“Stumped!� grunted Uncle Toby.
In his bitter disappointment he could find no more to say. The rest of the party exchanged blank looks.
“I guess the treasure is safe for all time from intruding hands,� said Jack softly. “I’m sorry, Uncle Toby.�
But the old man now began to bemoan his fate. He stumped his wooden leg. He swore, something Jack had never heard him do before. He shook his fists at the sky. For the time being he was a madman.
When he quieted down a little they began the wearisome trip back to the cove where they had left the boat. It seemed an endless trip, but at length they reached it.
“Now to get back to the schooner and break the news,â€� said Jack. “Won’t Terrill be mad—Jee-hosh—a—phat, where is the schooner?â€�
Where, indeed? The anchorage where she had lain when they last saw her was empty. No vessel was in sight. Suddenly Merryweather broke into a shout.
“There! Look there yonder off that bight of land!� he cried.
Their eyes followed the direction in which he pointed. Angry exclamations broke from them ally
“The traitors! The sneaks!� exclaimed Jack chokingly.