Gay greetings were exchanged or words of sympathy and commiseration and each went on his chosen way.
"Do you know," said Jack at last, "I shouldn't be surprised if the real place isn't marked at all. Hullo, what's this?" Right at his feet lay a toy bowie-knife. Though made of pasteboard, it was a ferocious-looking affair and the spot where it was had not been disturbed.
"I don't believe that's the right place," said Jack, who had grown suspicious of misleading clues. "Anyway, Dolly, let's leave that, and come back to it if we don't find anything more hopeful."
So they wandered on and next they came to the pirate flag. This black and white emblem was planted above a much dug up space and they laughed as they concluded that several trials had been made there.
Soon they came upon Dotty and Josie Holmes who were hastily digging at a spot which had been marked by two stakes. They had pulled up the stakes, but as yet had not found any treasure.
"Bet it isn't there," said Jack, looking closely at the two stakes.
"Why?" demanded Dotty.
"Dunno. Somehow it doesn't seem 'sif it is. Come on, Dolly, let's try again."
"Go on," said Dotty; "I think this is the place. Josie and I feel certain of it. Go on, you two, and good luck to you."
Shouldering their spades, Jack and Dolly trudged on.