“Huh! I could eat half a barrel of steamed clams any day,” protested Tom. “Those two pirates were regular cannibals, I expect. Besides, they were eating on purpose to have shells enough to cover the treasure, don’t you see?”
Once more they fell to work, and they dug for ten minutes without a word. But presently, with a sigh, they all three stopped again. It was a hot day and this was hard work.
“If we find the treasure we must give some to the girls,” said Kenneth.
“Of course,” agreed Tom. “They are pirates, too. The band will all have to share.”
“Let’s give each of the others three diamonds and three rubies and three sapphires and three emeralds,” said Charlie, with sudden inspiration.
“All right,” agreed Tom and Kenneth. “And we’ll divide the rest equally among us three,” added Kenneth.
Then they began work again. But still there was no sign of that iron-bound box. Their arms were growing very tired. They were almost ready to give it up. Suddenly Kenneth stooped and picked up something.
“Hello!” he said. “What’s this?”
It was a small pointed stone, flat on both sides. The other two boys examined it eagerly. “Why, it looks like an Indian arrowhead,” said Charlie; “but how came it here?”
“Perhaps the pirates used bows and arrows too,” suggested Tom.