The sun had been shining brightly, but now, as if to add to their
misery, it went under some heavy clouds, casting a deep gloom over the
jungle.

"We are goin' to have a storm," said Bahama Bill. "An' when it comes I
reckon it will be a lively one. I remember onct, when I was on the
island o' Cuby, we got a hurricane that come Putty nigh to sweepin'
everything off the place. It took one tree up jest whar I was standin'
an' carried it 'bout half a mile out into the ocean. Thet tree struck
the foremast o' a brig at anchor an' cut it off clean as a whistle.
Some o' the sailors thought the end o' the world was comin'."

"They certainly do have some heavy hurricanes down here," remarked
Anderson Rover. "But let us hope we'll escape all such, even though we
get a wetting," he added, as he felt a few drops of rain.

Soon it was raining steadily, and when they reached a spot clear of
trees they got soaked to the skin. But as it was very warm they did
not mind this.

"It's like taking a bath without troubling about undressing," said
Tom, and this remark caused a smile.

They were now in a bunch once more, with Bahama Bill leading them. The
old tar was looking sharply ahead and soon he gave a grunt of
satisfaction.

"What is it?" asked Anderson Rover eagerly. "I know where I am now,"
was the reply.

"And unless that earthquake knocked it skyhigh thet cave ought to be
right ahead o' us!"




CHAPTER XXVI

A DISMAYING DISCOVERY


The announcement that the treasure cave must be just ahead of them
filled the entire party with renewed energy, and regardless of the
rain, which was now coming down heavily, they pushed on behind Bahama
Bill in a close bunch, each eager to be the first to behold the sought
for spot.

There was no longer any trail, and they had to pick their way over
rough rocks and through brushwood and vines which were thick
regardless of the fact that they had little or no rooting places.

"I guess we've got to earn that treasure if we get it," said Sam, as
he paused to get his breath.

"It certainly looks that way," answered Dick, as he wiped the rain and
perspiration from his face. "I wonder how much further we have to go?"

That question was answered almost immediately, for Bahama Bill,
turning the corner of several extra large rocks, came to a halt with a
grunt of dissatisfaction.

"Well, what now?" questioned Anderson Rover.

"It's gone!"

"What, the cave?" asked several.

"Yes--she's gone, swallowed up, busted!" answered the old tar. "Thet
air earthquake done it an' no error," he went on. "It jest shook thet
pile o' rock wot made the cave into a heap, and there's the heap."

Bahama Bill pointed in front of him, where a large quantity of rocks
lay in a scattered mass, many of them ten and twenty tons in weight.
At one point was what he said had been the entrance to the cave, but
this was completely blocked by the stones.

"Vot's der madder, can't ve get in?" queried Hans, with a look of real
concern on his honest face.

"That doesn't look like it," answered Fred. "Too bad, and after coming
so far for this treasure, too!"

"We must get in there somehow!" cried Dick.

"Why can't we blow up the rocks with dynamite," suggested Tom.

"We can--but it will take time," said his father. He turned to
Bahama Bill. "About how far into the cave was the treasure placed?"

"Oh, at least a hundred feet maybe two hundred."

Anderson Rover heaved a deep sigh, which was echoed by his sons. To
get down into that mass of rocks a distance of from one to two hundred
feet would surely be a herculean task, if not an impossible one. And
then, too, there was a question whether or not the treasure had not
dropped down through some hole in the bottom of the cave after the
earthquake.

"I'll have to think this over," said Anderson Rover, after an
examination of the rocks. "We'll have to try to locate the treasure
and then see if we can raise enough dynamite to blow the rocks away.
More than likely, if we undertake the task, it will take a long
time--perhaps weeks and months."

"What, as long as that?" cried Sam, in dismay.

"Well, if the treasure is as valuable as reported it will be worth
it," answered Dick.

"But in the meantime, what of Sid Merrick and his gang?" asked Tom.
"More than likely they will make us seven kinds of trouble and do
their best to get the treasure away from us."

"We shall have to protect ourselves as well at we can," said Mr.
Rover.

After that it rained so hard they were forced to seek shelter under a
thick bunch of palms. The rain continued for half an hour longer and
then the sun came out strongly, and the jungle became steaming hot.

With Bahama Bill to guide them, they walked around what had been the
top of the treasure cave. From some landmarks which had not been
totally destroyed by the earthquake the old tar felt certain that
there could be no mistake and that the treasure must be buried beneath
them.

"But how far down you'll have to go to reach it I can't tell," he
added. "It's like them ile well diggers--sometimes they strike ile
near the top o' the ground, an' then ag'in they have to bore putty
deep down. It's my hope ye won't have to roll away more'n two or three
rocks to git into the hole an' put your hands on the boxes with the
gold and jewels."

"If we only had to roll away two or three rocks I'd be for doing the
rolling right now!" cried Tom.

"I'd like to see you roll a rock weighing ten or fifteen tons,"
observed Songbird. "You'd want about twenty horses to even start it."

Now that the first disappointment was over, the Rovers began to
consider getting down into the cave from a purely practical point.
They looked over all the big rocks with care, making a note of such as
ought to be blasted away and of others that could be removed with the
aid of a rope and pulleys.

"Let us see if we cannot gain the shore of the bay in a straight line
from here," said Mr. Rover, after the examination of the ground had
come to an end. "If we can it will make it so much easier to go back
and forth from the steam yacht."

They had a compass with them, and leaving the vicinity of the
shattered cave, struck out in a direct line for Horseshoe Bay. Much to
their surprise they found an easy path, and came out on the sandy
beach almost before they knew it.

"Well, I never!" cried Dick. "If we had known of this before, what a
lot of trouble we might have saved ourselves."

"Well, we know it now," answered Tom. "And as we marked the path it
will be an easy matter in the future to go back and forth from the
cave to the bay."

It took them some time to get their boat, and it was almost nightfall
before they reached the steam yacht. It can readily be imagined that
the Stanhopes and Lanings awaited their coming with interest.

"What success, Dick?" cried Dora eagerly.

"Not so very much as yet," he answered, soberly, for he hated to
disappoint the girl who was so dear to him. And then he told her of
all that had happened. She shuddered when she found he had been a
prisoner of Sid Merrick and his followers.

"Oh, Dick, I am so thankful you escaped," she cried, with tears in her
eyes. "You must not get into such a situation again! Why, the whole
treasure isn't worth it."

"But I want to get that money and the jewels for you, Dora."

"Yes, but I don't want money and jewels if--if you are--are going
to get hurt," she answered, and her deep eyes looked him through and
through.

"I'll be careful after this--but we are going to get the treasure,
sure thing," he added, stoutly.

"I was afraid an earthquake might have played pranks with that cave,"
was Captain Barforth's comment. "An earthquake can shake down the top
of a cave quicker than it can shake down anything else. It doesn't
take much to do it."

The captain said he had a fair quantity of powder on board, to be used
in the cannon for saluting and signalling. If they wanted dynamite,
however, he'd have to run over to one of the big islands for it.

"And then we may have trouble getting it," he added. "We'd probably
have to buy up the supply of some contractor who happened to have it
on hand."

"I don't like to think of leaving the island while Merrick and his
crowd are around," answered Anderson Rover.

On the following morning Mr. Rover and Captain Barforth went ashore,
taking Dick, Tom and Sam along. The steam yacht was left in charge of
Asa Carey, and the mate was told to remain close to the mouth of the
reef and to send some of the others ashore armed if there came a
signal of distress.

"We have enemies on this isle," said Captain Barforth. "And they may
try to do us harm."

"I'll watch out," answered the mate, shortly. And then he turned away
with a thoughtful look on his sour countenance. That there was
something on his mind was evident.

The small boat was brought ashore at the point where the path led
directly to the sunken cave. Although there was a lively breeze
blowing, those landing did so without mishap. They had with them some
tools for digging, and also a rock drill and some powder.

"It will do no harm to blast one or two of the rocks and see what is
underneath," said Anderson Rover. "We may possibly be lucky enough to
find some entrance into the cave, although I must confess I doubt it."

When they got to the vicinity of the shattered cave they found
everything as they had left it. Even a pick Tom had forgotten remained
undisturbed.

"Evidently the Merrick crowd has not yet found its way here," said
Dick.

"We shall have to be on our guard when we go to blasting," answered
his parent. "For the noise may bring that rascal and his gang here in
a hurry."

And then all set to work with vigor to see if by some means they could
not get down under the rocks and to the spot where the precious
treasure had been deposited so many years before.




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.