CHAPTER XXVII
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE STEAM YACHT
About an hour after the Rovers and Captain Barforth had left the steam yacht Dora came from the forward deck looking much disturbed.
"What is the trouble?" asked her mother.
"Oh, not very much," she answered, for she did not wish to worry her parent. "Where is Fred?"
"I think he is at the stern, fishing with Hans and John."
"I want to see them," continued Dora, and hurried off.
She found the three chums at the stern. They had been fishing for some time and several fish lay on the deck near them.
"Hullo, Dora, want to try your luck?" asked Fred, pleasantly. "I'll fix you a line—and fix lines for Nellie and Grace, too, if they want them."
"I want to tell you boys something," said the girl, in almost a whisper, and not noticing what Fred had proposed. "I-I am afraid something is going to happen."
"What's that?" asked Songbird, and all three youths looked at Dora anxiously.
"I was just up near the bow of the boat, and I overheard Mr. Carey, the mate, talking to Mr. Bossermann, the assistant engineer. You know I don't like those men a bit."
"None of us do," said Fred.
"Didn't ve haf a quarrel mid both of dem," added Hans.
"They were so in earnest that they did not notice me," continued Dora. "I was going to walk away when I saw them, but then I overheard the name of Walt Wingate and I turned back to learn what they were saying about that bad man. It seems both the mate and the assistant engineer have been talking to Wingate, and Wingate has made them an offer."
"Does Wingate want his liberty?" questioned Fred.
"Yes, and he wants more—he wants the mate and the assistant engineer to help him to defeat Mr. Rover's plan to get the treasure. He told Mr. Carey and Mr. Bossermann that if they would aid him he was sure Sid Merrick would reward them handsomely."
"And what did Carey and Bossermann say to that?" asked Songbird eagerly.
"They said they'd like to talk it over with Sid Merrick."
"The scoundrels!" vociferated Fred. "Talk it over with Merrick! We ought to put 'em, both in irons!"
"I wanted to hear more, but they walked away and I was afraid to follow them," continued Dora. "I thought I had better tell you and perhaps you'd know what to do. I didn't want to worry mother or my aunt."
"We ought to let Captain Barforth know of this at once," said
Songbird.
"Chust vot I say," said Hans. "Der better der quicker."
"How can you let him know?"
"One of us might row ashore," said Fred. "The others ought to stay behind to watch affairs."
"I'll go ashore," said Songbird promptly.
"You'll have to have one of the sailors row you."
"I know it. I can take Hollbrook, he's a pretty decent sort of chap and I know he can row well."
The fishing lines were wound up, and without delay Songbird presented himself to Asa Carey.
He and the others had agreed to say nothing to the mate about what
Dora had over heard.
"Mr. Carey, I wish to go ashore," he said. "Can I have Hollbrook row me to the beach?"
"Go ashore?" growled the mate. "I didn't know anybody else was going."
"Well, I've just made up my mind to go. Can Hollbrook take me in one of the small boats?"
"Why didn't you go when Captain Barforth went?"
"I didn't think of it then."
"I don't know that I can spare Hollbrook," grumbled the mate. He was eyeing Songbird in a suspicious manner.
"He doesn't seem to be doing anything just now."
"Say, who is running this vessel, you or I?" cried Asa Carey.
"Captain Barforth is running her. But she is under charter to Mr. Rover, and Mr. Rover told me to use a small boat whenever I pleased," answered Songbird sharply. "If you refuse to let me have a boat say so."
"Oh, I—er—I didn't say that," stammered the mate. "If you want to go do so. But I don't know if Hollbrook can get you through the reef in safety or not."
"I'll risk it," said Songbird briefly and hurried below to prepare himself for the trip. Fred and Hans met him in his stateroom.
"I think Carey is suspicious," said Songbird. "Keep an eye on him, and if anything goes wrong shoot off the cannon or a gun. I'll do my best to find Mr. Rover and the captain and bring them back as quickly as possible."
In a few minutes Songbird and the sailor were over the side of the Rainbow. Hollbrook could pull a long, telling stroke, and under his guidance the craft soon shot through the opening in the reef and glided safely into the bay.
"I am glad to put foot on shore," said the sailor, as he leaped out on the sand.
"I want you to remain near the boat," said Songbird. "I want to see the captain and it is possible we may want to get back to the steam yacht in a hurry."
"Oh! All right, sir."
"While I am gone watch the Rainbow and if she should steam away any great distance call me."
"Why, I thought orders were for us to remain near the reef," cried
Hollbrook.
"So they were, but Mr. Carey is in command now."
Leaving the sailor on the sand, Songbird hurried up the path which the Rovers and Captain Barforth had taken earlier in the day. He had covered less than half the distance to the shattered cave when he heard a shout from the beach. Then, from the water, came the sound of a shotgun.
"Something is wrong already!" he gasped, as he stopped running. "I wonder what it can be?"
He hesitated, not knowing whether to go forward or back. Then he set up a yell on his own accord.
"Captain Barforth! Mr. Rover! This way, quick!" he called at the top of his lungs.
At first no answer came back, but presently he heard Tom's shrill whistle, and then a cry from Sam and Dick. The three Rover boys came down the path pell mell, and their father and the captain were not far behind them.
"What's the trouble?" came simultaneously from Dick and Tom. Sam would have asked the question too, but he was out of breath.
"It's Asa Carey," answered Songbird. And then, as the others came up, he told what Dora had overheard.
"And that shot we heard?" questioned Captain Barforth.
"It told that there was trouble on board, but what I don't know."
"Let us get to the shore," said Dick. He was thinking of Dora and her mother and the Lanings.
As quickly as possible they dashed along to the sandy beach. Hollbrook was still calling for Songbird.
"The yacht is steaming away!" he announced. "She is standing to the eastward."
Captain Barforth gave a look and something like a groan escaped him. The Rainbow was a good mile away from where she had been stationed since reaching Treasure Isle.
"Can it be possible Carey and Bossermann are running away with the vessel?" asked Sam.
"That would be both mutiny and robbery," answered the captain. "I gave orders to Carey to leave her where she was, unless a heavy blow threatened to send her in—then he was to stand off until the blow was over."
"Do you know what I think?" came from Dick. "I think he is going to sail around to the other side of the isle. Probably he has an idea of consulting with Sid Merrick. Then, if Merrick's offer suits him, he will do all he can to prevent us from getting the treasure."
"You mean he and Bossermann will throw in their fortunes with
Merrick?" asked Mr. Rover.
"Yes, and as many more on the steam yacht as Carey can win over. I believe Carey is a rascal and Bossermann is no better."
"Yes, but they are only two against over a dozen?" said Captain
Barforth.
"No, three, for you must remember they have Wingate with them," put in
Tom.
"That is true."
"Can't we get to the yacht somehow?" asked Sam. He was thinking of Grace and the other girls, and wondering what would become of them in case there was a fight on board.
"No, that is out of the question," answered Mr. Rover. "All we can do is to remain on the isle and wait developments. If they land we can fight them, but not before."
CHAPTER XXVIII
A NEW MOVE OF THE ENEMY
"Something is up."
It was Fred who spoke, only a few minutes after Songbird and the sailor in charge of the rowboat had left the side of the steam yacht. He addressed Hans.
"Vot you vos see?" asked the German youth.
"Look!"
Hans looked and beheld Walt Wingate on the deck, in earnest conversation with the mate. The deck hand was not handcuffed as he had been a short while before, when tramping the forward deck for air, by Captain Barforth's permission.
"Carey must haf daken dem handguffs off," said the German youth. "I ton't like dot. Maype dot Vingate make troubles, hey?"
The boys watched, and presently saw Bossermann come up and join the pair. Then Bossermann went below to the engine room. Shortly after this the yacht began to get up steam.
"We're moving!" cried Dora, as she came to the boys, accompanied by
Nellie and Grace. "Oh, what does it mean?"
"I don't know," answered Fred.
"Can't you find out, Fred?" asked Nellie. "I am sure the captain said nothing about sailing before he went ashore."
"I'll find out—if the mate will tell me," answered Fred.
He walked over to where the mate stood, close to the wheelhouse, giving directions to the pilot of the Rainbow.
"Mr. Carey, where are we bound?" he asked, respectfully.
"Oh, just going to take a little sail around, to test the engine," was the apparent indifferent answer.
"Is the engine out of order?"
"Not exactly, but I thought it best to test the shaft. The assistant engineer thinks it is weak."
This was apparently a fair enough answer and Fred bowed and walked away. Then he went down the ladder leading to the engine room. He met Frank Norton coming up. There was a look of concern on the head engineer's honest face.
"Mr. Norton, is there anything wrong with the engine or the shaft?" asked Fred.
"Nothing the matter. Why?"
"Mr. Carey said there was, and he is taking a cruise around to test them—so he says."
"I don't understand it, Garrison. Everything 0.K."
"Are you in charge now?"
"No, this is my hour off. Bossermann is in charge. By the way, I see
Powell went off after the others."
"Yes, and I wish the others were back," answered Fred. He hesitated a moment. "Mr. Norton, I believe you have been with Captain Barforth a long time and that you and he are old chums."
"That's right."
"Then I can trust you, can't I? It is something which concerns Captain
Barforth and this vessel very much."
"Sure you can trust me."
Without hesitation, for he felt sure Norton was both honest and reliable, Fred told his story to the head engineer, who nodded many times during the recital.
"I see it," whispered Norton. "I suspected something was wrong. Carey and Bossermann are in some sort of a plot with this Wingate, who came on board solely to aid that Sid Merrick. I believe Carey is going off to meet Merrick and see if he can make a deal with him."
"That is what I think. How can we thwart him?"
"Better fire that gun, as a signal to those on shore, first of all.
Then we'll see what the mate has to say."
Fred needed no urging and soon he brought up a shotgun from the cabin and discharged it—the signal heard by Songbird, as we already know. Scarcely had this been accomplished when Asa Carey rushed down upon him from the pilot house.
"Hi! what did you do that for?" roared the mate, in sudden anger.
"Just for fun," answered Fred, as coolly as he could, although his heart beat rapidly.
"For fun?"
"Yes. Haven't I a right to fire a gun if I want to?"
"I reckon that was some sort of a signal for those on shore."
"And supposing it was, what then, Mr. Carey?" Fred put the question boldly and looked the mate squarely in the eyes as he spoke.
"Why—er—it's most unusual. There was no need of a signal."
"I wanted them to know we were moving, that's all."
"Humph! There was no use of alarming them. We'll be back long before they want to come aboard again."
"In that case I'll have nothing more to say."
"Don't you believe it?"
"I'm bound to believe it, if you say so."
"Don't get impudent, young man!"
"I am not impudent, and you needn't get impudent either!" cried Fred, his anger rising. "You are in command here, but this boat is under charter and just now I represent the man who owns that charter. If you have got to cruise around to test the engine and shaft well and good, but if you are merely cruising around for the fun of it I say go back to where we came from—none of us want to do any cruising today."
At this plain speech the mate grew purple in the face. He raised his hand as if to strike the youth, but just then Aleck came on deck, carrying a pitcher of ice water in his hand.
"Stop dat! Don't yo' go fo' to hit dat boy!" cried the colored man.
"If yo' do I'll fling dis watah pitcher at yo' head!"
"You shut up, you rascally nigger!" shouted the mate. "You have nothing to say here!"
"I'se got somet'ing to say if yo' hit Massa Fred," answered Aleck, and held the water pitcher as if ready to launch it at the mate's head.
There was a moment of excitement and several crowded around, but then the mate waved the crowd away.
"I shall report this to Captain Barforth as soon as he comes back," he said, and turning on his heel, he walked off. Fred went down into the cabin, and Aleck followed him. A few minutes later Norton joined the youth and the others, who had gathered to talk the matter over.
"We must be on the watch," said the chief engineer. "I am certain now that Carey is up to some game."
A long discussion followed, but nothing came of it. The steam yacht kept on its way and rounded the eastern point of Treasure Isle. Then it stood to the north westward.
"I hope he knows his course," said Norton, to the boys. "If he doesn't he stands a good chance of running us on some key or reef."
If the boys were excited, the girls and ladies were more so. Nobody knew exactly what to do, and each minute added to the general anxiety.
At last the vessel rounded another point of the isle and came in sight of the sea beyond. There in the distance was a steamer at rest on the waves, and Fred and Hans felt certain she must be the Josephine.
The two vessels were soon close together. As the Rainbow came up to the other craft, Walt Wingate went to the rail and shouted something through a megaphone which the mate loaned him. Immediately came back an answering cry, but the boys did not catch what was said.
"This is going pretty far," said Fred, to Frank Norton. "Don't you think I ought to step in and stop it?"
The chief engineer shrugged his shoulders.
"Carey is really in command and it might be called mutiny to do anything to stop him."
"But supposing he allows Wingate to go to that other ship.
"Well, if Wingate goes we'll be well rid of him."
"Of course that is true, but still—"
Fred did not finish for just then Asa Carey came up.
"I am going to visit that other steamer," he said, to the chief engineer. "I shall take that man Wingate along, and Bossermann is going, too. You can remain right here until I get back."
Norton nodded, but said nothing. The mate looked at Fred as if to say more, but then apparently changed his mind and hurried away. Soon a small boat was over the side and this was manned by the mate, Bossermann, Wingate and a sailor named Ulligan, a fellow noted for his laziness and untrustworthiness. Without delay the small boat set out for the Josephine.
"I don't like this at all," said Fred. "Those fellows mean mischief as sure as you are born!"
"I dink da vos hatch owid somedings mid dot Merrick," said Hans.
"Perhaps they are plotting to gain possession of this yacht," was Dora's comment. "They may bring over a crowd to take possession and make us prisoners!"
"If they try any game like that we'll fight," answered Fred.
"Dat's right!" cried Aleck. "We'll fight, an' fight mighty hard, too!"
"If only the Rovers were here," sighed Dora. "I am sure they would know exactly what to do."
"They may be having their own troubles on land," said Mrs. Stanhope. "Sid Merrick is a very bad man and will do all in his power to get that treasure in his possession."
CHAPTER XXIX
THE HUNT FOR THE TREASURE
With the Rainbow steaming away from Horseshoe Bay, the Rovers and those with them on shore felt that a crisis had been reached. If it was true that Carey, Bossermann and Wingate contemplated joining Sid Merrick there was no telling what the enemy might not accomplish next.
"I have never liked Carey," observed Captain Barforth. "But I did not imagine he would take matters in his own hands in this fashion. I did not think he had the backbone."
"It's the thought of the treasure has done it," answered Anderson
Rover. "Many a man's head is turned because of gold."
Those on the shore watched the steam yacht round the eastern point of the isle. Each heart sank as the vessel disappeared from view.
"Well, we can do nothing at present, but hope for the best," observed the captain. "We cannot think of chasing them in the rowboats."
"We might tramp across the isle and see where they go to," suggested
Tom. "The Josephine must be over there somewhere."
"Yes, we can do that," answered Mr. Rover. "But it will be a rough journey."
"I have a better idea," came from Dick. "Father has his spyglass with him. Why not ascend that hill back of where the treasure cave is and then get up in the highest tree there? A fellow ought to be able to see all around from that height."
"Hurrah! just the thing!" exclaimed Sam. He did not relish the long tramp through the thorn bushes and tangle of vines.
Dick's idea was acceptable to all, and they set off without further delay. They took the path leading to the shattered cave, and then mounted the small hill Dick had mentioned. Close to the top stood a large tree.
"Let me go up!" exclaimed Tom, who could climb like a cat, and he started without delay.
"Look out that you don't break your neck!" cried his parent.
"I'll be careful," answered the fun-loving youth. "This just suits me!" he added, enthusiastically.
"Can't I go, too?" asked Sam.
"If you are careful," answered Mr. Rover, and up went the lad, right on the heels of his brother. It was rather difficult work getting from limb to limb, for some were wide apart, but the vines, which used the tree as a trellis, aided them greatly. Soon Tom was close to the top and Sam speedily joined him. Then each took his turn at looking through the spyglass.
"I see the Rainbow!" cried Tom. "She is headed for the north side of the isle."
"Yes, and yonder is another vessel," returned Sam, as he pointed the glass in the direction. "That must be the Josephine." And then the two youths shouted the news to those below.
After that the boys watched the progress of the steam yacht with interest, keeping those below informed of all that was going on. They saw the Rainbow draw closer to the other vessel, and saw the small boat leave the steam yacht.
"Four men are rowing to the other vessel," announced Tom. "We can't make out who they are."
They saw the four men board the other vessel and disappear, presumably into the cabin. Then came a wait of over half an hour.
"This is getting tiresome," said Tom.
"You can go below if you want to," answered Dick, who had come up, followed by Songbird.
Tom descended to the ground and Sam followed him. They had just done this when there came a cry from Dick:
"Two boats are putting off from that other vessel! Each of them is filled with men!"
"Are they coming ashore or going to my yacht?" demanded Captain
Barforth.
"They are heading for the yacht!"
"They intend to capture the Rainbow!" groaned Mr. Rover. "Oh, if only we were on board!"
In his anxiety to see what was being done, he climbed the tree and so did the captain. Then the others came up, the tree being large and strong even at the top and capable of holding a good weight.
"If those rascals try to take my vessel I'll have them all hung!" roared Captain Barforth, and trembled with rage. "Oh, if only I was on board!" And he clenched his fists.
"Look! look!" ejaculated Dick, who had the spyglass. "I think—yes, the Rainbow is moving!"
"Moving!" came from the others.
"Yes, and she is turning away from the other vessel and from those in the rowboats!"
"Let me see," said the captain and took the spyglass. "You are right,
Dick. The Rainbow is running away from them!"
The news was true, the steam yacht was indeed running away from the Josephine and from those in the rowboats who had set out to take possession of her. It was a time of great excitement.
"The rowboats are getting close to the Rainbow," said Tom, who had taken the glass. "The yacht doesn't seem to have much steam up."
"Perhaps the fires were banked when Carey left," suggested the captain. "Maybe they were put out, so the vessel couldn't move."
The steam yacht was moving slowly and those in the two rowboats were making every effort to catch up to her. Then the black smoke began to pour from the funnel of the Josephine.
"The other vessel is getting up steam," said Mr. Rover. "She may catch the Rainbow even if those in the rowboats do not."
Closer and closer to the steam yacht drew the two rowboats, until it looked as if the Rainbow would surely be boarded by the enemy. Then of a sudden there came a cloud of smoke from the deck of the steam yacht, followed by a stream of sparks which went whizzing just over the rowboats. Then followed more sparks, and balls of fire, red, white and blue.
"What in the world are they doing?" murmured Captain Barforth.
"They are shooting off something, but it is not a gun or a cannon," answered Mr. Rover.
"Hurrah! I know what it is!" cried Tom "Good for Fred and Hans! Those are my fireworks—those I had left from the Fourth of July celebration. They are giving them a dose of rockets and Roman candles!"
This news was true, and as the rockets and Roman candles hit the rowboats and the occupants the latter stopped rowing and then began to back water in confusion. Soon the rowboats turned back and hastened to the side of the Josephine.
"That's what I call repelling boarders!" said Captain Barforth, grimly. "I only hope the fireworks hold out."
"It is now to be a race between the Rainbow and that other craft," observed Mr. Rover, and he was right. Inside of fifteen minutes both vessels were headed out to sea, and running at about the same rate of speed. Soon the haze over the water hid both craft from view.
"Well, one thing is certain," said Mr. Rover. "Our friends are alive to their danger and are going to do their best to get away from the enemy."
"And another thing is that we are left marooned on this isle," said the captain.
The party remained in the tree a while longer, and then, as there seemed nothing else to do, they descended to the ground.
"Well, we have one thing in our favor," was Dick's comment. "Sid Merrick and his crowd must be on the Josephine, or they wouldn't chase the Rainbow, and that being so they can't interrupt our treasure hunt, at least for the present."
"But if they capture our steam yacht how are we to get away from here, even if we do uncover the treasure?" said Sam.
"We'll get away somehow—and make it good and hot for them in the bargain," answered Tom, and his father nodded in approval.
With their thoughts on the Rainbow and those on board, the treasure hunters went back to the vicinity of the shattered cave. Nobody felt much like working, yet to remain idle made the time hang heavily on their hands.
"There is no use of our going to work in a haphazard fashion," were Mr. Rover's words. "We must first go over the ground carefully and plan out just what is best to do. Otherwise a good portion of our energies will be wasted."
This was sound advice and was followed out. They surveyed the whole vicinity with care, poking in among the rocks with long sticks, and turning over such as were loose and easily moved.
"This looks as if it was going to be a long winded job," was Sam's comment, and he heaved a sigh. "I thought we'd come here, march into the cave, and put our hands right on the gold and diamonds!"
Dick was a short distance away, poking into a hole with a stick. The stick was over eight feet long, but the end did not appear to touch anything.
"There is some kind of a hollow below here," he said to the others. "I think we ought to investigate and see how large it is."
The others agreed with him, and all set to work to pull aside half a dozen rocks which were in the way. They had to use all their strength and even then the largest of the stones refused to budge.
"Let us get a small tree and use it for a pry," suggested Mr. Rover.
They had an ax with them, and Tom cut down the tree and trimmed it. Then, resting the log on one stone, they inserted the end under the big rock and pressed down with all their might.
"She's coming!" shouted Sam, as the big stone commenced to move.
"Yes, and look at the opening underneath," added Dick. "It must surely be part of the cave!"
The sight of the big hole made all eager to know if it was really a portion of the shattered cave and they worked on the big rock with renewed energy. Twice it slipped back on them, but then they got a new purchase and over it went and rolled out of the way. Then all of the treasure hunters got on their hands and knees to gaze down into the hole.
"It must be part of the cave," said Mr. Rover.
"I'll climb down on the rope," said Tom. "Hurry up, I can't wait!"
"You be careful, Tom, or you'll get hurt," warned his father. But it must be confessed he was as eager as his son to learn whether or not they had discovered the treasure cave.
Tom went down, and Dick and Sam came after him. The bottom of the hole was rough. On one side was another opening, leading to what certainly looked like a cave of considerable extent.
"Drop down the lantern," called Dick, and Captain Barforth did so. With the lantern lit Dick crawled into the side opening and his brothers followed.
"This is certainly a cave," said Tom. "But whether it is the right one or not remains to be seen."
"It must be a part of the original cave, Tom," answered Dick. "Because it is in the spot covered by the other. But it may not be the part that contained the treasure."
They crawled around, over the rough rocks and fallen dirt. It was a dangerous proceeding, for they did not know but what some stones might fall at any moment and crush them.
Suddenly Tom and Sam uttered the single exclamation:
"Look!"
Dick looked and then he, too, gave a cry. From under the edge of a rock they saw one end of a heavy wooden chest. A part of the side was split away and through the hole they saw a quantity of gold money!
CHAPTER XXX
HOMEWARD BOUND—CONCLUSION
"The, treasure!"
The boys uttered the cry together and it thrilled those at the top of the opening as nothing else could have done.
"What's that?" cried Mr. Rover.
"We have found one of the chests," answered Dick.
"And it's full of gold pieces!" added Sam and Tom in a breath.
"Then this is the treasure cave after all," said Captain Barforth. "I must say you are in luck."
"I'd like to go down and have a look," put in Songbird eagerly.
All wanted to look, and in the end they came down one after another by way of the rope. The rock on the chest was lifted away and the strong box was dragged forth into the light. Sure enough, it was filled with gold, just as Bahama Bill had said it would be.
"Bahama Bill said there were three chests," said Mr. Rover, after the excitement of finding so much wealth had somewhat subsided. "Do you see anything of the other two?"
"Not yet—but they must be somewhere near," answered his oldest son.
Regardless of the danger of falling rocks, they commenced to dig around where the chest had been uncovered. They soon found a second chest, which contained more gold in leather bags, and also a quantity of jewelry and precious stones. Then, when they were almost ready to give up work for the day, they discovered the third chest, smashed flat under two heavy rocks, with its contents of gold scattered in all directions.
"We'll have to blow up those rocks to get all that gold," said Sam.
"Don't do that," warned Captain Barforth. "If you do you may cave in the whole roof and then the gold may be gone forever."
It was then decided to bring down the log, and pry the rocks away, and late as it was this was done, and they scooped up the loose golden pieces and put them in their pockets.
"It's a fine lot o' money," was the comment of Hollbrook, the sailor.
"Wish some o' it was mine."
"You shall be well paid for your work, Hollbrook," answered Mr. Rover.
"Only stick by us and help us to get this to safety."
"Oh, I'll stick by you," was the ready answer. "I've got no use for such scoundrels as Carey and Bossermann. I'm only livin' one life, and I'll live that honest like, God helpin' me."
Night was coming on when they got the treasure to the surface of the ground. They hunted around diligently until they were almost certain they had everything of value. Each was exhausted from his labors, but all were happy. The Rovers were particularly delighted.
"This will make the Lanings and the Stanhopes independent for life," said Dick, to his brothers.
"And they deserve it," returned Tom. "Won't they be glad when they hear the news!"
"Remember one thing," said Sam. "We haven't got the treasure from the isle yet, and we don't know how the Rainbow is faring. If those on the Josephine capture our steam yacht I don't know what we are going to do."
"Well, we won't give up the treasure, no matter what happens," said
Dick, stoutly.
Mr. Rover calculated that the treasure was worth more than Bahama Bill had said. Roughly estimated it would foot up to over a hundred thousand dollars, and this figure did not take in some jewelry of quaint design with precious stones which were new to the treasure hunters.
"For all we know those stones may be worth another ten thousand or more," said Dick. "I can tell you, it's a great find and no mistake!"
It was decided to take the treasure down to the shore of Horseshoe Bay and there bury it directly behind the sandy beach.
"And we'll leave everything here as near as possible as we found it," said Anderson Rover. "Then, if Sid Merrick comes, he can look for the treasure to his heart's content," and he winked at his sons.
"Good!" cried Tom. "I hope he breaks his back working to move the rocks."
Night had settled over Treasure Isle by the time the shore was reached with the treasure, which was carried in one of the chests and in several bundles and numerous pockets. Men and boys were thoroughly fagged out, and they sat down under the trees to rest before starting to place their find underground again.
"We might as well wait till morning," said Tom. "I want to have a look at that gold and that jewelry by daylight."
"We can wait," said his father. "So long as none of our enemies return to this isle we shall be safe."
They ate what little provisions were left and washed down the scanty meal with what water was left in the bottles. So far they had been unable to find any springs on the isle.
"I believe the want of fresh water is what keeps the natives away," was Captain Barforth's comment, and it is probable that his surmise was correct.
"I see a light!" cried Songbird, when they were on the point of retiring. "It is out on the water."
He pointed, and soon all made out the lights of a vessel in the distance. Then, as the craft came closer, they saw a rocket shoot up in the air, followed by a Roman candle.
"It's the Rainbow!" shouted Dick. "That must be some sort of signal for us!"
"But where is the Josephine" asked Tom.
Nobody knew, and just then nobody cared. Captain Barforth ran down to the water's edge and prepared to launch one of the small boats.
"I am going out to my vessel," he said. "Hollbrook, come along. If everything is all right, we'll send two rockets up or fire the cannon twice. Then you had better bring the treasure on board without delay."
This was agreed to, and in a moment more the captain and his man were afloat and rowing toward the opening of the reef with all their might. Those left behind waited anxiously for what might follow.
"The steam yacht may be in the hands of the enemy," said Songbird, but he was mistaken, for quarter of an hour later up went two rockets into the air. Then the searchlight struck the water, and those on shore saw a rowboat put off and head for land.
"It's Bahama Bill and one of the sailors," cried Tom, a little later. And then he raised his voice as the rowboat shot into the bay. "This way, Bill, this way!"
Soon the rowboat struck the sand and Bahama Bill leaped out. His face was one broad smile.
"So ye got the treasure after all, did ye!" he cried. "I'm powerful glad on it, yes, sir! Now we'll fool that Merrick crowd good!"
"But what of them and of their vessel?" asked Anderson Rover anxiously.
"Broke down an' drifting out on the ocean," answered the old tar, and then he continued: "You know how they tried to board us—after Carey, Bossermann, that skunk o' a Wingate, an' Ulligan went to 'em. Well, fust we kept 'em off with fireworks and with a shotgun. We didn't have much steam up, but Frank Norton—bless his heart— worked like a beaver, and the boys, Fred and Hans, helped him. I went to steer an' by good luck kept off the rocks an' reefs. They came after us pell mell an' onct or twict we thought sure they had us, an' all o' us got pistols and cutlasses an' prepared to fight. The ladies an' the gals was most scared to death an' locked themselves in their staterooms. But we put some ile on the fire an' putty soon we had steam enough up to bust, an' then we walked right away from 'em. I reckon the captain o' the Josephine was mad, for he kept on a followin' us and onct he got putty close ag'in. But then came some sort o' an explosion from the other boat, an' we see a cloud o' steam rushin' up from below, and somebody jumped overboard. Then the steam blew away an' the engine stopped, an' we went on—an' left them away out in the ocean, fifteen or twenty miles from here. We calkerlated they'd follow us soon as they could make repairs, so we came on at full speed, to take you on board."
"Is everybody safe?" asked Dick.
"Yes. That Dutch boy burnt himself ag'in with a rocket, but it ain't much an' he don't care, for he said the rocket hit a chap named Sobber in the stomach and keeled him over."
"Good for Hans!" cried Sam. "That will give Tad Sobber something to remember him by!"
As quickly as it could be done, the treasure was transferred to the two rowboats, and the entire party set out for the steam yacht. They were careful in going through the opening in the reef, for nobody wanted to see either boat swamped and its precious contents lost. The passage was made in safety, the searchlight aiding them.
"Back again!" cried Dick, as he mounted to the deck.
"Oh, Dick, are you safe?" cried Dora, rushing to him.
"Yes, and we have the treasure!" he answered proudly.
"Oh, how glad I am everybody is safe!" put in Nellie.
"We are all glad," said Mrs. Stanhope. "The last forty eight hours have been so full of peril!"
Of course everybody has to tell his or her story, and for a long time there was a perfect babel of voices. Fred and Hans related how the steam yacht had been rescued from the clutches of the enemy, and how Frank Norton had taken command and prevented anything in the shape of a mutiny. The ladies and girls told of how they had been scared and how they had locked themselves up in a stateroom, as Bahama Bill had said. Then the Rover boys had to tell all about the finding of the great treasure.
"And just to think!" cried Tom. "It is worth more than we at first supposed!" And in his glee he hugged both Mrs. Stanhope and Mrs. Laning, and then hugged Nellie. Nellie herself was so excited she never even noticed it.
In the meantime, Captain Barforth was consulting with the chief engineer and learning some of the particulars of how the mate had acted and how the steam yacht had been chased by the tramp steamer.
"I trust I did what was proper, Captain Barforth," said Norton, anxiously. "I tried to use my best judgment. From what Miss Stanhope overheard of the talk between Mr. Carey and that scoundrel of a Wingate I felt Mr. Carey was not the proper man to trust."
"You did exactly right," said the captain, "and what has happened since proves it. If Carey and Bossermann try to kick up any fuss I'll tend to them."
Mr. Rover was called into the consultation, and it was decided to leave the vicinity of Treasure Isle at once, before the Josephine should put in an appearance. It was a cloudy night, so they had to run with care and at reduced speed. They kept a constant lookout for the other vessel, but failed to sight her.
"Carey and Bossermann, as well as Ulligan, will have to remain on board of her," said Captain Barforth. "Mr. Rover wants to get back to Philadelphia as soon as possible with the treasure, and she is under his charter. If they want to kick up a fuss later, why, they can do it, that's all."
"Homeward bound!" cried Sam, enthusiastically.
"And with the treasure safe on board!" added Tom. "It seems almost too good to be true."
"And the enemy left behind," put in Dick. "I hope they go back and hunt for the stuff," he went on, with a grin.
His wish was fulfilled, as they learned a long time later, through one of the sailors composing the crew of the Josephine. The tramp steamer tried all of the next day to locate the steam yacht and then Sid Merrick ordered the craft back to Treasure Isle. Here, Merrick, Tad Sobber, Carey, Bossermann and several others worked for nearly a week trying to unearth the treasure, but, of course, without success. Then they had a quarrel with the Spaniard, Doranez, who would not keep sober. They accused the man of taking them to the wrong place, and in the fight that followed three men were seriously wounded. Then all went aboard the steamer and set sail for Cuba. The very next day the Josephine was caught in a hurricane, one of the worst experienced in the West Indies for many years. It drove the tramp steamer on the rocks, and before she could be gotten off several big holes were pounded into her and she went down. The sailor who told the story said he got away with four other sailors in a rowboat, and after a fearful experience lasting two days was picked up by a steamer bound for Havana. He did not know what had become of the others on board and was of the opinion that the most of them, if not all, had been drowned.
Fortunately for those on the steam yacht, the Rainbow weathered the hurricane well. The craft did a lot of plunging and pitching, and the ladies and girls had to keep below, but that was all. After the hurricane the weather became unusually fine, and the trip back to Philadelphia proved a pleasant one. Arriving at the Quaker City, Mr. Rover had the treasure deposited in a strong box of a local Trust Company, and later it was divided according to the terms of Mr. Stanhope's will. This put a goodly sum in the bank for Dora and her mother, and also large amounts to the credit of Mrs. Laning and Nellie and Grace. The entire expenses of the trip were paid out of the treasure, and Captain Barforth and his men were not forgotten for their services. Mrs. Stanhope wanted to reward the boys, but not one would listen to this.
"Well, you are very kind," she said, to all of them. "If at any time you are in trouble, come to me. I shall not forget you." She, however, insisted upon presenting Dick with a new watch and chain and diamond pin to replace those stolen from him by Cuffer and Shelley.
"Well, that winds up the treasure hunt," observed Tom, as the whole party were on their way home. "Now for the next move on the programme."
"The next move is to go to school once more," said Dick. And he was right, as we shall learn in the next volume of this series, to be entitled, "The Rover Boys at College; Or, The Right Road and the Wrong." In that volume we shall meet many of our old friends once more, and learn the details of a plot against fun-loving Tom which had a most unlooked for ending. We shall also meet Dora and her cousins again, and see how they acted when their boy friends were in deep trouble.
The home coming for the Rover boys was full of pleasure. Uncle Randolph and Aunt Martha were at the depot to meet them, and the aunt gave each the warmest kind of a hug and kiss, while the uncle shook hands over and over again. Nor were Anderson Rover and Aleck forgotten.
"Back again, and glad of it," said Tom, as he flung his cap into the air. "The West Indies are all right, but give me Valley Brook farm every time."
"So say we all of us," sung out Dick and Sam, and here we will once again bid our friends goodbye.