Barney and Pomp were set free.
They were not a little astonished at this act of the Spaniard. But Don Azata had his reason, and a good one, for the act.
Steadily bearing in toward the coast he saw a huge white-hulled steamer. It required but a glance to recognize one of Uncle Sam’s White Squadron. The tables were turned.
Meanwhile a small boat had left the shore and was coming rapidly up. In a few moments more it was alongside and Frank and Wade sprung aboard.
The owner of the Diver took in the situation with a sweeping glance. His eye flashed angrily.
“What is this, sir?” he demanded angrily of Don Azata. “What right have you to board this boat in my absence?”
The Spanish captain bowed to the deck.
“Is this Captain Reade?” he asked.
“It is,” replied Frank.
“I am honored, most noble senor. You will accept my explanation and apology. This lying dog”—indicating the cowering Poole—“told me that you were of a piratical character and had seized upon a buried treasure, which, found in the domain of the good King of Spain, by every right belongs to him. He induced me to commit this outrage, for which my government tenders abject apology.”