“That part of it is guesswork, of course. I don’t think it can mean fathoms, because of the fraction eight, therefore it will only be necessary to try the feet and yards, which can’t be such a great amount of work.”
“No,” the mate replied, slowly and thoughtfully, “not if this is the place, or if you find the right tree, or if there’s any treasure buried on the island; but according to my way of thinking it’ll be a decently hard job to decide exactly where the sights should be taken from, considering the fact that this part of the island is fairly well wooded.”
Then Mr. Jenkins walked away, for the cook had announced that breakfast was served, and the boys were again plunged into a disagreeable state of uncertainty because of the difficulty they would undoubtedly have in trying to decide which was the landmark referred to on the supposed chart.
Andy did not so much as look at Gil and Nelse when they came into the cabin. It seemed as if he tried to avoid meeting their eyes, and during all the time they were talking with Captain Mansfield relative to the finding of the tree, he stood just inside the pantry making some of the most extraordinary gestures possible.
“There is nothing to prevent your going ashore with Mr. Jenkins, if you feel so disposed,” Gil’s father said, as he finished his meal. “I am not inclined to any such exercise, but can manage to pass the time with some degree of comfort while the search is made.”
The boys had hoped the captain would become interested in the proposed work when they were where an investigation could be made; but this last remark showed that he did not intend to have anything to do with the decidedly mythical treasure.
Mr. Jenkins, however, was not only ready but eager for a trip ashore, and, without waiting for orders, he caused one of the tenders to be lowered.
If there were any inhabitants on this end of the island they had kept well out of sight, and to guard against a possible attack by wild animals the boys armed themselves with revolvers as well as rifles.
There was plenty of work aboard for the sailors, therefore the treasure-seekers were expected to do their own rowing, and, with all hands except Andy watching from the rail, they started, heading directly for the cove.
Gil suggested that, in order to make certain the narrow strip of water was the one they were anxious to find, soundings be made. If the depth of water should coincide with the fifteen, ten and eight of the chart it would afford a certain degree of proof, but to this Mr. Jenkins objected.