“I don’t believe it,” he said. “It would take him a long while to locate the exact spot. Hello! what is that?”
A dark object loomed up before the gaze of the voyagers. It required but a moment’s scrutiny to make it out as the hull of a sunken vessel.
It lay upon the shore of the sunken isle, and might have foundered at the time of the earthquake. She was a small schooner of the coast trading class.
The submarine boat sailed near to her and the searchlight was focused upon her. But there seemed no good reason for paying her a visit, so presently she was left behind.
But now developments came in swift order. Rounding a headland the Diver came upon a collection of partly demolished huts and other evidences of habitation. This was doubtless the village of the savage Caribs who had descended upon the gold hunters.
Wade was now much excited.
“We ought to be getting near the spot where the treasure is located,” he said. “I surely hope so!”
A few moments later a long cliff-wall was reached. Then a huge, dark-mouthed cavern yawned to view.
“Down with the boat!” cried Frank. “Let her rest here, Barney. This is the spot beyond doubt.”
The order was obeyed. The submarine boat rested upon the sands and hastily preparations were made for leaving the cabin.