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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. 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