When the professor and the captain returned they reported success. Their claim was legal and they had authority to recruit a gang of men to excavate the ancient ship.
“That’s the end of the phantom galleon,” observed Don. “It won’t be a phantom any more.”
“You pretty nearly joined the phantoms yourself,” Jim reminded him.
Terry’s surmise regarding the state of affairs at the Mercedes ranch turned out to be correct. In a few days Ned announced that they were to be married.
“There is no use in allowing her to stay over there and try to run that little ranch all by herself,” he said, as they sat in the living room one night. “So we are going to combine and form one big ranch, after we are married. That will end all of her troubles about getting help and overseers.”
“I see,” said Terry, dryly. “You are doing it so as to help her run her ranch. Funny way to get married.”
Ned made a pass at him and the red-headed boy dodged. The professor smiled.
“That’s the easiest way of saying it,” he said. “Ned wouldn’t want you to suspect that he loves the young lady!”
“Ned spoke about her difficulty in getting an overseer,” remarked Don. “Another way to look at it is that Ned himself is getting an overseer!”
“Yes, he’ll have to behave himself now,” said the captain, as they all laughed at Ned’s red face.