"I ton't von no crown," answered Hans, complacently. "I chust so vell
vear mine cap alretty."

As the party progressed the way become more uncertain, and at last they
reached the edge of a swamp, beyond which was some kind of a
cane-brake. They saw numerous footprints in the soft soil, and these
led further still to the westward.

"Listen!" said Dick, presently, and held up his hand.

All did as requested and from a distance heard somebody calling to
somebody else. Then came a reply in Sid Merrick's voice.

"Merrick is talking to Shelley," said Dick. "They have lost the right
trail, too."

"Hang the luck!" they heard Shelley say. "No path at all?"

"None," answered Sid Merrick.

"There is no path here either--it's a regular jungle," came from
Cuffer, who was not far off.

"I'm all stuck up with the thorns," put in Tad Sobber. "I think we were
foolish to come to such a spot as this."

"You can go back if you want to," answered his uncle, who was evidently
out of patience. "Nobody is keeping you."

"I am not going back alone--I couldn't find the way," answered Tad.

"Then don't growl."

"I reckon we'll all have to go back and wait till that Spaniard can
show us the way," said Shelley.

"That's well enough to say, Shelley. But supposing those Rovers come
here in the meantime?"

"Those boys?"

"Yes, and their father, and the others on that steam yacht," went on
Sid Merrick earnestly.

"They can't find the cave any quicker than we can--if Wingate did as he
promised."

"But if he didn't? He's a good deal of a coward and perhaps he didn't
have the nerve to dose Bahama Bill."

More talk followed, but as the men were now moving in another direction
the Rovers and their companions made out little more of the
conversation.

"What shall we do, confront them?" asked Sam of his parent.

"Not if they are going back to their ship," answered Mr. Rover. "We can
watch them and see what they do."

At the end of half an hour they saw that the Merrick party had started
for the north side of the isle. They waited in silence until all were
well out of hearing.

"I am glad we are rid of them--at least for the time being," said
Anderson Rover. "Now we can continue the treasure hunt in peace."

"But dem fellers will be suah to come back," interposed Aleck.

"I know that, Aleck, but they won't come back right away. Evidently
they are returning to their vessel to get that Spaniard, Doranez."

"I'd like to have punched Merrick's head for tying me up," growled Tom.

"It will be punishment enough for him if we get the treasure," answered
Mr. Rover.

"If we do."

"You are not ready to give up yet, are you, Tom?"

"Oh, no. But finding that treasure isn't going to be as easy as I
thought."

"We ought to be able to find some trace of the cave pretty soon--the
isle is so small. If the isle was large it would be a different
matter."

They decided to advance, some of the party skirting the swamp in one
direction and some in another. It was difficult work and they did not
wonder that Merrick and his party had given up in disgust. Occasionally
they had to wade in water up to their ankles and then climb through
brushwood that was all but impassible. They tore their clothing more
than once, and scratches were numerous.

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.

[Illustration: THEY PUSHED ON BEHIND BAHAMA BILL.]

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 as 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
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 overheard.

"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 is O.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 to-day."

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, an'
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 them selves 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."