CHAPTER XIX
A BRASS BOUND CHEST
At the sight of the empty chest, Professor Gillette opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. His face was white and drawn. And the girls were no less moved than he. All their hopes had been dashed to the ground.
Tears came to Bet's eyes. Angry tears! Why was it that they always had so many disappointments? Why couldn't the treasure have reposed in that chest ready for them? Why couldn't things have gone smoothly just for once?
"What a silly thing to do! To bury an empty chest!" Bet said in a protesting voice.
"But that's the trouble. Maybe it wasn't always empty. Maybe it was once full of gold and jewels," sighed the professor wearily. He had planned on this treasure more than he realized at first. He thought of Alicia, his patient daughter, whose hope of recovery depended on his summer's work.
"Then what happened to it?" demanded Bet.
"Someone has been ahead of us, that's all. There must have been treasure in that chest," repeated the old man.
"I think you are right," interrupted Colonel Baxter. "But don't be discouraged! Unless I'm very badly mistaken, that chest will be worth a small fortune in itself. Look at those brass straps across the corners. The carving is unusual and beautiful."
"I don't see anything beautiful about it, at all," snapped Bet. "If it had been filled with treasure, then I could admire it."