They almost held their breath, waiting in a thrill of eagerness.
“I declare!” he cried, “it looks as old as the can—and yet—and yet—this is a message to us!”
“It is?” shouted Nicky.
“Listen!” He bent closer, holding the dim lettering almost against the lantern globe.
“This is what it says. ‘Treasure—found—long ago. Dig under tallest of three trees on Crocodile Key in Card Bay for more!”
“Hooray!” Nicky exulted, “one treasure gone and another to be found!”
“Where did it come from?” Cliff asked. “I know how we found it, but I mean, how did it get there?”
“Maybe it was left here for some buccaneers who knew about the other treasure,” Tom hazarded a guess.
“I know the answer,” Nicky cried, “this isn’t meant for us. There may have been a treasure hidden on that key; somebody got it and either took it where this says, or else knew of another one and left this word for the ones who would come for the original one.”
“But—the light!—” began Tom.