Fred, Grant, and George laughed and then laughed some more. They slapped John on the back and twitted him repeatedly about the false alarm he had given. They enjoyed themselves immensely at their friend’s expense. He, however, was very much ashamed and very unhappy.
“I admit I was the goat,” he said sadly. “I don’t know what got into me, but it was such a shock to see that funny looking face staring in at the other end of that opening. It scared the life out of me.”
“I should say it did,” chuckled George. “You scared us, too.”
“Well, I’m sorry,” John apologized. “I’ll do anything I can to make up.”
“What shall we have him do?” exclaimed Fred eagerly. “It ought to be something pretty bad.”
“Make him open that chest,” Grant suggested.
“That’s a good scheme,” said George. “Here’s a big rock for you, String. Hit it a few cracks and see if you are better at this than at exploring caves.”
John approached the chest, rock in hand. The lock had already been bent considerably by the other boys’ efforts, but it still held fast. John attacked it fiercely and after breaking several stones succeeded in demolishing the lock.
“Yea, String!” cried George, excitedly. “You’re a wonder. Open it up! Quick!”
The padlock was removed and all four boys crowded around and eagerly grasped the top. It was not so easy to open, however, but finally it was done. Every boy’s eyes glistened expectantly as the top was raised. The least they expected to see was a great pile of gold, but no such sight presented itself.