as we pulled toward the beach, and we
answered lustily their cheer. Every man jack of us was in the best of
spirits.

By this time it was late in the afternoon, but the sun was still very
hot. I was careful not to let anybody work long at a stretch. As the
bars of gold were uncovered we packed them in the box brought for the
purpose. Every time a shovel disclosed a new find there was fresh
jubilation.

While Alderson and I were resting under the shade of a mangrove the
sailor made a suggestion.

"You don't expect to get all the treasure out to-night, do you, sir?"

"No. Perhaps not by to-morrow night. It is hard digging among so many
roots. And Mr. Bucks does not seem to have put it all together."

"Will you keep a guard here, Mr. Sedgwick?"

"Yes. It looks like a deserted neck of the woods, but we'll take no
chances."

"That is what I was thinking, sir. Last night I couldn't sleep for the
heat and I strung a hammock on deck. About three o'clock this morning a
boat passed on its way to the mouth of the river."

"Cholo Indians, likely."

"No, sir. This was a schooner. It was some distance away, but I could
make that out."

"Well, we'll keep this place under our eye till the treasure is
lifted."

About sunset I sent Gallagher, Stubbs, and Jamaica Ginger aboard with
the box of treasure, the Arizonian being in charge of the boat. While I
waited for its return I took a turn up the beach to catch the light
breeze that was beginning to stir.

I walked toward the head of the harbor, strolling farther in that
direction than any of us had yet gone. I went possibly an eighth of a
mile above the spit, carrying my hat in my hand and moving in a
leisurely way.

In truth I was at peace with the world. We had succeeded in our quest
and found the treasure. In a few days at most I should be back at Panama
with my slim sweetheart in my arms. What more could rational man ask?

Then I stopped in my stride, snatched into a sudden amazement. For there
before me in the sand was the imprint of a boot made since the tide went
out a few hours earlier in the day.

No flat-footed Indian had left the track. It was too sharp, too
decisive, had been left plainly by a shoe of superior make.

No guess of the truth came to me, but instinctively I eased the revolver
in the scabbard by my side. Of this much I was sure, that whereas I had
supposed no white man except those of our party to be within many
miles, there was at least one i