of -Absorbing -Interest</p> - -<div> - <img class="drop-capi" src="images/i272.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> -<p class="drop-capi-i">It is not necessary to introduce the now famous -Frank Merriwell to the American boy. His -name, associated as it is with the most marvelous -exploits and heroic deeds, has been known and -loved for years by countless youths on the -western continent. This is the first time that the Frank -Merriwell stories have appeared in cloth. The demand for -them in this form grew so clamorous that it was no longer -possible to delay publication. The edition is a handsome -one, well illustrated, type good and large, and the covers -are exceptionally fine.</p> - -<p class="xlargefont boldfont r1">Frank Merriwell’s School Days</p> - -<p class="il1">This is the title of the first book in the series, and surely never were -schooldays so crowded with fun and incident as those of Frank Merriwell. -Right in the beginning he risks his own life to save a girl in a battle royal -with a mad dog. But, as well as heroism, there is true sport, as any boy -will say who reads about the great baseball game in which Frank figures.</p> - -<p class="xlargefont boldfont r1">Frank Merriwell’s Chums</p> - -<p class="il1">In addition to the good fellows who make life pleasant for Frank Merriwell -in the period covered by No. 1 of the series, we are here introduced to -several others, who keep the ball rolling and distinguish themselves alongside -their hero.</p> - -<p class="xlargefont boldfont r1">Frank Merriwell’s Foes</p> - -<p class="il1">Even the best of fellows cannot help making enemies while jealousy continues -to play its part in school life. Frank is all that is manly and candid, -but there are enemies in camp, and he is frequently called upon to prove -his mettle in this the third volume in the series.</p> - -<p class="xlargefont boldfont center"><em>Bound in Cloth. <span style="padding-left:0.25em">One Dollar.</span></em></p> - -<p class="center largefont">STREET & SMITH, 238 WILLIAM ST., NEW YORK</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>Lt. James K. Orton was a pen name for James Otis Kaler.</p> - -<p>Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned.</p> - -<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors -have been corrected.</p></div></div> - -<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET CHART ***</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 64070-h.htm or 64070-h.zip</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/0/7/64070/</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller;'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that -</div> - -<ul style='display: block;list-style-type: disc;margin-top: 1em;margin-bottom: 1em;margin-left: 0;margin-right: 0;padding-left: 40px;'> - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </li> - - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </li> - - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </li> - - <li style='display: list-item;'> - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </li> -</ul> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -For additional contact information: -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em;'> -Dr. Gregory B. Newby<br /> -Chief Executive and Director<br /> -gbnewby@pglaf.org -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block;font-size:1.1em;margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 47161c5..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i002.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i002.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4cc6e3d..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i002.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i003.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i003.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f159f32..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i003.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i015.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i015.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 33ae042..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i015.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i016.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i016.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 453a919..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i016.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i049.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i049.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 506c1e0..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i049.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i131.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i131.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 972d8e7..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i131.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i181.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i181.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 66744d7..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i181.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/i272.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/i272.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4f39d9b..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/i272.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64070-h/images/icon.jpg b/old/64070-h/images/icon.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f1e46bf..0000000 --- a/old/64070-h/images/icon.jpg +++ /dev/null |
