And was that to prove poor Dick's grave? Silently they asked themselves the question, as one looked at another, all with blanched faces.
"I'd rather lose the fortune," said Don, voicing the sentiment of all.
"Give me that other rope, lads," exclaimed old Jacob. "I'll go down for him."
He stepped upon the burning end of rope and put it out. Then the reserve coil was fastened on, and he tied the end under his arms and lit another torch.
"Don't set the rope afire again," cautioned Bob. He could scarcely trust himself to speak.
"No danger," answered the Yankee sailor. "Let me down carefully now," he added, and disappeared over the edge of the opening.
Down he went until the ledge was reached. Here he paused to survey the situation. Nothing but the loose rocks and the remains of the shattered cedar chest met his gaze.
"Dick! Dick!" he called.
There was no answer, and the look on his face grew more serious than ever. The boy had gone further. But to where?
"Let me down some more," he called up. "But be careful. It's mighty skeery down here."