While Fred dug they chatted and talked of the possibilities of their finding some long forgotten pirate’s treasure and making themselves rich and famous. Almost anyone would have been as thrilled as these boys were under the same circumstances. Petersen’s tale on board the Josephine and the strange code he had had; the finding of a similar one in the cave; the chest and the powder-horn and pistol; the queer black rock and Sam’s story in connection with it; all these events had combined to spur the four young adventurers on in their quest. Now they had discovered another odd looking box and with the hope that springs eternal in the human breast they were anxiously and eagerly awaiting a chance to examine its contents.
“All right. Pull me up,” came Fred’s summons at last.
Slowly and carefully John and Grant lifted their companion out of the hole. Soon he emerged, the knife in one hand, the box in the other and with so much dirt and grime that its owner was scarcely recognizable.
“You look like Sam,” remarked John, hardly able to restrain his mirth at Fred’s appearance.
“Open the box and don’t get so personal,” advised Fred, wiping the dirt from his eyes.
Grant was already busily engaged in examining the prize his friend had dug from its place in the earth. “This one is light,” he remarked. “I don’t suppose there is anything in it at all.”
“Can you open it?” demanded John.
“Easily. There’s only a catch on it,” and Grant straightway lifted the cover.
“An envelope,” exclaimed Fred disappointedly. “All that work for nothing.”
Grant, however, was opening the envelope and as he did so two gold pieces rolled out upon the ground. “Empty is it?” he cried. “How about those?”