But a closer examination proved that it was really a stone chest, having two immense hinges of iron. How had the object come there?
"I believe those people were going to dig it out when our firing frightened them off," said Captain Sumner.
"Let us see what the chest contains," returned Bob, in high curiosity.
The others were willing, and by the united efforts of the sailors the top of the chest was pried back.
A murmur of astonishment went up.
The chest contained three iron pots, one filled with silver and the others filled with gold!
"The treasure, sure enough!" ejaculated Jack, who had come along with the sailors.
"There are thousands of dollars there!" said Captain Sumner.
"We ought to take the stuff on board of the Dart," put in Bok. "'Taint no use to leave it out here."
The others agreed with him.