in. It is a wonder that the water has kept
out as long as it has."

"The iron doors have done a lot to keep it out; they are probably
watertight. That cabin you were in was like a strong room, and maybe the
skipper had it built that way a purpose. You don't know what sort of crew
you may get when you are on a lay of this sort, and I guess he wasn't
taking chances, having a lot of money on board."

"That may account for it, but it made me feel a little creepy being in
there, and knowing that the water was just above me, and perhaps on the
other side of those doors."

"I don't wonder. They say divers get afraid when they see all sorts of
fishes swimming around them under water. I'd like to go to the place with
you. I've had some queer adventures, but nothing so queer as that."

"I should be very glad to have you, sir, and if you want a share of the
money in the chest----"

"No, that's all right. It belongs to you and your friend and the little
fellow, too, I suppose."

"Why, of course, they must have their share of it."

"I don't think Jesse W. will take it, and, anyhow, he was not with us when
we went into the cabin, and I certainly don't want it," said Percival. "It
all belongs to you, Jack."

"Not if I don't want to take it," Jack replied with a laugh. "How are you
going to make me take it, Dick?"

"I'm sure I don't know, but it ought to be yours, just the same. I'd like
to get the rest of it, and suppose we go after it to-morrow?"

"That will be all right."

"And I'll go along to help you," said the captain. "There's no getting out
of here right away, and we may as well do something. I can't get any
answer to my wireless messages yet, and maybe folks think they're only a
joke, and don't pay any attention."

"You have tried to get New York?" asked Jack.

"Yes, and Havana and any place I can, but I can't do anything. I don't
know if I am tuned up with those fellows or whether they think it is only
a joke or what. I've tried American and International, wired S.O.S. and
all the different distress signals, but could not seem to make
connection."

"Why don't you try Mr. Smith in New York? He would be interested on
account of his boy. Try a plain commercial message. That ought to go. You
can at least try it."

"That is very sensible advice," said the doctor. "I suppose you have been
sending out distress signals, and the wireless people, if they have caught
you up simply regard it as a hoax."

"Well, I'll