Part 32 (2/2)

'Tend to the weights 'till Jim needs a rest, an' then take his place.”

But little time was spent in conversation, now that the work had fairly begun. In rapid succession the divers leaped from the raft until each had made a dozen descents, when it became necessary for them to rest, and Harry was allowed to do his share.

He performed but little work during the first descent, because by the time he had looked about him with no slight degree of curiosity it became necessary to rise to the surface for air. He was surprised, however, with the progress made. The ballast had been dug and pushed away until a deep excavation could be seen, and it seemed certain the greater portion of the treasure's covering had been removed.

To his delight it was reserved for him to raise the first package of the precious metal. While the others were stretched out on the raft resting from the fatiguing work, he went down four times in rapid succession, and then electrified his companions by shouting as he came to the surface:

”I've got one bag out; but can't bring it up!”

During the next two or three moments the divers cheered until Walter must have heard the noise, and then Joe said, as he took from his pocket a stout piece of wire bent in the form of a hook:

”While you fellows were talking last night I made this. We'll bend it on one end of the heaving-line, and it will only be necessary to stick the wire into the canvas when those on the raft can pull up the bag.”

Harry was eager to have the credit of taking out the first lot of treasure, and, recognizing his right, the others waited until he had fastened on the hook, Joe hauling in the coin, at the same time the diver's head appeared above the surface.

Another prolonged cheer greeted this first tangible result of their labors, and it was so hearty that Walter appeared from around the point, having evidently come for the purpose of learning the cause of the noise.

He was too far away for the happy divers to enter into any lengthy conversation with him, and Joe held up the bag of gold where it could be seen.

There was no question but that he understood the good news, for during the next five minutes he capered around the beach in the most extravagant fas.h.i.+on, and not until the others turned to resume their labors did he go back to his post of duty.

Since only one nineteenth of the treasure had been recovered there was yet considerable work to be performed, more especially as each could remain below but a few seconds at a time, and the task was continued with redoubled energy.

When the divers were forced to rest again two more bags had been hoisted on to the raft, and after the number was increased to five, Bob said:

”We must knock off until later in the day. It won't do to stay in the water too long, or this gold will cost the lives of some of us. We'll call Walter in, have dinner, and try again when the sun gets lower.”

Jim did not fancy ceasing work until the entire amount of treasure had been recovered, although he needed rest as much as either of the others.

”It'll take two days at this rate if we keep diving all the time,” he said disconsolately, ”an' I think it ought to be finished right up.”

”The hardest part is done now that the ballast is well cleared away, an'

I reckon we'll come mighty nigh endin' the job by sunset,” Bob replied.

”But no matter how long it lasts we've got to look out for ourselves, an' too much water is as bad as not enough. Halloo, Walter! Walter!”

The remainder of the party joined in the cry until the sentinel appeared from around the point staggering under the weight of some heavy load which was carried on his back. By gestures the boy was made to understand that he should come to the camp, and the others speculated as to the nature of his burden while they pulled the raft and its precious cargo ash.o.r.e.

”Perhaps he's found more gold,” Jim suggested.

”I reckon it's oysters. There are some on the south side of the point, an' most likely that's how he has been fillin' up his time.”

In this supposition Bob was correct. Walter had occupied himself in gathering a quant.i.ty of the tiny bivalves, which he brought to camp by converting his coat into a bag; and a most welcome and appetizing meal did they make for the divers, who were too weary to spend any time fis.h.i.+ng.

The sentinel was profuse in his expressions of joy that the task of recovering the treasure had proved to be comparatively such a simple one, and he insisted on carrying every bag to the tent, that the divers might gain the greatest possible amount of rest before continuing their work.

After a big fire had been built the tiny oysters were thrown on the coals, and drawn out with split sticks when they showed signs of being roasted. This was such delicious food that twice the number Walter brought could have been eaten, although the supply formed a reasonably hearty meal, and it was decided unanimously to spend at least one day gathering these delicacies as soon us the operations at the wreck were concluded.

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