Part 45 (2/2)
”If they try any game like that we'll fight,” answered Fred.
”Dat's right!” cried Aleck. ”We'll fight, an' fight mighty hard, too!”
”If only the Rovers were here,” sighed Dora. ”I am sure they would know exactly what to do.”
”They may be having their own troubles on land,” said Mrs. Stanhope.
”Sid Merrick is a very bad man and will do all in his power to get that treasure in his possession.”
CHAPTER XXIX
THE HUNT FOR THE TREASURE
With the _Rainbow_ steaming away from Horseshoe Bay, the Rovers and those with them on sh.o.r.e felt that a crisis had been reached. If it was true that Carey, Bossermann and Wingate contemplated joining Sid Merrick there was no telling what the enemy might not accomplish next.
”I have never liked Carey,” observed Captain Barforth. ”But I did not imagine he would take matters in his own hands in this fas.h.i.+on. I did not think he had the backbone.”
”It's the thought of the treasure has done it,” answered Anderson Rover. ”Many a man's head is turned because of gold.”
Those on the sh.o.r.e watched the steam yacht round the eastern point of the isle. Each heart sank as the vessel disappeared from view.
”Well, we can do nothing at present, but hope for the best,” observed the captain. ”We cannot think of chasing them in the rowboats.”
”We might tramp across the isle and see where they go to,” suggested Tom. ”The _Josephine_ must be over there somewhere.”
”Yes, we can do that,” answered Mr. Rover. ”But it will be a rough journey.”
”I have a better idea,” came from d.i.c.k. ”Father has his spygla.s.s with him. Why not ascend that hill back of where the treasure cave is and then get up in the highest tree there? A fellow ought to be able to see all around from that height.”
”Hurrah! just the thing!” exclaimed Sam. He did not relish the long tramp through the thorn bushes and tangle of vines.
d.i.c.k's idea was acceptable to all, and they set off without further delay. They took the path leading to the shattered cave, and then mounted the small hill d.i.c.k had mentioned. Close to the top stood a large tree.
”Let me go up!” exclaimed Tom, who could climb like a cat, and he started without delay.
”Look out that you don't break your neck!” cried his parent.
”I'll be careful,” answered the fun-loving youth. ”This just suits me!”
he added, enthusiastically.
”Can't I go, too?” asked Sam.
”If you are careful,” answered Mr. Rover, and up went the lad, right on the heels of his brother. It was rather difficult work getting from limb to limb, for some were wide apart, but the vines, which used the tree as a trellis, aided them greatly. Soon Tom was close to the top and Sam speedily joined him. Then each took his turn at looking through the spygla.s.s.
”I see the _Rainbow_!” cried Tom. ”She is headed for the north side of the isle.”
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