d the lad. "When we get this cover pried
off, we'll hand you a bucket or so of gold for the bill."

As the lads were prying off the cover of the wonderful chest a hail came
from the wharf.

"Launch, Ahoy."

"Now what?" petulantly cried Harry. "Always some interruption."

"I think I know that voice," cried Jack. "Ahoy there, Dad."

"Hello, Jack. Have you got anything to eat?"

A hearty laugh followed the question. Jack's father, for it was indeed
he, knew the appetites of the Fortuna's crew.

"Sure we have," cried the delighted Jack. "When did you arrive?"

"Just now," declared his father. "Mr. Geyer and I came down to see if
you needed any help and have just walked down from the railroad. Your
'bus line," he added with a wink, "is not running."

"Oh, I'm so glad you got here," Jack replied.

"Are we in time?" queried Mr. Stanley.

"No, not in time to be of help when we needed you most," Jack answered;
"but Rowdy took your place. Now we're just getting ready to count the
money. Want to help?"

"What?" questioned Mr. Stanley. "Surely there was nothing to that story
about the buried treasure. Geyer," to his companion, "look at what these
boys have unearthed. Isn't that astounding?"

Introductions all round were followed by a hearty lunch of fish, sweet
potatoes, canned fruit, corn pone and coffee prepared by Doright, who
had been at once assigned to the task upon the return of the treasure
hunters.

Upon opening the chest it was found to contain a quantity of gold and
other coins, as well as a number of jewels in settings. Mr. Geyer, the
attorney, who was versed in those matters, informed the boys that the
coins were of great value because of their age and excellent condition.
Collectors, he said, would be glad to pay far in excess of their
original face or intrinsic value.

The gems were beyond his ability to estimate, although he felt sure they
would return a handsome sum.

"How much do you think we ought to get out of it?" Jack asked.

"Well, after I get my share for outfitting the venture," replied Mr.
Geyer, "I think there ought to be as much as fifty or sixty thousand
dollars--perhaps more."

"Hurrah!" shouted Tom. "That's pretty near ten thousand apiece. That's
quite a bit of money."

"You mean fifteen thousand apiece," corrected Charley.

"I mean what I said--ten thousand," declared Tom. "If this crew of
pirates lets you and Frank get away without sharing the spoils, I'll
never sail with t