The strangeness of the spectacle thus presented by the ardent pair arrested the attention of Jake and his crew, who chanced just then to arrive in the launch. So great became the boatman’s curiosity that he resolved to investigate before marching his company into the cavern. To this fact, and not to any alertness on the part of the lovers in looking out for the coming of the launch, was due the quickness with which measures of relief were undertaken for those left in the depths. Ropes were hurried to the scene; a lantern was lowered. It was then discovered that the descent was not so very difficult. With the way lighted, and a rope by which to cling, the various members of the party contrived to climb safely to the mouth of the chimney. Margaret went first, with Saxe behind to aid as best he might. David Thwing was next, and last of all, by his own choice, Billy Walker.
“If I go last,” he explained to David, “I’m saved the discomfort of feeling that I ought to be hurrying to get out of somebody’s way.”
After the rescue had been effected, a watch made up from men trusted by the boatman was set over the chimney, at Roy’s suggestion. Then, the four young men, with the two girls, entered the launch to be taken to the cottage, for a change of clothing and luncheon. Billy chuckled contentedly, while the other men appeared sheepish, when it was learned that noon remained still an hour distant.
“But the chances are poor of ever getting that gold, after all,” Saxe said ruefully, when they were under weigh.
Roy uttered an indignant exclamation.
“Nothing of the sort!” he declared. “David and I had the tackle fastened, all right, with a knot on the rope to save it from slipping through the block. And we had it hauled tight, too.” He laughed amusedly. “Why, do you know? That treasure-chest has started up the slope already! I’ll bet what you like the shrinking of the rope has brought it out of the pit. A good gang of men can get that chest out in less than a half-day.” He spoke with the sureness of one having knowledge drawn from experience. That he was right the issue proved, for the gold was taken out very easily, and stored safely in the bank before nightfall.
That evening in the music-room, Saxe sat playing the miser’s song of gold. Still drumming the harsh phrases, he turned, and spoke to his friends with a whimsical smile.
“You know, I rather apologized to you for asking your help in this affair, because it didn’t offer anything much in the way of real adventure, but it did turn out a bit lively after all!”