“Well, Dad,” said Lester, a little impatiently, “what do you think of the story? Is there anything in it?”
“There’s a great deal in it,” replied Mr. Lee gravely, removing his pipe from his mouth. “I believe every word of it is true.”
75The boys were delighted at this confirmation of their own feeling by a mind more mature than theirs. They had been afraid that Mr. Lee would ridicule the story, or throw cold water on their plan to go ahead and try to find the treasure.
“I was perfectly sure that Ross was telling us the truth,” jubilated Teddy.
“I never doubted that for a minute,” put in Bill, “but I thought he might be building hope on a very slight foundation. After all, he has so little to go on.”
“Then you really think that there was a chest of gold and that smugglers took it from Mr. Montgomery and buried it?” asked Fred.
“I think they took it from him, but I don’t think they buried it,” answered Mr. Lee.
“What do you think they did with it; spent it?” asked Teddy in quick alarm.
“I don’t think that either,” was the reply. “I think they hid it somewhere and that it’s there yet.”
“Oh!” said Fred, with a sigh of relief. “Then we still have a chance.”