They picked up their spades and once more set heartily at work.
So swiftly did Barney and Clifford throw sand that it was not long before a large space on the galleon’s deck had been cleared.
Then a closed hatch was revealed.
Barney put his spade under it and quickly pried it open. Some stairs descended into the cabin below.
Frank placed his helmet against Clifford’s and shouted:
“I will descend first. It will be better for only one of us to explore the galleon at a time. The Aurelian’s men may return at any time.”
Clifford saw the justice of this, and said:
“You are right. We will hold guard here.”
Frank put a foot on the cabin stairs. He descended quickly and entered the cabin.
As he did so, he came to a startled halt in the center of the cabin. What followed was ever after to him like a hideous nightmare.