Then Barney strolling along the beach, made a surprising discovery. He saw imbedded in the sand what looked like an iron capstan.
He began to dig around it, and found that it was truly a capstan; also he traced in the sand the outlines of a vessel’s hull.
It was no doubt the wreck of a ship which had come ashore here, and sank gradually beneath the level, owing to some quicksand formation.
Barney was busy with his examination, and was about to shout to his friends, when a thrilling thing occurred.
Suddenly he felt the sand give way and sink downward.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE END.
Down out of sight Barney went like a flash.
As it happened, Pomp saw him disappear and set up a yell for help.
“Golly, de I’ishman am gone!” he screamed. “Come quick, Marse Frank! Cum everybody! He am done gone!”
Down Barney fell for several feet.