"My! how heavy they are! and look at the number!"
When all had been assorted the Professor suggested that as they had plenty of copper utensils, the latter might be used as receptacles for the gold. The other chest contained but little coin, but here the interest was not less pronounced than in the other chest, because the vessels found were not only of beautiful, but many of curious, design. Some were of silver, as well, and the boys knew that those would be serviceable for their table, and at their suggestion all such were laid aside to be removed to the Cataract.
The kitchen utensils afforded a more varied collection than had been anticipated. Six of the larger copper vessels were required to hold the money, jewelry and other articles taken from the two decayed chests, and there were still remaining at least a dozen more smaller jars and pots, some with handles, which would be exceedingly useful in their kitchen.
All these were carefully put aside, and the smaller silver articles deposited in them. And now the guns! Seven skeletons were found, two of which had been removed to the Cataract by the Professor. After all the guns had been collected, twelve were counted.
"I suppose each fellow had two of them," was Harry's conclusion.
"If you will go over into the chamber to the east you will find a sufficient number to assure you that they were not lacking firearms."
The boys now understood. He had told them on the second day's exploration that he did not find anything new, but only something more. Why not go and see it now. But they were restrained. A dozen guns were certainly enough. These were also set aside, and it was then agreed to place the vessels containing the treasure in a secluded nook, in the extreme corner of the large recess. Samples of the clothing, some of the knives or daggers, as well as the little trinkets, found near each of the bodies, were deposited in the receptacles that had been selected for removal.
All this accumulation of material was more than they had bargained for when they left the Cataract, so that the failure to bring the team was keenly felt. However, it was the work of an hour, only, to get the team, and it was a pretty fair load which went from the pirates' haunts to the home on the river.
George's curiosity could not keep him from taking some of the coins which he exhibited when they returned, and which they would have ample leisure to examine.
Harry's thoughts were turned to the firearms. They were certainly of an antiquated pattern. The first thing was their length. Two of them were unusually long, fully six and a half feet.