There were three triumphal journeys during the days that followed. The first was to Oakland, where a widow wept happy tears because her husband’s 240 name was to stand clear before the world and her son’s future was provided for. The second was to Bartanet Shoals, where the kindly keeper of the lighthouse had his part in the general jubilee. The third, and to the Rushton boys the most important of all, was to Oldtown, where Ross, who accompanied Fred and Teddy, had the proud delight of putting into the hands of Mr. Aaron Rushton the gold that paid his father’s debt.
“I wonder what Uncle Aaron will say when he finds out the money has been found,” remarked Teddy, when the three youths were on the way to Oldtown.
“I’ll wager he’ll hardly be able to believe his ears and eyes,” returned Fred.
During the journey Ross was unusually thoughtful. His eyes showed his deep delight over the mission he had undertaken.
“You can’t realize what this means to me,” he said to the Rushton boys with much feeling. “It has taken a wonderful load off my shoulders.”
“Take it from me, Teddy and I feel just as happy as you do, Ross,” responded Fred affectionately.
“I’m mighty glad that I took that swim,” remarked Teddy, with something of a grin. “It was worth while, wasn’t it?”
“The most wonderful swim in the whole world!” declared Ross, emphatically.
“Say! I’d like to take a swim like that again 241 and find another treasure,” continued the fun-loving Rushton boy.
When the Rushtons arrived at their home they found that their parents had gone out on a short errand. Their Uncle Aaron, however, was on hand, sitting in the library reading a book.