The men nearest him shoved forward with their lanterns, illuminating the torn sheepskin as they crowded around, and bent over the table, as I drew back to give them room.

“Aye, I can make that out, too.�

“By—� burst out one hoarsely, “that’s the spot.�

“What does it mean?� the boatswain asked after a long stare.

“It means, if there is any truth in it, that the treasure is thereabouts.�

“What treasure?�

“The plunder of a Spanish galleon.�

“An’ how did it git on the island?�

“It was buried in that cave there a hundred and fifty years ago by one Philip Wilberforce, an English buccaneer.�

“And how come this girl by news of it?�