“We’ll certainly have a story to tell when we get home,” said Fred to his cousins. “Do you know, I had half a notion that that story about pirates’ gold was a fairy yarn.”
“So did I, Fred,” said Randy. “But, of course, it’s well known that pirates did bury their treasures around the West Indies.”
Once aboard the wreck, the boys and the old sailor washed and brushed up the best they could, and then prepared for themselves a much-needed meal. After this they sat down to look over the contents of the chest more carefully and to wait as patiently as possible for those who might come to their rescue.
“These are Spanish doubloons all right enough,” said Jack. “But what they’re worth, I don’t know.”
“Yes, but they’re not all doubloons,” answered Randy. “Some of these coins seem to be copper.”
“Well, it’s quite a find, anyhow, Randy.”
“Oh, I agree with you on that!”
On the afternoon of the next day a vessel hove in sight which proved to be an auxiliary cruiser of the United States Navy. Again the boys and the old tar set up their signal of distress, and soon a small boat containing a couple of officers and a number of men reached the wreck.
“Hurrah! Hurrah!” shouted Andy, as they came up. “Now we’re safe!”