All became excitement, for it was indeed a thrilling thing to think that they were about to investigate a wreck with perhaps millions in gold aboard.
As before, Barney and Pomp were to remain on board the Dart, while the others did the exploring.
Soon they were all in readiness, and Frank led the way.
They left the Dart and crossed the intervening distance without any mishap.
Captain Bell made signs that his belief that this was the Virgin was confirmed when they reached the rail of the sunken vessel.
This was certainly encouraging, and all clambered aboard not without some excitement.
The deck of the pirate ship was deeply covered with seaweed and submarine growth.
But the remains of old cannon and their charges were visible, and much of the paraphernalia of the ship was of an imperishable kind.
Even some of the bones of human skeletons were scattered about.
The Virgin had sunk, as Captain Bell had said, while in the heat of action.