"But they have got a lot of gold which belongs to us, already," Walter suggested.
"We would have hard work to prove that it is ours, and it would mean a lot of delay," replied his chum quickly.
"Go on with your plan, lad," said the captain, who perceived that Charley had thought over all sides of the question with his usual clearness.
"After we have brought up the money. We will use their own plan for bringing it up without its being noticed—we will hang around and let them go on with the work as usual all day, for it would not do to fight it out on the diving boat. When we get back to the schooner at night, we will bring matters to a head. We will make them get up anchor and sails and head back for Tarpon. There's bound to be trouble and plenty of it but we'll be prepared for it and Tarpon is only two days' sail. What do you think of the plan?"
He did not have to wait long for a chorus of objections.
CHAPTER XV.
A DESPERATE PLAN.
"I don't see that your plan is any better than mine," Walter objected.
"To tarry along while they remove the gold would give them time enough to remove us one by one," Charley replied, "While by doing as I have suggested they will have but little chance for treachery, and, although we will be sure to have trouble with them as soon as we order them to get up anchor, I think we can manage to keep the upper hand of them for the short time it will take to reach Tarpon."