His friends in the crew were fêting him. They crowded about, patting him on the back and congratulating him for his plucky and successful efforts to get at the lost treasure.
"Wait till we get back to Bridgeford—the swellest time you ever had in your life," shouted one enthusiast.
All of this adulation pleased Weddigen. The rôle of the hero appealed to him and he was enjoying the situation immensely.
Meanwhile Jay was slowly but surely returning to life. The oxygen tank had performed yeoman service. Color was coming back into the face and circulation had been restored. A stimulant was offered, but the stout-hearted lad declined it, smilingly preferring to keep the temperance pledge that he had taken before he had left home to go to school.
"Thanks, Cap, but I'm coming back in fine shape," he mumbled, while Dick fairly beamed over the recovery of his chum.
In a few minutes Jay was able to sit up. He drank eagerly the cup of hot black coffee that was offered him. He was very weak from his trying ordeal, and no one ventured to ask him about his hazardous trip to the Dominion and his narrow escape from death.
By and by Jay motioned Dick to come closer.
"Did Weddigen land any treasure?" he asked with an inquisitive look.
Dick launched into the story, telling how the strong box had been hauled over the side amid wild jubilation and taken below into Captain Austin's quarters.
"Are you sure there were diamonds in the chest?" persisted Jay.