“It’s empty,” cried Grant. His voice sounded as if he had lost his last friend on earth.
“There’s a piece of paper in there,” corrected Fred. “Let’s see if that says anything.”
Keen disappointment showed on the face of every boy. Their hopes had been dashed. There was no special reason why they should have expected to find such a treasure-chest as they had pictured this one to be, but this idea had fixed itself in their minds and they really counted on all being made rich the moment they opened it up.
“What does the paper say, Fred?” inquired Grant listlessly. Most of his interest had faded.
“I don’t know,” said Fred carelessly. “It’s nothing but a bunch of mixed up numbers. Say,” he exclaimed suddenly. “Let me see that code in your pocket.”
“What do you want that for?” inquired Grant curiously, at the same time producing the article in question and handing it over to Fred.
Fred grasped it and quickly spread it open. Holding the one he had found in the chest alongside the other he ran his eye hurriedly over the two. Then he turned to his three companions, who were watching him curiously.
“Do you know that these two papers are exactly alike?” he demanded excitedly.