“Didn’t the water and everything hurt it?” asked George.
“Not a bit. Here it is; you can see for yourself,” and Grant produced the piece of parchment from his pocket. He unfolded it while his three companions crowded eagerly around him to inspect the strange document once again. No light was thrown on its secret, if it had one, however, and the same baffling maze of numbers confronted the boys.
“Put it away,” cried John impatiently. “I think it’s a combination to a safe.”
“No, it isn’t either,” said Fred. “It’s a code I tell you and I think that some one of us ought to be able to read it.”
“What good would it do if you did?” demanded John. “Certainly it can’t apply to this island, and I say we forget it and inspect this cave now. That is much more to the point.”
“Put it away, Grant,” said Fred. “To-morrow though, I’m going to get to work on it and see if I can’t make something out of it.”
“I’ll help you,” said Grant.
“That’s the way,” cried Fred enthusiastically. “Grant and I will find the money and Pop and String won’t get a cent.”
“Is that so?” exclaimed George. “Well, if you can find any money and not give me my share you’re a much better man than I think you are.”
“Let’s not fight about the money just now,” advised Grant. “We haven’t found it yet, you know.”