two pieces here. One is short and the other a long one. I may
as well use only the short one."

"Better take the other with you," suggested Jack. "Someone may pass
while we're away and think they could use it."

"Good idea," assented Tom. "I'll keep it with me."

Not far from where the boys landed they discovered the time-worn
earthworks of what had once been the old fort. Trees nearly a foot in
diameter were seen growing on the former breastworks. Everywhere one
could see that the fort had been long unoccupied.

Harry immediately proceeded to search for the trees that had been used
as ranges when the map had been made. He was not long in finding what he
sought. His feet were almost in the waters of the rising tide when the
spot where the treasure was supposed to be was located. All were visibly
excited. The prospect was alluring.

"Shall we start to dig a hole here?" asked Tom, shovel in hand.

"Make a little hole and we'll touch off the dynamite."

A short time sufficed to bury the explosive in a good location.

"Let's all stand back now and see what happens," cried Tom.

"Mr. Harrison, show Harry how to light it," requested Jack.

"Stand back; here come Wyckoff and Lopez."

CHAPTER XXIV

DEFEATED BY GREED

Loaded with men, a boat was approaching from the westward. Standing in
the bow were Wyckoff and Lopez, the two principals in the efforts to
drive our friends from that neighborhood.

Although the moonlight rendered outlines indistinct to the extent that
it was impossible to see the exact expressions on their faces, the boys
could all determine from their tense attitudes that they were intensely
wrought up by their mission there.

A warning hand was extended by Wyckoff toward the rowers. One of the
negroes had been clumsy with his oar. The noise of the splash evidently
grated on Wyckoff's nerves. His very attitude bespoke a nervous energy
pent up and on the point of bursting forth.

By his side stood Lopez, his trusty rifle in hand. As they saw the
weapon, the boys who had seen him use it in times past knew that his
skill with the firearm was marvelous indeed. They knew it would fare ill
with anyone upon whom he trained it.

"Wonder why they've brought their gang," cautiously whispered Harry into
Jack's ear. "They've been mighty exclusive until now."

"Hush," cautioned Jack in a very low voice. "These others are simply
negroes they have picked up somewhere to do the digging. These a