"Pass the word for more torches," exclaimed Captain Jeremy, who alone seemed unmoved by this vast display of wealth, "and bid the men bring with them the canvas sacks. Hasten, for we must needs get clear of this place ere night." When at length some semblance of order was restored, the work of loading the treasure was begun and carried on till, staggering under the weight of seventeen heavy sacks, the seamen gained the open air.
"Shall we do anything with these, sir?" asked one of the men, pointing to the skeletons of the ill-fated members of the crew of the Madre.
"Nay; they have guarded the treasure so far, let them sleep on in peace," replied Captain Jeremy softly, as, stooping down, he picked up a rapier of exquisite workmanship.
I did likewise, wondering at the contrast betwixt the bright steel blades and the rusty armour.
"Their mail was tarnished by exposure ere they died," replied Captain Jeremy, in answer to my question. "The air is so dry within the cave that rust is almost impossible. Were it not for the treasure having been submerged in the sea, we would have been well-nigh blinded by its glister."
Meanwhile the seamen were busily employed in cutting stout poles of about six feet in length. Over these the sacks were slung, each pole resting on the shoulders of two men.
Captain Miles gave the order to march, and within a couple of hours from the time of our arrival the whole of the Madre treasure was on its way to the ship.
Yet, so heavy were the burdens and so difficult the path, it was nearly sunset ere we reached the place where we had camped the previous night.
Here we found the barrows quite undisturbed, so with feelings of relief the elated men prepared to spend another night in the open.
The treasure was stacked in the centre of a ring of sleeping men, while double guards were set, Captain Jeremy himself keeping watch throughout the long night. Hunger and sleeplessness seemed strangers to him, yet it was anxiety, not highness of spirits, that kept him awake.