at
under two heavy rocks, with its contents of gold scattered in all
directions.

"We'll have to blow up those rocks to get all that gold," said Sam.

"Don't do that," warned Captain Barforth. "If you do you may cave in
the whole roof and then the gold may be gone forever."

It was then decided to bring down the log and pry the rocks away, and
late as it was this was done, and they scooped up the loose golden
pieces and put them in their pockets.

"It's a fine lot o' money," was the comment of Hollbrook, the sailor.
"Wish some o' it was mine."

"You shall be well paid for your work, Hollbrook," answered Mr. Rover.
"Only stick by us and help us to get this to safety."

"Oh, I'll stick by you," was the ready answer. "I've got no use for
such scoundrels as Carey and Bossermann. I'm only livin' one life, and
I'll live that honest-like, God helpin' me."

Night was coming on when they got the treasure to the surface of the
ground. They hunted around diligently until they were almost certain
they had everything of value. Each was exhausted from his labors, but
all were happy. The Rovers were particularly delighted.

"This will make the Lanings and the Stanhopes independent for life,"
said Dick, to his brothers.

"And they deserve it," returned Tom. "Won't they be glad when they hear
the news!"

"Remember one thing," said Sam. "We haven't got the treasure from the
isle yet, and we don't know how the _Rainbow_ is faring. If those
on the _Josephine_ capture our steam yacht I don't know what we
are going to do."

"Well, we won't give up the treasure, no matter what happens," said
Dick, stoutly.

Mr. Rover calculated that the treasure was worth more than Bahama Bill
had said. Roughly estimated it would foot up to over a hundred thousand
dollars, and this figure did not take in some jewelry of quaint design
with precious stones which were new to the treasure hunters.

"For all we know those stones may be worth another ten thousand or
more," said Dick. "I can tell you, it's a great find and no mistake!"

It was decided to take the treasure down to the shore of Horseshoe Bay
and there bury it directly behind the sandy beach.

"And we'll leave everything here as near as possible as we found it,"
said Anderson Rover. "Then, if Sid Merrick comes, he can look for the
treasure to his heart's content," and he winked at his sons.

"Good!" cried Tom. "I hope he breaks his back working to move the
rocks."

Night had sett