Part 20 (1/2)
We solemnly swear not to disturb the treasure buried by us this day, except in the presence of all the owners, or after receiving proof that one or more are dead.
(Signed) BARTH MEADOWS.
His PEDRO X GONZALES.
mark.
E. BONN.
His JOSEF X HARTTMAN.
mark.
For several moments after Harry ceased reading this singular doc.u.ment the boys stood staring at the faded characters in silence, and then Jim exclaimed:
”I'll bet them was pirates what wrote that, an' if we could only make out what it means there'd be a big pile of gold found. Let's go on board an' show it to Bob!”
The mere suggestion that they had the clew to a buried treasure was sufficient to throw all three into a perfect fever of excitement, and after carefully gathering up the coverings they started at full speed for the sh.o.r.e, shouting to each other, as they ran, the most improbable theories concerning the ancient doc.u.ment and its signers until the key resounded with their cries.
”Perhaps the men who ran away with the brig belong to the same gang who hid the paper,” Walter suggested in a tremulous tone, glancing behind him every few moments, as if fancying they might be pursued.
”That couldn't be,” Harry replied, panting because of the rapid pace, ”unless they've taken the gold with them.”
For an instant the boys' joy decreased very materially, and then grew strong once more as Jim said, confidently:
”If they had we'd seen somethin' of it; but them duffers didn't have any baggage when they come aboard. The Bonita wouldn't 'a' left the cove so quick if the men had known about this. I tell you, fellers, it was lucky for us that they stole the brig!”
[Ill.u.s.tration: Fac-simile of paper found by the boys.--(See page 157.)]
Then, as if unable longer to act like rational beings, the explorers burst into loud, incoherent shouts, which sadly lessened their speed because of the extra amount of breath required to continue the outcries.
It was this uproar which Joe heard, and he and Bob were wholly at a loss to understand what had happened as the yawl, with her noisy crew, approached the tug.
CHAPTER XIX.
AN UNEXPECTED VISIT.
It was fully ten minutes after the excited boys arrived at the Sea Bird before Bob and Joe could understand the meaning of the doc.u.ment which Harry waved so triumphantly above his head, or learn where and how it had been found. Each one insisted on telling the story at the same time, and the result was that nothing could be distinctly heard until Bob shouted:
”Hold up, lads! Give yourselves time to elect a president who can do the talkin', an' then p'rhaps me an' Joe'll find out whether you've seen the Bonita or discovered a bridge that leads to New York!”
”Let Harry tell the story while Walt an' me bail the yawl. Her seams haven't swelled enough yet to prevent her from takin' in water;” and Jim went forward resolving not to say another word until the matter was fully explained; but before Harry had well begun the recital both he and Walter were a.s.sisting in the conversation.
Bob and Joe did finally succeed in learning all the particulars regarding the finding of the ma.n.u.script, and then their excitement equaled that of the boys.
”There ain't any question but what the lads have lighted on the secret of a pirate's treasure,” the old sailor said in a positive tone, and looking around at his companions as if challenging either of them to contradict him. ”Years ago these keys used to be a great place for 'em to sneak in an' out of, an' it stands to reason this would 'a' been jes'
the kind of a harbor they'd try to make, 'cause there's water enough here to float a good-sized craft.”
”But it's a big question as to whether we can find it;” and Joe examined the doc.u.ment carefully once more. ”It has been a good while since this was written, and perhaps both the tree and the coral rock have disappeared.”