“I suppose, Guy, you have some clue to the place where the treasure is concealed?” said Titcomb. “I have not inquired, hitherto, but it seems to me that while we are exploring we may as well keep our eyes open, and perhaps we may chance upon the spot.”
“It is time I told you what I know,” answered Guy. “I am obliged to confess that the directions are not as clear and explicit as I should wish. Yet I think they may be sufficiently so for our purpose.”
“Go ahead, Guy,” said Luke Clark. “I confess that my curiosity is aroused.”
“Then I will tell you all I know.”
Guy took from his pocket a roll of paper, discolored by time, and unfolding it, read this paragraph:
“There is a place on the island where six trees are arranged (by nature) in the shape of a cross, as this drawing will show.
o
o o o
o
o
“Between the second and third of these trees, counting from the top downward, the pirate’s treasure is concealed. A large cavity was dug out, and in this was placed a sailor’s chest, in which are stored gold, silver, and jewels, besides a considerable amount in bank notes—some English, some French, and some American. As to the value of these treasures, no one knew anything except the captain, and possibly even he was uninformed.”
“There is more,” added Guy, “but this is all that is of importance.”
Abner Titcomb and Luke Clark listened thoughtfully.