"Here is another one."
"Another what?"
"A chest, something like yours." The lid, with its mocking lock, opened easily, and there, coated with the universal carbonate, were a mass of coins, articles of ornament, rings, bracelets, and pieces the names or uses of which were entirely unknown to them.
"Now that we have them, what shall be done with the treasures?"
The boys did not answer for some time. Here was wealth; more, probably, than either had ever dreamed of; but it was of no earthly use to them. They must, of course, preserve it. They had discovered it, and under all the laws were entitled to possession.
"Well, have we gotten together all the gold and silver and precious stones? Just imagine us as buccaneers! Owners of an island we haven't conquered, and possessors of a fortune without working for it!" and the Professor laughed at the thought of it. The boys, too, laughed, but when they looked over at the ghastly skeletons, the joy was suddenly checked.
The Professor saw the reason. "Isn't this a sermon? You have become acquainted with it early in life; some learn it very late, and others never get the lesson. Riches; death! Possessors of every material thing that earth can give, and the grave beyond it! The unfortunates there had all this, but their skeletons have stood guard over it for a century or more."
The Professor still smiled, but the boys were very grave. It was, indeed, an impressive lesson.
"Why are you so quiet? Are you mourning for them?" Then, without waiting for more gloomy feelings, he continued: "How high above the mouth of the cave do you think we are?"
This sudden change in the tone of the Professor was almost startling to them. How indifferent! It appeared almost like desecration.