ow?"

"You are to go with us," Neal said, turning quickly toward Cummings.

"I hardly know what to do. It would probably be wisest for Poyor and I
to begin the homeward march since there is no longer any necessity of
going to Progresso."

"But you must see my father. Time is not so precious just now but that
you can afford to spend another day in our company."

"It shall be as you say," Cummings replied laughingly. "I hesitated only
because the sooner our long tramp comes to an end the more comfortable I
shall feel in mind."

Jake and Teddy had already clambered into the boat; the others followed,
and the little craft, loaded down nearly to the water's edge, was rowed
out toward the schooner.

It is not necessary to make any attempt at trying to describe the
reception the castaways met with from the remainder of the yacht's crew,
nor the manner in which Poyor and Cummings were welcomed.

After the heartiest greetings had been exchanged Mr. Emery and the
sailing master asked for an account of the landing and subsequent
wanderings, and it is safe to say that they were treated to a wilder
story than they had ever dreamed of hearing.

Mr. Walters was at first disposed to look upon it as a "yarn;" but the
souvenir which Jake carried on his face was evidence that could not be
doubted, and Cummings soon convinced the skeptical sailing master that
the Chan Santa Cruz really had an existence.

"That is an adventure I would like to have," he finally said in a tone
of enthusiasm. "I can't understand why it shouldn't be possible to hit
upon some hiding place within half a mile of the city, and on a stormy
night, for instance, lug away precious metal enough to make ourselves
rich."

"That and more can be done if one has patience and discretion."

"Now we're where there's little doubt about gettin' home you may rap at
me as often as you please," Jake said with a hearty laugh. "I admit
having acted like a fool; but so long as nothing serious came of it,
except the cut on my own cheek, it isn't a hanging matter."

"I haven't a relative in this world," Mr. Walters continued, "and now
the Sea Dream has gone down would be obliged to look around for a job,
therefore if you'll accept me as a comrade I'll stay here instead of
going back to the states."

"Do you really mean to enter upon such a wild venture?" Mr. Emery asked
in surprise.

"Most certainly. What is to prevent?"

"Nothing that I know of; but it seems little le