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diff --git a/old/52217-0.txt b/old/52217-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 234decf..0000000 --- a/old/52217-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7613 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Young Hunters in Porto Rico, by Captain Ralph Bonehill - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Young Hunters in Porto Rico - or The Search for a Lost Treasure - -Author: Captain Ralph Bonehill - -Release Date: June 2, 2016 [EBook #52217] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG HUNTERS IN PORTO RICO *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -book was produced from scanned images of public domain -material from the Google Books project.) - - - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - - YOUNG HUNTERS - IN PORTO RICO; - OR, - THE SEARCH FOR A LOST TREASURE. - - BY - - CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL, - - _Author of "Gun and Sled," "Young Oarsmen of Lakeview," - "Rival Bicyclists," "Leo, the Circus Boy," "When - Santiago Fell," "A Sailor Boy with Dewey," - "Off for Hawaii," etc._ - - CHICAGO. - M. A. DONOHUE & CO. - 407-429 Dearborn St. - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1900, - BY - DONOHUE BROTHERS, - Chicago and New York. - - - - - PREFACE. - - -"The Young Hunters in Porto Rico" has been written at the earnest -solicitation of a number of my young readers, who wished to follow the -further adventures of the Gun and Sled Club. - -In a former volume of this series, "Gun and Sled," I related how the -club was formed and what a jolly time its members had during a winter -outing on Snow-Top Island. In the present tale, one of the members -becomes the proud owner of a yacht, and of course nothing will do but to -take an ocean trip on the craft. During this trip the boys learn of a -Spanish treasure said to be secreted in one of the great caves near -Caguas, on the island of Porto Rico, and at once a hunt is instituted, -and many stirring adventures follow. - -The work was written primarily for the reader's amusement, yet I have -endeavored within its pages to give a fair description of the Porto Rico -of to-day, as it appears to a traveler from our States. This new island -domain of ours is but little known to the majority of us, but when its -picturesqueness, and its mild climate, become a matter of publicity, -Porto Rico is bound to become the Mecca for thousands of American -tourists, in search of health and pleasure. - -From the number of letters received, I am led to believe that "Gun and -Sled" was well liked by my readers. If this is so, I sincerely trust -that the present volume does not fall below the other in merit. - - CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. A Storm Off Shore 7 - - II. The Man from the Wreck 16 - - III. Something about a Great Treasure 23 - - IV. A Compact of Importance 29 - - V. An Adventure in St. Augustine 36 - - VI. Into the River and Out 44 - - VII. Saving the Train 51 - - VIII. A Fire at Sea 64 - - IX. Fighting the Flames 73 - - X. A Swim not Likely to be Forgotten 80 - - XI. The Club Arrives at San Juan 87 - - XII. Prisoners of Nature 95 - - XIII. The Wayside Inn 102 - - XIV. The Man in the Room 109 - - XV. A Lively Fight with a Serpent 115 - - XVI. The Exposure of the Midnight Visitor 122 - - XVII. In which Danny is Rescued 130 - - XVIII. Strangers in Camp 137 - - XIX. Lost in the Forest 144 - - XX. An Unpleasant Talk 152 - - XXI. The Search for the Spanish Treasure 159 - - XXII. Into the Bowels of the Earth 167 - - XXIII. A Hurricane on the Mountain 174 - - XXIV. The Chamber of Bones 181 - - XXV. The Tablet of Stone 188 - - XXVI. Looking for the Camping Outfit 195 - - XXVII. Joseph Farvel Makes a Move 201 - - XXVIII. Bob is Taken Prisoner 208 - - XXIX. A Friend in Need 215 - - XXX. Finding the Spanish Treasure 222 - - XXXI. A Dangerous Tumble 229 - - XXXII. What Became of Dick 235 - - XXXIII. Good-Bye to Porto Rico—Conclusion 243 - - - - - Young Hunters In Porto Rico. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - A STORM OFF SHORE. - - -"What do you think of the weather, Bob?" - -"It looks like a storm, Dick, and a heavy one, too." - -"Exactly my idea. I wonder how far we are from the lighthouse?" - -"I can't say. Jacob!" - -"What is it, Master Robert?" - -"How far is it to the lighthouse?" - -The old Yankee sailor at the wheel of the Dashaway rubbed his grizzled -chin and cast his eyes about before replying. - -"I reckon as how it is about two miles or so," he said, with -deliberation. "We have been running putty lively, you know." - -"Do you imagine we can make it before that blow comes up?" asked Dick -Wilbur, anxiously. "We don't want to lose a stick out here." - -"We can do our best, sir. But we've got to work for it, for the wind is -going down fast." - -"I see that, Jacob. Hadn't you better throw her over a point or two?" - -"I'll throw her over all she'll stand," answered Jacob Ropes, as he -moved the handles of the brass-bound and highly polished steering wheel -of the yacht. "Don't you think we had better lower the mainsail?" - -"I think a couple of reefs will be enough—for the present," replied Dick -Wilbur. "We can get the canvas in on the run when it freshens up." - -At this old Jacob Ropes shook his head doubtfully, but as Dick Wilbur -was commonly looked upon as the leader in the present outing, he said -nothing in opposition. Both Dick Wilbur and Bob Hobart sprang to the -halyards, and soon the mainsail was set to the former's satisfaction. -The topsail had already been stowed away, and now the jib was likewise -made safe. - -The Dashaway had been cruising off the shore of the Carolinas for the -best part of a week. She was as trim and substantial a yacht as one -could meet anywhere, and had been built especially for Dick Wilbur's -uncle by a firm of ship constructors who made a specialty of this class -of work. She was long and narrow—yet not too narrow for safety—and while -her mast was a towering one, the ballast of lead in her keel was -sufficient to render her sailing qualities good even in a heavy blow. - -In a former story, entitled "Gun and Sled," I told how four boys, Dick -Wilbur, Bob Hobart, Don Harrison and Leander Carson organized the Gun -and Sled Club, and went off on a long winter outing on Snow-Top Island. -They were accompanied by Danny Guirk, a poor but merry-hearted Irish -lad, who did all sorts of odds and ends of work for them, and amid snow -and ice the club went gunning, fishing, ice-boat sailing and the like to -their hearts' content. - -When the lads returned to their homes in Waterford, it was decided by a -unanimous vote to make the club a permanent one, and the snow still lay -on the ground while they were planning for their outing during the -coming summer. - -At first it was decided to go up the lake upon which the village was -situated, again, for another trip to the island where they had had so -much sport; but the departure of Dick Wilbur's uncle for China caused a -change in their plans. Dick was named after this relative, and before -going away, Mr. Richard Wilbur gave to his namesake the Dashaway. - -"I am sure you will appreciate the gift, my boy," had been his words. -"Have the best of good times on the craft, but take care that you don't -get drowned." - -My young readers can well imagine how delighted Dick was over this gift. -The youth was now president of the club, and it instantly came into his -head to invite the members to take the contemplated outing on board of -the yacht. "And I'll take you anywhere that you want to go," had been -Dick's concluding remark on making the offer. - -The proposition was accepted as quickly as made, and then came the -question of where they should go. Waterford lay a good many miles from -the ocean, but an easy passage could be had by means of several lakes -and a broad river, and it was finally decided that they should spread -the Dashaway's white wings on the broad Atlantic, for a sail down the -coast to Florida. - -This was to be a long trip from home, and it was felt by the boys' -parents that some older person should go with them. Squire Hobart, Bob's -father, knew old Jacob Ropes well, and knew he was a first-class sailor, -and it was this Yankee who was hired to do the main sailing of the yacht -and keep a watchful eye over the lads. Old Jacob was as good-hearted a -tar as could be found anywhere, and it did not take long for him and the -members of the club to become warm friends. - -"I don't think we are going to have any fishing to-day," remarked -Leander Carson, as Dick came forward to where he and Don Harrison sat, -near the companionway. - -"I don't believe we're going to have any for several days, Leander," -answered Dick, as he again surveyed the clouds. - -"We're in for a big storm—I'm certain of it," came from Don. "If we— -There goes Danny's gong!" - -A loud beating of a wooden spoon on a tin platter had broken in on his -speech. Now there appeared above the companionway steps the face of a -chubby Irish lad wearing a big apron and a four-cornered cook's cap. - -"All hands be afther comin' down fer dinner!" cried the young cook of -the club. "An' don't waste no time or dem apple dumplin's will all be -cold," he added. - -"All right, Danny, we'll be down," answered Dick. "I can tell you what, -boys, this sailing around gives a fellow a tremendous appetite." - -"As if there was ever anything the matter with your eating apparatus," -laughed Bob. "But say, Danny's bluefish does smell immense, doesn't it?" -he went on, and was the first to slip down into the small but elegant -cabin of which the Dashaway boasted. The others immediately followed, -and soon all were feasting on the spread the Irish lad had prepared for -them. - -"Danny, I'll recommend you to the Waldorf-Astoria if ever I get to New -York," observed Bob, as he paused, with a cob of green corn in his -hands. "As a cook you're getting to be A No. 1." - -"I don't want no recommendation," returned the Irish lad, blushing. -"It's good enough fun fer me to be waiting on dis crowd." - -"And how do you like the ocean, Danny?" questioned Leander. - -"De ocean is all right—if only it would stop rollin' once in awhile. -Sometimes I'm afther t'inkin' I'm goin' ter turn inside out, dat's all," -and Danny hurried off to the galley fire to bring on the dessert. - -"I wonder if we'll have any such adventures on this trip as we had up to -Hotchkiss and Snow-Top Islands," remarked Leander. "Don't you remember -those bears, and how we got lost in the blizzard, and all that?" - -"I don't believe we'll meet any bears out here," said Bob, solemnly, as -he turned his gaze to the ceiling. He was bound to have his joke -whenever he got the chance. - -"Oh, stow it, Bob, you know what I mean. Of course we can't meet bears -on the ocean, but we might meet a—a, whale, or a waterspout, or -something like that." - -"And instead of a blizzard we might meet a gale that would send us to -the bottom," put in Leander. "That would just suit you, wouldn't it?— -just for the excitement." - -"I sincerely hope we don't have any trouble," began Dick, seriously. -"All I ask for is a pleasant trip, with good fishing and fine bathing, -and maybe a little hunting, when we reach the Florida shore." - -By this time the apple dumplings had been brought on, and for several -minutes the conversation lagged, as the boys paid strict attention to -the dainties with their appetizing sauce of butter and sugar. The -dumplings were scarcely finished when there came a shrill whistle from -the deck. - -The sound proceeded from a whistle which old Jacob was in the habit of -using when he wanted to call one and another, and they happened to be -out of calling distance. Rushing up the companionway, Dick gave one -glance at the heavens and saw the reason for the summons. Half of the -sky was literally black with clouds of wind and rain, and already behind -the Dashaway could be seen the angry white-caps, growing larger and -coming closer each instant. - -"All hands on deck, and be quick about it!" he yelled. "Jacob, hadn't -Leander better take the wheel?" - -"Yes, and lose no time," answered the Yankee sailor, and as Leander -relieved him, he ran forward with the other boys and began to stow away -the mainsail. In the meantime Danny received orders to fasten down the -hatch and close up all of the portholes. - -"We're in for it, beyond a doubt," said Dick, as the breeze struck the -yacht with increasing force, tearing savagely through the riggings and -causing Don to shudder. The rain now began to fall, and all of the club -members, and old Jacob donned their oilskins. - -"We can't make the harbor now," announced the old Yankee. "If we tried -it, we may run on the rocks and be smashed to pieces. We'll have to run -out." And he threw the yacht over, something that made her dip -considerably, and which sent more than one wave rushing over her bow. - -The wind now commenced to shriek dismally, and the darkened sky was lit -up with distant flashes of lightning, invariably followed by long, low -rumbles of thunder. - -"I can't see de use uf runnin' into dat storm," piped up Danny Guirk. -"If I was runnin' t'ings I'd steer fer de land, dat's wot I would do." - -"You be careful, or you'll go overboard—" began Bob, when a yell from -Dick interrupted him. - -"Here it comes, boys! Hold hard, all of you! My, but isn't it a corker!" - -A ripping crack of thunder and a blinding flash of lightning drowned out -the last of his words, and then the very heavens appeared to open, to -let down a deluge of water that threatened to swamp the gallant yacht. A -hurricane of wind followed, and the waves lashed and pounded the craft -upon every side. - -"By gum!" came suddenly from old Jacob. "Did any of ye see thet, boys?" - -"See what?" demanded Don and Dick in a breath. - -"The small boat over to starboard. She was bottom side up and somebody -was a-clingin' to her!" - - - - - CHAPTER II. - THE MAN FROM THE WRECK. - - -All on board the Dashaway were intensely interested in the discovery old -Jacob had made. - -"You are sure you saw the small boat?" questioned Dick. - -"I didn't see a thing," declared Don. - -"Nor did I," added Leander. - -"I saw the boat right enough, lads," returned the old Yankee tar. "It -was out there," he pointed with his long forefinger. "Look! look!" - -Another flash of lightning had lit up the firmament, making all as -bright as day. Not fifty yards from the Dashaway all beheld an upturned -rowboat, just rising to the top of one of the long ocean swells. To one -end of the tiny craft a man was clinging desperately. It was possible -that he was crying for help, but if so, the uproar of the storm drowned -out his voice completely. - -"Dat fellow will be lost sure!" burst out Danny Guirk. "Poor man, he -must feel awful!" - -"We must try to save him," came from Dick. - -"That's true," said Don. "But how?" - -[Illustration] - -"I don't see what we can do, with such a sea running," added Leander. -"If we get much closer we'll run him down." - -"We can go a little nearer, and then we can try to throw him a rope with -a life preserver attached," concluded Dick. - -To attempt to do more than keep the yacht headed in the teeth of the -gale was a hazardous undertaking. Yet all on board the Dashaway realized -that a human life was in peril, and that some risk must be run in order -to effect a rescue, were such a thing possible. - -"I can't see him now," said old Jacob, as the lightning seemed to -subside for the time being. "It's as black as night." - -"Let us fire up with a Bengal light," suggested Leander, and ran off for -the article. Soon it was spluttering in the rain, but brightening up the -scene about them for several hundred feet. - -"Help! help!" came faintly to their ears, as the Dashaway drew closer to -the upturned rowboat. "Don't leave me to perish! Help!" - -"Catch the life line!" roared Dick, and whirling the article over his -head, he let fly with all the strength and skill at his command. - -It was a clever throw, the line shooting over the middle of the small -boat and the life preserver hitting the water just beyond. The castaway -caught hold of both, but hesitated about letting go of the rowboat that -had so far saved him from a watery grave. - -"Haul in, all of you!" cried Dick. "I'll stand at the rail with this -boathook and try to keep him from being pounded on the yacht's side." - -The young leader's instructions were obeyed, and slowly but surely the -upturned boat and its occupant came closer. But then came a huge wave, -and man and boat parted company and disappeared from view. - -"Hold tight!" screamed Dick, as the man reappeared, and then he reached -down with the boathook, and in a twinkle the rescued one came sprawling -on the deck, while Dick slipped flat on his back. - -The rescue had taken place none too soon, for now the storm increased in -fury, and old Jacob lashed himself to the wheel, while ordering all of -the others below. - -"He has fainted," said Leander, as he knelt over the man who had been -saved. "Let us carry him below;" and this was done. In the cabin the -stranger was made as comfortable as possible and stimulants were -administered; but it was a long time before he either spoke or moved. - -The storm lasted all of the afternoon and the greater part of the night, -and nobody thought of going to sleep. - -"If you wanted an adventure, Leander, I guess you are getting it," -remarked Don, grimly. "This is worse than that blizzard. I'll be -thankful if we get out of this with whole skins." - -"Dis is de greatest storm I ever seed," put in Danny. "If de boat shakes -much more, everyt'ing in de crockery line will be gone to smash, dat's a -fact," and he rolled off to secure his dishes and pans from such a -catastrophe. Several dishes and glasses were wrecked, but not as many as -Danny imagined. - -The man who had been rescued was a heavy-set individual of twenty-five -or thirty years of age, and Dick rightfully guessed that he was an -Englishman. He had been struck on the head, and it was found that a -nasty cut must be plastered up and then bound with a cloth. - -"Poor fellow, he has certainly had a hard time of it," observed Don. -"I'm glad we managed to save him." - -"And so am I glad," returned Dick. "I'll wager he'll have a story worth -telling when he gets around to it." - -"Yes, I have a tale worth telling," came with a gasp from the sufferer; -but having opened his eyes for a moment, he closed them again, and said -nothing more for fully half an hour. - -The fury of the storm had caused the Dashaway to move far out to sea, -and when, at eleven in the morning, old Jacob announced that all danger -was over, they calculated that it would take them twenty-four hours and -more to reach Savannah, whither they had been bound for some extra -ship's supplies. - -"I don't care—so long as we have enough eating to last us," was Dick's -comment. "I'm happy to escape with my life." - -"And I am happy to think that we have been the means of saving somebody -else," put in Don. - -Both had gone on deck to see what old Jacob had to say about their next -movement. They returned to the cabin to find the rescued man stirring -again. - -"You have saved my life, lads," were his first words. "I shall never -forget you for that, never!" and he put out his hand feebly, for one and -another to press. - -"Did you fall overboard from some boat?" questioned Dick, kindly. - -"I did—that is, I am not quite sure," was the measured answer. - -"You are not sure?" repeated Don, with a puzzled look. - -"No, I am not quite sure. I was standing by the steamer's rail and the -ship was pitching terribly. Suddenly I was lifted off my feet—how I -cannot tell—and then I found myself pitching headlong into the water. It -is strange! strange!—" And the man drew a long breath. - -"Do you mean to say that you think somebody might have pitched you into -the ocean?" cried Dick. - -"I am sure of nothing, my lads. But—but—there was one man on board the -Advance who would not have been above heaving me overboard, were the -chance given to him." The sufferer looked around curiously. "You have -saved my life; I don't know but that I may as well tell you my secret." - -"We would certainly like to hear your story," returned Leander, bluntly. - -"Then I will tell it as well as I am able. In the first place, I am an -Englishman, and my name is Robert Menden. Less than two weeks ago I took -passage on the steamship Advance, bound from Liverpool to Havana, Cuba. -I wished to sail direct for Porto Rico, but could not obtain the -passage, so took what I considered the next best thing. You know it is -easy to get passage to any of the West Indies from Havana." - -"Yes, I know that," returned Dick. "Havana is quite a center of trade." - -"I was bound to Porto Rico in search of a fortune, which I heard of -quite by accident while I was travelling in Spain nearly a year ago. On -board the Advance was a man who knew my secret. He was an old enemy of -mine, and I cannot get it out of my head but that he helped me -overboard, not only to get rid of me, but also that he might secure the -treasure for himself." - - - - - CHAPTER III. - SOMETHING ABOUT A GREAT TREASURE. - - -"A treasure!" cried Don, as Robert Menden paused, to partake of some -soup which Danny had brought to him. - -"Yes, a treasure, lads—a treasure said to be worth twenty or thirty -thousand dollars. Of course, that is not a fabulous sum, but it is -pretty large for a poor Englishman like me, who has never had over two -hundred pounds in his life." - -"It's enough!" cried Dick. "I'd like to pick it up myself." - -"But what kind of a treasure is it?" questioned Leander. "Won't you tell -us more about it?" - -"And about your enemy?" added Bob. - -"I will tell you everything, lads—for I have nothing to conceal, and you -have been very kind to me. But first let me say, that I am at present -totally unable to pay you for what you are doing for me now." - -"We don't want any pay," came from Dick promptly, and the others nodded. - -"As far as I know, I am not worth a dollar in the world, as you -Americans would put it. I had something like eighty pounds in my pocket -when I fell overboard, but my wallet is gone, and here is all I now -possess." And Robert Menden held out a shining shilling and several -English pennies. - -"We'll try to set you on your feet again," came from Bob, who was always -generous to the core. "We are not rich, but we can do something; can't -we, fellows?" - -"To be sure," answered Don. "But won't you tell your story, about your -enemy and that treasure? I declare, it sounds like a book!" and he -smiled broadly. Don had always been a great boy to read stories of -pirates, treasures, Indians, and marvellous boy hunters and trappers. -Yet he had never had his head turned by these bits of thrilling fiction. - -"Well, to begin with, as I said before, I am an Englishman, and was born -and brought up in a village not far from the city of London. Our family -was fairly well-to-do, and for twenty years of my life matters ran -smoothly enough. But then my parents died, and I being alone, moved into -London, and became a clerk in a firearms store. - -"In this store there was another clerk named Joseph Farvel. Joseph was -not of the friendly sort, and he hated me from the start, because he had -expected to get the place I was filling, for a friend of his, who was to -pay him five pounds for obtaining the situation for him. He tried to get -me into trouble, so that I would be discharged and he would have another -chance for his friend, but his little plot against me was discovered, -and he was thrown out in consequence. - -"From that moment on Joseph Farvel was my bitter enemy, and he tried in -several ways to injure me. Finally, I caught him one day in the park and -gave him a sound thrashing, and told him if he ever interfered with me -again I would have him arrested. As long as I remained in London I never -saw him again." - -"And I shouldn't think you would want to see him," put in Dick, as -Robert Menden paused, to partake of the warm soup once again. - -"When I became head clerk for the firearms firm, I was sent to Madrid, -Spain, to look up a certain contract with the Spanish Government for -small arms. In the meantime, Joseph Farvel had secured a position with -another firearms company, and they were also after this contract. We met -in Madrid and another quarrel ensued, but nothing came of it. - -"I secured the contract, and was on the point of returning to England, -when I fell in with an old Spanish sailor who had spent much of his time -in Cuban and Porto Rican waters. I did this fellow several favors, and -in return for this he told me of a treasure said to be hidden away in -one of the great caves of Porto Rico, which are located to the southwest -of Caguas, and five miles west of the village of Aguas Buenas." - -"And what was the treasure?" cried Leander, who sat by, his mouth half -open in wonder. - -"It was a treasure in Spanish gold, said to have been placed in the -cavern by a smuggler, who had journeyed inland after he had found the -coast of Porto Rico too hot to hold him. It was said to be locked up in -a strong cedar chest, and buried under a long, flat stone upon which was -cut a cross and the initials M. M. M." - -"That ought to be easy to find—if you can locate the cave," said Bob. - -"Exactly—if I can locate the cave. But you must remember that, although -the caves of Porto Rico are but little known, the largest of them, -called the Dark Cave, is said to rival your own Mammoth Cave of -Kentucky." - -"Gracious! If it's as big as that, then that's another question," -returned Bob, and his face fell, for he was already thinking of taking a -hand at treasure-hunting himself. - -"I have some fairly good directions as to how to reach the cave," went -on Robert Menden. He cleared his throat. "But I am getting ahead of my -tale. I heard of this treasure in Madrid, and strange as it may seem, -Joseph Farvel heard of it, too. - -"When I returned to London, bad news awaited me. The firm I had -represented had failed, and instead of getting a large sum of money for -my success in Madrid, I was thrown out of employment. Times were hard -and I could not secure another situation, and at last I sailed for -Havana, intending to go from there to Ponce, Porto Rico, and then strike -out into the interior of the island in search of the hidden chest of -gold. - -"You can well imagine my surprise when on the second day out I ran -across Joseph Farvel, who had also taken passage for Cuba. We quarrelled -once more, and he accused me of dogging his footsteps, and of wanting to -get his treasure away from him. I told him I wanted nothing to do with -him and that I reckoned the treasure would belong to the first man who -found it." - -"And so he threw you overboard later on!" exclaimed Leander. "What a -rascal!" - -"I am not certain that he did. I was not feeling well and I was also -very sleepy, and it may be that I fell overboard by pure accident. And -yet I cannot get it out of my mind but that he sneaked up behind me and -gave me a gentle lift and a shove, just as the steamship was swinging to -aid him." Robert Menden paused. "That is my story, and now let me know -what you think of it, and where you are bound, and what you intend to do -with me." - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - A COMPACT OF IMPORTANCE. - - -"It's certainly a strange story," mused Dick, and looked questioningly -at the other club members, and at Danny, who stood at the doorway, -taking in with wide open eyes all that was being said. - -"Sure, an' if I was youse fellers I'd hunt up dat gold!" remarked the -Irish lad. "Twenty t'ousand dollars! Dat's a regular—er—mint, dat is!" - -"It's not ours to hunt up," answered Bob; but he looked at Dick -questioningly, nevertheless. - -"You want to know what I think of your story," said the leader of the -club, addressing the man they had saved. "I think it's a mighty -interesting yarn." - -"And where are you bound?" - -"We were bound for Savannah, to take on some extra ship's stores. But -the storm made us turn out to sea again, and the wind has carried us a -good bit out of our course." - -"It looks to me as if you lads were out for pleasure." - -"You are right. We form an organization known as the Gun and Sled Club. -Last winter we spent a large part of our time in the woods and had -immense fun. This spring my uncle left me this yacht, and we decided to -sail down the Atlantic coast as far as Florida, and then go hunting and -fishing and sporting generally. But I guess it's time we introduced -ourselves;" and Dick proceeded to go through the usual form for all -hands but old Jacob, who was still on deck, in sole charge, now that the -storm was over. - -The introduction and hand-shaking made everybody feel more at home, and -Robert Menden questioned several of them concerning the contemplated -outing. "I presume you will land me at either Savannah or in Florida," -he concluded. - -"Supposing we land you in Porto Rico?" said Bob, with a sudden twinkle -in his eye. - -"Will you do that?" asked Robert Menden, quickly. - -"It's a pretty good sail for the Dashaway," said Bob, thoughtfully. "But -I think it would be all right—if we could make the stores hold out." - -"Hurrah! let us go to Porto Rico!" shouted Leander, who stood by. "I -wanted to say go before, but I hardly dared." - -"Can you go if you want to?" questioned the Englishman, as he gazed from -one to another of the boys. - -"Certainly," said Dick. "We can go where we please, for our time is our -own, and so is our money—what little there is of it. We are not -millionaires' sons, you know," he added, with a smile. "We are working -this outing on as cheap a scale as possible." - -"You are better off than I, who haven't a pound——" - -"But you'll get that treasure—" broke in Don. - -"Perhaps." Robert Menden looked very thoughtful. "Boys, I have a -proposal to make to you." - -"I'm ready for it, and I'll say 'yes' in advance," cried Leander. - -"Then you know what is in my mind," laughed the Englishman. - -"You want us to take you to Porto Rico?" - -"Yes." - -"And want us to help you hunt for that treasure?" - -"If you care to do so. And I will give you a share of what is found." - -"How much?" asked Don, who was breathing hard, and fancied he had the -treasure already in his possession. - -"That is a matter to be talked over. You see, I have lost my money, so -if we all go together, you will have to bear the expenses of the trip." - -"We'll keep the expenses down—we'll have to do it," put in Dick. "What -kind of a bargain are you willing to make?" - -Robert Menden thought for a moment. "I want to go to Porto Rico -immediately, so that I can reach that cave before Joseph Farvel. If you -set sail in that direction without delay, I think we can beat him, even -if he takes a steamer from Havana to Ponce." - -"I guess you are right there," answered Leander. He got out a chart and -studied it for a moment. "At a rough estimate we are now about a -thousand miles from the coast of Porto Rico, while the distance to that -point from Havana, Cuba, is several hundred miles longer." - -"And your enemy may have to lay over several days for a steamer," put in -Bob. - -"If he thinks you are dead he won't hurry," added Dick. "Perhaps he will -stay in Havana for a week or two." - -"That is what I was thinking," resumed Robert Menden. "Yet he is a very -greedy fellow, and he will want to lay hands on that gold just as -quickly as he can." - -"Well, I guess anybody would want to do that," laughed Leander. "Such a -sum of money is not to be sneezed at." - -"I am willing to sail for Porto Rico as soon as we can, but we ought to -have some ship's stores for such a long trip," said Dick. "We have no -fresh vegetables left, so Danny tells me." - -"Well, you must do as you think best about that," answered the -Englishman. "But to get to business, as you Americans would say. If you -will take me to Porto Rico as speedily as you can, and accompany me on a -trip inland to where this cave is said to be located, and will bear all -expenses—making them as little as possible—I will agree to give you -one-quarter of all that is found." - -"A quarter of twenty thousand dollars would be five thousand," said Bob. -"That's not bad." - -"And, remember, the treasure may be worth thirty thousand—or more," put -in Leander. "I move this club take up with Mr. Menden's offer." - -"I second the motion," cried Don, promptly. - -"Ditto!" came from Bob. - -"The motion is put—and carried unanimously," said Dick, almost as -quickly. "Mr. Menden, from henceforth we are at your service, so far as -our means afford and as long as we can keep out of positive danger." - -"Let us put our agreement in writing," suggested Leander, who was going -to have no trip-up in the matter. This was also agreed to, and the tall -youth was set to work on the important document. When it was finished, -both Robert Menden and Dick signed it, and Danny Guirk and old Jacob -added their names as witnesses. - -A long consultation was had, and it was resolved to run for St. -Augustine, on the Florida coast, and there procure such supplies as were -necessary. - -The course of the Dashaway was changed, and the wind being still fresh, -they made good progress. - -"Get your list ready," said Bob, "so we won't have to stay ashore any -longer than is necessary." - -"I'm preparing the list now," answered Dick, who was consulting with -Danny. The Irish boy was in high delight, having been promised a round -hundred dollars extra, should the proposed hunt for the treasure prove -successful. Old Jacob had been put down for a like sum, also to the old -tar's satisfaction. - -The run to St. Augustine proved without special interest. The boys found -Robert Menden a nice companion. The Englishman had not only travelled a -good bit, but had also been a great reader, and he was not above telling -a good story whenever called upon to do so. - -"I had a pretty fair wardrobe," he said, on the morning following the -conversation just mentioned. "But now I haven't anything but what is on -my back." - -"You can look over the things on the yacht," replied Dick. "Some of -them, I think, will fit you—and what else must be had can be purchased -in St. Augustine." - -Since the start from home all of the boys had taken a deep interest in -the yacht, and old Jacob had succeeded in making a fairly good sailor of -each of them. But there were still many things to learn, and now Robert -Menden announced that he would take lessons in seamanship, too. - -"I don't want you to think I am lazy," he said. "I am just as willing to -work as anybody. I expect by the time Porto Rico is reached I'll be a -regular old salt." - -"We can't get to that island fast enough for me," cried Bob. "I'm crazy -to get at that treasure." And he felt like dancing a jig for joy, little -dreaming of all the thrilling adventures and grave perils in store for -the party. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - AN ADVENTURE IN ST. AUGUSTINE. - - -"Hurrah! we are in sight of the coast!" - -It was Dick who uttered the cry, late in the afternoon of the second day -after the conversation recorded above. - -The Dashaway had made a clean run of over a hundred and thirty miles, -and had come in sight of the coast but a few miles above the little -river upon which St. Augustine is situated, about two miles from the -rolling Atlantic. - -Fortunately, old Jacob knew these waters thoroughly, so the run to the -river and up to the ancient Spanish city was not a hazardous one. As -soon as they dropped anchor, all of the boys went ashore and Robert -Menden went with them. - -It was no easy matter to rush through Dick's long orders for stores, but -they did their best, and by two o'clock of the afternoon following, the -yacht was ready for a journey of a thousand miles or more. - -"We won't live on the fat of the land," grinned Dick. "But we won't have -to live on salt meat, either." - -"I don't mind some salt meat," smiled Robert Menden, "but I don't like -too much of it." - -While Dick was superintending the loading of the stores, Don and Bob -strolled off to take a look at the ancient town, which possesses several -points of interest. - -"It's a good deal different from things North," observed Don. "Even the -trees are different. How beautiful the palms are!" - -"I guess we'll see as much of tropical life as we care for when we reach -Porto Rico," replied Bob. "Gracious, but it's warm!" he added, wiping -the perspiration from his brow. - -"And we'll find it hot enough, too," laughed his chum. "That trip to the -interior won't be exactly a picnic, Bob." - -"That's true. But then a fellow can stand something for the sake of -making a lot of money. I wish we had time to stay here a few days. I -would like to go out into the wood with a gun, and see what I could -knock over." - -"Yes, it's a pity we can't have at least one day's fishing and hunting. -But then we must get to Porto Rico before that Joseph Farvel. What a -scamp he must be!" - -"The world is full of such chaps. But if only we can outwit him I shall -be satisfied." - -The walk of the two boys took them to one of the broad highways leading -to the residential portion of the city. - -The highway was lined with carriages coming and going, and bicycles were -likewise numerous. - -"I wouldn't mind a ride on a wheel myself," observed Don. "Those fellows -seem to enjoy it thoroughly," and he pointed to four boys, all in -uniform, who were riding wheels which were peculiarly striped in red, -white and blue. - -"They carry the flag colors," smiled his chum. "They must be patriotic." - -"And what real, live American lad isn't patriotic, Bob?" - -"True for you. If we—Hullo, what does that mean?" - -Bob broke off short and pointed up the broad highway. - -Around a bend a fine carriage had appeared, drawn by a team of coal -black steeds. - -For some reason not now apparent, the team had taken their bits in their -teeth and were running away at topmost speed. - -The turnout had two seats, but its sole occupant was a little girl not -over six or seven years of age—a pale, blue-eyed creature, with yellow -curls streaming down her back. - -"Help! stop the bad, bad horses!" sobbed the little girl, as the tears -of terror ran down her cheeks. - -"By ginger! this is awful!" gasped Don. "That little girl will be thrown -out and killed." - -"Can't we stop the horses?" questioned Bob. "We must do it somehow!" he -added, with sudden determination. - -The chums had been walking along the side of the highway, but now Bob -ran out directly in the path of the oncoming team. - -"Be careful, Bob!" yelled Don, but, nevertheless, he followed his chum, -at the same time pulling off the light jacket he wore over his outing -shirt. - -Bob set his teeth hard. Half a dozen people were yelling at him, but it -is doubtful if he heard a word of the advice. His one thought was -centered on the little girl and what he might do to save the creature. -"I must do it," he muttered. "I _must_!" - -On and on came the team, carriage drivers and bicyclists losing no time -in getting out of the way, so that they themselves might escape injury. -In such a moment, "self-preservation is the first law of nature," to -nine out of every ten human beings. - -Whizz! It was Don's coat that flew forth, just as the team ranged up -almost in front of him. The youth's aim was good, for the garment shot -past the nose of the nearest steed, to land on the head of the second, -thus momentarily checking the mad dash of the pair. - -As the coat came from one side, Bob leaped from the other, clasping the -steed nearest to him around the neck. Then Don's garment slipped to the -highway, and away went the horses again, the reins dangling at their -heels and the carriage swaying violently from side to side, as the -wheels found stone, hollow or rut along the way. - -Fortunately for Bob, his hold was a good one, and pulling up his legs, -the youth was enabled to keep clear of the horse's hoofs, which came up -rather high as he kept to his mad chase. - -"Bob, look out!" came from Don, and then turnout and boy passed out of -hearing of the chum left standing in a cloud of dust, coatless and -hatless, and without knowing what to do next. - -But a short distance away was a side road, much rougher than the main -highway. As the team went on, the horse carrying Bob's weight lagged -slightly behind, and when the side road was reached, both steeds turned -and darted in the new direction. - -By this time poor Bob realized that he had cut out a large piece of work -for himself. He wanted to swing himself up on the animal's back, but for -several minutes was unable to do so. In the meantime the carriage swayed -more violently than ever. - -"Stop the bad horses!" shrieked the little girl, and then arose to her -feet, as if to jump from the carriage. - -"Sit down!" cried Bob, as he caught a brief glance of the little maiden. -"Sit down, or you'll get hurt worse!" - -The girl heard his words, but hesitated about accepting his suggestion. -Bob had now one foot across the horse's back, and with one mighty pull -he hauled himself up on the steed's neck. The animal tried to throw him, -but the youth was game, and a second later had jumped to the rear and -was leaning down, gathering up the reins. - -"Oh, dear me!" gasped the little girl, as she saw him pick up the -leathers. Then came a leap, and Bob landed on the front seat of the -carriage. - -The boy now had the reins, and each was twisted tightly about his wrist. -But could he haul in such a fiery team? It looked doubtful. - -He braced his feet as well as he was able, and hauled back. One horse -had lost the bit, but the other had not, and away went the latter with -renewed energy, which it seemed that nothing could overcome. - -Crack! It was the frail dashboard of the carriage that had given way, -and in an instant Bob's foot went through a hole, which held his leg as -if in a vise. - -"More trouble," was his thought, and he sought to extricate himself from -this new difficulty, but still keeping tight hold of the lines, knowing -only too well that if they slipped down again, the attempted rescue -would be a failure. - -"Please, please stop the bad, bad horses!" pleaded the girl, who -occupied the seat behind him. - -"I will—if I can," panted Bob. "But sit down, or you may be thrown out. -There's a bend ahead." - -The bend was not far off, and Bob still trying to free his leg from the -wreck of the dashboard when the team made the turn so closely that the -carriage went up high on the wheels of one side. For a few seconds it -looked as if the turnout would be thrown over, but it gradually righted -itself, and on they went again, more madly than ever. - -Around the bend, the trees and bushes were thick, and but little could -be seen. Yet presently a sight caught Bob's eyes which fairly made his -heart stop beating. - -They were approaching the river bank fairly and squarely, and in less -than half a minute more the end of the road would be gained. - -"The river!" wailed the little girl. "We will drown!" - -"Not if I can help it!" answered Bob, and pulled on the reins harder -than ever. - -Then came a snap, as one of the reins parted close to the boy's hand, -and over he tumbled to the side of the seat, leaving the team, -uncontrolled, to dash on to their fate, carrying himself and the little -girl with them. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - INTO THE RIVER AND OUT. - - -"My gracious! what had I best do now?" - -Bob uttered the words mechanically, as with staring eyes he gazed at the -stretch of water which the carriage was approaching so rapidly. He felt -that it would be impossible to stop the team before the river bank was -gained. - -With might and main he sought to loosen his foot. But that member had -caught between a bit of the dashboard and a brace, and was as fast as if -in a bear trap. - -The little girl began to scream, but Bob hardly heard her. Along jounced -the turnout, then came a slight pause, and over the bank went the team, -landing in the river with a loud splash. The carriage followed, and on -the instant the youth found himself under the water. - -It was truly a situation of extreme peril, and it is a wonder that poor -Bob did not lose utter control of himself. But even in that dire hour he -felt that if he would save himself he must have his wits about him. - -As he went under, the horses were forgotten, and bending forward, he -caught the shattered dashboard in both hands and endeavored to wrench it -asunder. - -It was hard work, and as he applied himself to it he felt the carriage -turning, until it was bottom side up. - -"That poor girl!" he thought, and tugged away harder than ever. - -At last came a pull that loosened his foot. It was high time, for his -breath was almost gone and a strange light seemed to flicker before his -brain. Clearing himself of the wreck, he darted upward to the surface. - -"She's gone!" was his thought, as he filled his lungs with the fresh air -which they so much needed. He had saved himself, but his heart was heavy -to think that most likely the little girl had been drowned. - -Suddenly his eyes caught sight of a white object floating some twenty -feet away. He gave a second look and recognized the little girl's dress. - -Fortunately, as my old readers know, Bob was a good swimmer, and without -hesitation he struck out for the floating object. As he came closer he -saw that the little maiden was still conscious. - -"Help me!" she wailed, when she saw him. "Don't let me go down in the -cold water, please!" - -"I will save you," said Bob, firmly. "Here, put your arms around my -neck," and he caught hold of her, for he saw that she was more than -ready to sink to rise no more. - -It was wonderful what trust the little girl imposed upon this youth whom -she had never before met. Bob's face was a thoroughly honest and -reliable one, and youth sometimes reads character better than old age, -doing so by instinct rather than reason. - -The boy had just struck out for shore when there came a shout, and two -bicycle riders appeared, followed by an elderly man on horseback. - -The elderly man was very much excited and waved one hand wildly over his -head. - -"Save Bessie!" he yelled. "Save my daughter!" - -And then dismounting, he attempted to leap into the stream, but one of -the bicyclists held him back. - -"I'll bring her in," called out Bob. - -"Papa! papa!" cried the little girl. "I want my papa!" - -Slowly but surely Bob neared the bank of the river. The elderly man was -close at hand, and the instant he was able to do so he caught his child -by the arm and raised her up. "Thank God!" he murmured hoarsely, and -strained the little one to his breast, while the tears started to his -eyes. - -One of the bicycle riders gave Bob a hand, and almost exhausted, the lad -was drawn up to a place of safety. He tried to stand up, but could not, -and sank down on the sward. - -In the meantime the horses had come up and were plunging wildly, close -to the wreck of the carriage. Both were on their sides, but presently -one raised himself to a swimming position and struck out for the shore, -dragging his mate and the wreck after him. - -The bicyclist, who up to this point had done nothing, now ran forward, -and as the horse came closer he caught the animal by the curb, and soon -both steeds were safe, although each was bruised by hoof strokes -received from the other. - -"Your horses are all right now," said the wheelman, as he cut the team -loose from the carriage, and tied them fast to a nearby palm tree. The -carriage was fastened to the river bank. - -"Never mind the horses—it is my child I was thinking of," responded the -elderly man. He turned to Bob. "Young man, you have done me a great -service—a very great service, indeed." - -"Bessie is all wet," put in the little girl. "And so is that boy, papa. -We want dry clothing." - -"Yes, yes, child, you shall go back to the hotel directly. But first I -must reward this brave young man for what he has done." - -"Thank you, but I am not looking for a reward, sir," answered Bob, -frankly. "I am glad that I was able to be of assistance." - -"You are as generous as you are brave; I can see that. May I ask your -name?" - -"Robert Hobart; although all my friends call me Bob." - -"My name is Garrison Grey, and this is my only child, Bessie. I am glad -to know you, Robert, and I'll not forget you; rest assured of that. Do -you live here?" - -"Oh, no; I'm from a place away up North, and just came in on a yacht -with some of my friends. We are off on a summer cruise to Porto Rico." - -"Porto Rico! Why, I am in business in that island," cried Garrison Grey. - -"Then perhaps we'll meet in Porto Rico," returned Bob. - -"That is true; and if we do, rest assured that I will do what I can to -entertain you. I live and do business in Ponce, and here is my card," -and Mr. Grey handed over the pasteboard, which showed that he was in the -wholesale coffee business. - -By this time Don came up on a run, anxious to know the result of the -runaway. - -"It was an adventure and no mistake," he observed, after he had been -introduced and Bob had told his tale. "As soon as I caught sight of the -river I was afraid you had all been drowned." - -Mr. Grey was stopping at the Grand Hotel, and he insisted that the two -boys accompany him to the place, and be introduced to his wife. Then he -followed Bob and Don down to where the Dashaway was taking on the last -of her stores, and was invited on board. - -"Certainly a fine craft," he observed, as he was taken around. "She -ought to stand the trip to Porto Rico very well. What place do you -expect to stop at first?" - -"We haven't decided that point yet," answered Dick. - -"Well, don't forget to come to Ponce sooner or later. I will be at home -very shortly—as soon as my business in St. Augustine is finished. I am -going to take several friends with me." - -In less than an hour the anchor of the yacht was pulled up and the sails -set, and off they glided down the smooth river, Garrison Grey waving -them an adieu from the dock. - -"A fine man," mused Bob. "I hope we do meet again." - -"We'll have to stop at Ponce before we leave the island," answered -Leander. - -And so they parted with the coffee merchant, little dreaming of the -curious future meeting in store for the merchant and themselves. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - SAVING THE TRAIN. - - -For several days the weather proved delightful, and as the wind was -strong and steady the Dashaway made rapid progress. - -All felt in the best of spirits, and with fishing and telling stories -the time passed as quickly as could reasonably be expected. - -The boys soon learned that Robert Menden was a great story-teller, and -never tired of sitting around him when he was spinning one of his yarns. - -One day they were talking of bicycle riding, when the young Englishman -shook his head slowly. "No more riding for me," he said. "I have had -enough and to spare of it. I once came close to losing my life in -England through it—when I was out with a friend named Rexwell. I'll -never forget that adventure." - -"Tell us of it!" shouted several of the boys at once; and sitting in a -cozy corner of the deck, Robert Menden told his story as follows: - -"Rexwell and I were two days out from Orelle in the heart of England. We -were following the smooth, winding road which leads from Paxton to -Riley's, and which crosses the K. T. & B. railway at half a dozen or -more points. - -"Rexwell had proposed the bicycle tour, as being different from the -ordinary run of outings, and as I was on the lookout for excitement of -any sort, I eagerly agreed to join him in a trip to last the best part -of a week, never dreaming of all that was to follow in the shape of a -close shave from death. - -"We both rode our favorite wheels, which, fortunately, were of the same -make, thus doing away with the possibility of any dispute regarding the -superiority of either. To our handle bars we had strapped a decidedly -limited amount of baggage; our pocketbooks were sufficiently filled to -meet all wants in that direction, and as both of us were in the best of -health and free from worldly care, we went speeding along the highway in -the best of spirits. - -"'Sixteen miles to Midland Cut,' sang out Rexwell, as he slowed up at a -guideboard placed where a wagon trail crossed the road. 'We ought to be -able to make that by supper time with ease.' - -"'It looks to me as if there was a hill back of yonder woods,' I -replied, as I took a long look ahead. - -"'It can't be much of a climb, or we would see it over the treetops, -Bert. We'll soon know,' he went on, as he forged ahead by an extra -spurt, giving me some quick work on the pedals to catch up to him. - -"It was a little after four in the afternoon, or evening, as the -residents of some localities termed it. The fore part of the day had -been somewhat oppressive, the usual southwest breeze having died down by -ten o'clock, leaving the glaring sun its full sway. Now I noticed a -dense mass of clouds creeping and rolling up from over to our right, and -drew Rexwell's attention to it. - -"'By Jove! that looks as if we were going to have a storm, Robert,' said -he. 'Those clouds are rolling up fast, too. We must strike shelter -before we get wet to the skin.' - -"We crossed the polished tracks of the railroad and descended into the -woods. The road was not sufficiently used to clear it of its overhanging -branches, which more than once struck us in the face as we bowled along. -Before the heavy growth was passed, the sun was obscured, and we heard -the distant roll of thunder. - -"We pressed on faster than ever, only to find ourselves at the foot of -an extra steep hill, at the entrance to another dense patch of timber. -Here the way was rather soft, and we were glad enough, after a few -minutes more of riding, to leap down and trundle our wheels beside us. - -"Pat, pat, pat, patter, patter! It was the rain, striking the leaves -overhead, and soon some came down upon our heads. Up at the top of the -hill was an opening, and there the drops seemed to be coming down in a -deluge. The thunder now increased, accompanied by occasional flashes of -lightning. - -"'We're in for it, old man,' said Rexwell, dismally. 'What had we best -do? seek shelter among the trees?' - -"'If you're not afraid of being struck by lightning,' I replied; and -then the pair of us made a break to where a clump of trees stood, their -branches tightly interlaced. This spot reached, we crouched down in a -hollow, and I brought out my rubber blanket and made of it an apology -for a tent, by throwing it over our bicycles. - -"Hardly had we become settled than we heard the sounds of horses' hoofs -on the road. Looking forth we beheld four horsemen dash into view. All -were drenched with rain and one was muttering savagely at his ill-luck. - -"'Come on in here, boys; we can stay under the trees until the worst is -over,' we heard the leader of the quartet remark; and he turned in not -fifty feet from where we crouched. 'Ricketts, be sure and keep that -dynamite dry,' he added, to the man who had been doing all the -grumbling. - -"'Oh, that's all right—I wish I was as dry,' responded Ricketts. 'Hang -such a night as this is going to be!' - -"'You're crazy, man, to grumble,' put in a third of the party. 'Why, we -couldn't have it better. The railroad people will never be able to -follow us.' - -"'That's all you know about it, Larson. Mud leaves an ugly trail,' -growled Ricketts. 'Ain't that so, Shorer?' - -"'We can follow the creek from Weemer's, and that will throw 'em off the -scent,' responded the leader. 'All we'll have to do is to stop the train -this side of Blowfen's instead of the other. By the way, keep your ears -open for Jamison and the others. We don't want them to go below -Blowfen's by mistake.' - -"'I'm watching, all right,' said Larson. 'Ain't he got my gun?' - -"'Yes, and Lewis promised to bring me some .42 cartridges, too,' said -Ricketts. 'Refley sold me a lot of .38's by mistake. When will the -express get to Blowfen's?' - -"'Eight-fifteen, or thereabouts. We must be on the watch at eight,' came -from the leader of the quartet. 'And I want every one of you to do the -right thing. If you don't, that twenty thousand will slip through our -fingers, and we may get our necks stretched instead.' - -"A clap of thunder broke off the conversation at this point, and when -the reverberations rolled away, it was not resumed. The horsemen had -gathered under some trees to the right of us, and now occupied their -time in watching for their comrades and in examining the arms and other -traps which they carried. - -"I had listened to their talk in rising horror, and the clutch Rexwell -took upon my arm told me plainly that he was not less affected. As the -thunder died away, he whispered hoarsely into my ear: 'Train wreckers!' - -"I looked at him and nodded. 'They are going to wreck the express -to-night, too,' I added in a whisper. - -"'We must stop them.' - -"Yes, that was plainly our duty. But how was the deed to be -accomplished? We were only two to four, or more, and our small pocket -arms would prove of small value should we expose ourselves and provoke a -'mix-up.' - -"'That Shorer is the notorious train wrecker from Scotland,' said -Rexwell. 'There is a reward up for his capture, I think.' - -"'Let's effect his capture, and collar the reward,' I cried eagerly. - -"'Hush, Robert! Collar the reward! If they found us here they wouldn't -hesitate to fill us full of holes. That Shorer is as cold-blooded as -they make them.' - -"'If we could get away without being seen, we might ride back to -Wheatland and inform the authorities.' - -"'Providing we could get there before the express goes through.' - -"'To do that, we'll have to get out at once.' - -"A noise on the road made us break off. The rest of the train wrecker's -gang were coming up—six stalwart and bronzed men, each on a powerful -horse, and all heavily armed. The ten horsemen made an imposing -cavalcade. - -"Silently I took down the rubber blanket and rolled it up, strapping it -fast in its place. Seeing this, Rexwell felt of his machine and examined -the pedals and running gear. - -"'Follow me,' I whispered; and lifting my bicycle from the hollow, I -darted behind the clump of cottonwoods, and hurried through the woods in -a direction parallel to the highway. My chum came close behind me. -Inside of ten minutes we were several hundred feet away, and then we -turned into the road, mounted to our saddles, and pedalled down the back -track as rapidly as our weary legs and the state of the muddy highway -would permit. Once we fancied we heard a shout from behind, but we never -looked back and nothing followed. - -"It was still raining; not as heavily as before, but still sufficiently -to reach our skins and render us far from comfortable. The wet bushes -and tree branches slashed in our faces, and twice both of us ran into -hollows and took nasty headers. But we minded nothing of it all, our one -thought being to get to Wheatland ahead of the express. If we failed, we -could well imagine what dreadful consequences would follow. If any one -was killed in the hold-up, we would consider ourselves little short of -being murderers. - -"On, on, and still on we sped, the cold perspiration mixing with the -rain on our necks and faces, our hearts beating wildly and our breath -coming heavily. We were fagged out, yet we must keep on and cover the -fourteen miles which still lay between us and the nearest stopping place -of the express on the K. T. & B. railway. - -"As we reached the top of a hill and sped like rockets down the opposite -slope, Rexwell forged ahead in a truly reckless fashion. I had just -started to call to him to be careful, when I heard a crash, saw his -machine bounce up in the air, and he went sailing into a lot of brush. -Luckily I avoided the rock he had struck, and slowing up as quickly as -possible, I dismounted and went to his assistance. - -"The wind had been knocked out of him, but no bones were broken, and -when I reached his side he was struggling to rise, his face and hands -scratched in a dozen places, from which the blood streamed freely. - -"'How's my bike?' were his first words; and I picked the machine up, to -discover the front tire collapsed and the wheel twisted in two places. - -"'That settles it; I can't ride any further to-night,' he groaned. -'You'll have to go it alone, Robert.' - -"'And leave you?' I answered, quickly. - -"'Yes, why not? I can take care of myself. I'll get to Wheatland -somehow, by morning. Or you can send a horse and wagon out to meet me. -Now, hurry up.' - -"It would have been useless to argue with Rexwell, even had I felt -inclined to do so, which was not the case; so with a cheering word, I -went on alone through the wet and the gathering darkness. - -"It was a solitary ride I shall never forget. I stopped once at the foot -of a second hill, to light my lamp, and that was the only time I -dismounted until I wheeled into the outskirts of Wheatland, panting for -breath, my eyes bulging out of their sockets from the tremendous strain -to which they had been subjected in the gloom, and my legs aching so -greatly that I could scarcely stand upon them. - -"'Show me the nearest way to the depot,' I cried to the first person I -met; and receiving the directions, sped on through the mud until the end -of the long platform was reached. With awful distinctness I heard the -clear whistle of an incoming locomotive, and heard the clanging of the -bell. It was the express sliding into the station. I fairly tumbled from -my bicycle and lumbered forward as the long train slowed up. The -engineer was looking back from his seat in the cab, as I came closer and -called to him: - -"'For heaven's sake, don't go ahead yet!' I gasped. 'You'll be wrecked -if you do.' - -"'What's that?' he cried, and as I repeated my words he leaped down and -caught me by the arm. I was soon surrounded by a crowd, consisting of -the engineer, fireman, conductor and half a dozen of the train and -station hands. Everyone listened to my story with close attention. - -"'Hank Shorer means to keep his word,' said the engineer. 'He vowed four -years ago to do me and the express. Where's the head constable?' - -"The officer was not at hand, but soon a posse of men from town were -marshalled together under the leadership of the conductor, a man of -fifty, with an iron will and, so I was told by an outsider, one who -could shoot as straight as anybody in the country. - -"Tired out as I was, I still could not resist the temptation to board -the train as a passenger, after sending a man with a wagon back for -Rexwell. - -"We pulled out of the station with exactly twenty-six armed men on -board. In the cab were the engineer and the fireman, each with a rifle -at his elbow. It was still raining, although not as heavily as before. - -"Down the glistening tracks pounded big No. 657, which had drawn the -express for three years. Women and children had been left behind, and -the face of each man bore a look of determination and alertness. They -meant to teach the train wreckers a severe lesson, and, if possible, -break up the notorious gang which had terrorized the country for many -months. - -"The flash of a red light ahead! It was the signal to halt. The engineer -set his teeth. One hand went to the lever, the other to the gun. The -struggle was at hand. The long train slowed up, and came to a halt fifty -feet ahead of the spot where the danger signal had been seen. - -"'Up with your hands there!' came the command from two masked men, who -leaped aboard the tender and faced those in the cab. At the same instant -the remainder of the gang surrounded the train and began to board the -cars. - -"A single shot rang out, followed by a dozen reports. Then came groans -and more shots. - -"'We've been betrayed!' yelled a voice from beside the coach in which I -stood. 'Make for the hosses, boys!' - -"It was the voice of Shorer. Hardly had he uttered the command, than the -conductor of the train took careful aim at the man and pulled the -trigger of his heavy rifle. There was a shriek, a half-leap into the -misty air, and the career of the most notorious train wrecker in that -section was closed forever. - -"I was not left undisturbed. At the beginning of the encounter a bullet -had shattered the window glass beside me. In return for this I used my -own weapon, and succeeded in wounding one of the gang outside, in the -leg. Five others were wounded, and the remainder ran off as fast as they -could to where their horses were tethered in a nearby grove. - -"'To the horses!' cried one of the posse from Wheatland, and a rush was -made for the express coach, in which half a dozen trusty animals had -been brought along. A gangplank was put out, the horses brought forth, -and in less than three minutes the riders were in the saddle and in hot -pursuit of the fleeing criminals. - -"The dead body of Shorer was picked up and taken on board, along with -his wounded comrades. On the run back to town one of the wounded men -died. The others were taken to the county jail. - -"By the time Rexwell arrived, I had cooled off somewhat, although I was -still far from being thoroughly calm. Both of us were surrounded, and we -had to tell our story from beginning to end. - -"By nightfall of the next day the horsemen came back with two additional -prisoners, who were also jailed. The others of the gang escaped for the -time, though I have since heard that they were captured out in Wales. - -"For the part we had played in the memorable incident narrated, Rexwell -and I were well rewarded, both by the railroad and the express company. -But, while the reward was a highly acceptable one, I had no desire for -another such adventure while touring on my wheel." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - A FIRE AT SEA. - - -"Well, that's one of the greatest bicycle stories I ever heard!" cried -Dick, when Robert Menden had concluded. "I reckon those train wreckers -deserved their fate." - -"I don't like to think of the affair, to tell the truth," replied the -Englishman. "For a good many nights after it happened I scarcely slept a -wink." - -"I believe you," put in Leander. "No wonder you gave up wheeling. -Anyway, it isn't as popular in England as it is here, is it?" - -"Hardly; although you see more wheels in England every day," concluded -Robert Menden. - -Old Jacob had listened to the story with as much interest as any of the -boys. "Tell ye what," he said, reflectively, "he kin spin a yarn slicker -nor most sailors kin, an' thet's saying a whole lot," and Dick agreed -with the old tar. - -The next day as the wind died down a bit, the boys went fishing in -earnest. They used several kinds of bait, and were rewarded with several -bass, two bluefish and several other specimens of the finny tribe, all -of which were turned over to Danny. - -"Dat's enough fish fer a week," was the Irish lad's comment. "Ain't dat -bluefish a stunner!" and he held up the catch which had been brought in -on Leander's line. The bluefish was done to a turn for supper, and never -had anything tasted more delicious. - -The boys had brought their faithful old dog, Dash, along, and this -animal came in for a good share of attention. - -"You see, we couldn't think of leaving him behind," explained Dick to -the Englishman. "He went with us on that other outing, and he's as much -a member of the club as Danny or any of us;" and Dash stood by, and -wagged his tail, as if he understood perfectly what was being said. - -"Dash and Dashaway!" laughed Robert Menden. "A good pair, truly;" and he -patted the canine on the back. Dash took this very soberly, for he was -rather slow in making new friends. But once a friend was made, the dog -would stick to him through thick and thin, as Robert Menden found out -later on. - -Old Jacob and the others had studied the chart closely, and a direct -course had been mapped out for San Juan, the capital city of Porto Rico, -situated nearly in the center of the northern coast. This course would -take them close to the great Bahama Bank and past many of the Bahama -Islands. - -"Are you sure you know the course?" questioned Dick of the old tar. "You -know we don't want to be smashed up on some hidden rock." - -"I know every mile of the way," returned old Jacob. "Don't ye fear, lad, -but what I'll git ye through in safety;" and this speech relieved Dick a -good deal, for he understood only too well how dangerous were the waters -they were now sailing. - -As they proceeded on their course, the boys questioned Robert Menden -regarding the location of the caves, one which was supposed to contain -the treasure. - -"They are almost directly south of San Juan," said the Englishman. "The -distance must be twenty or twenty-five miles. I think we can learn all -we want to know on that score when we reach San Juan." - -"Well, we can't get there any too quick for me," put in Bob. "I'm just -crazy to locate that money box." - -"I understand there is a grand military road from San Juan on the north -to Ponce on the south," observed Leander. "The road travels over -mountains over four thousand feet high. More than likely this road -passes near the big caves." - -For two days the wind blew at a lively rate and then toward night it -seemed to die out utterly. They were now down to 24° north latitude, and -the atmosphere was stifling. - -"Finding that treasure is going to be hot work," observed Dick, as he -mixed glasses of iced lemonade for himself and the others. "I reckon -we'll earn what we get." - -"How would you like to sail up to the frozen North?" suggested Leander. - -"Well, we stood the ice and snow all right enough last winter." - -"So we did. But still, I don't mind this so very much." - -By nine o'clock in the evening all hands were ready to retire. But it -was Bob's trick on deck, and after receiving careful instructions from -old Jacob as to how he should keep the yacht headed, he was left to -himself. - -There was no moon, but the sky was clear, and countless stars shone down -upon the polished deck of the Dashaway, so that everything could be seen -quite clearly. - -"Four hours of this will just about do me," thought Bob. He did not wish -to own up to being sleepy, and to keep his eyes open he began to whistle -softly to himself. - -It was nearly eleven o'clock when the whistle died out and the boy gave -a long yawn. Oh, if his trick would only come to an end! He knew that -once in his bunk he would go fast asleep in less than a minute. - -A few minutes more passed, and the tired boy leaned up against the -brass-bound wheel. Then he straightened up and tried to whistle again. -But the note died on his lips and then—he knew no more. - -Bump! The shock awoke everybody on board, but no one quicker than old -Jacob, who slept, as Dick expressed it, "with one eye open." - -"What's the matter?" roared the Yankee tar, as he tumbled on deck, minus -his shoes and the greater portion of his wearing apparel. "By gosh, Bob, -ye air running her on the rocks!" and he ran with might and main for the -wheel. - -The shock had also aroused Bob, but the youth was too bewildered for a -few seconds to do more than stare helplessly about him. - -"Why—er—what—" he began, when the sight of a long line of breakers, -coming over some hidden rocks dead ahead, almost paralyzed him. - -He tried to throw the Dashaway over to starboard and then over to port, -and the consequence of the two movements was to send the craft straight -ahead as before. - -"Down with the mainsail!" roared old Jacob, and took the wheel from Bob. -Then came a second bump, as the yacht slid up in the air over another -rock. By this time all were on deck, only to be thrown headlong in -several directions. - -But each of the party understood that life or death depended upon his -movements, and the mainsail came down with a bang. By this time the -Yankee tar had the Dashaway well over to port, and he kept her hard down -until she seemed to be turning a circle. The water was now boiling all -around them, and a third shock was felt, although this was but a slight -one. - -"Can we get out of it?" whispered Bob. He could scarcely trust himself -to speak. "If we go down it will be my fault!" - -"We can try," returned old Jacob, shortly. "Now help put that mainsail -up again." - -Bob jumped in with a will, and as the canvas filled, a long tack was -made, and the Dashaway proceeded to the south of the angry breakers and -the rocks which had almost lured her to her doom. The boys and Robert -Menden held their breath for fully a minute, when old Jacob announced -that immediate danger was past. - -"How in the name of goodness did ye steer in thar?" demanded the Yankee -tar, when he felt in the humor to speak. "I didn't tell ye to do it." - -"I—I—" Bob hung his head. "I'm afraid I dozed over the wheel, Jacob. I -was terribly tired." - -"Dozed!" roared the old tar. "Bob Hobart, I'm ashamed on ye, thet's what -I am. Dozed! An' the Dashaway going ahead full split, ready to knock the -hull bottom out on the rocks. Dozed! Well, don't ye ever do it ag'in, -thet's all!" - -"I never will, Jacob; rest assured of that," pleaded Bob. "I should have -called somebody." - -"Thet's it." The old tar turned to the crowd about him. "No dozing over -the wheel after this," he said, sternly. "The fust one to do it gits— -gits——" - -"Gets fined five dollars and his dinner," finished Dick. - -"He ought to have the lash," growled old Jacob. "We can't afford to -allow it, nohow." - -And it was several days before he could fully forgive Bob for his -thoughtless action. My young readers can rest assured that no one on -board ever dozed over the steering wheel again, day or night, whether -they were close to shore or many miles out to sea. - -Since throwing in his fortunes with them, Robert Menden had become quite -a seaman, and he was always ready to do any work assigned to him. He -liked to steer, and often took one of the boy's places if that -individual wished to do something else. - -"I was brought up to work," he said; "and this life on the ocean wave -just suits me." - -"I like it myself," smiled Dick. "Still, I can't say that I would care -to tie myself down to a sailor's life." - -"Nor me, for the matter of that. But such a trip as this is very nice." - -Nearly a week slipped by, and they were well on their journey, when -Danny was taken sick. He was not bad enough to be in bed, but still he -went about his work listlessly. - -"I'm afther thinkin' I want a sight o' land," he said, with a sickly -smile. "I wasn't cut out fer no jack tar, not me." - -That night old Jacob was left at the wheel, the Yankee tar having slept -the greater part of the afternoon and evening. It was a blustery night, -yet Dick, who was very tired, went to sleep with scarcely an effort. - -Old Jacob had been left on deck alone less than half an hour, when a -howl from Dash aroused him. The dog came toward him and repeated the -howl, in the most dismal fashion imaginable. - -"What is it, old fellow?" questioned the Yankee. "There is no moon to -bay at. Are ye gittin' sick to keep Danny company?" - -At this the dog set up a worse howl than ever, and then pointed his long -nose in the direction of the galley. Old Jacob looked in the direction -and saw a thin curl of smoke issuing through one of the windows. - -"Jee-rusalem!" ejaculated the Yankee. In a twinkle he had fastened the -wheel and was running to the galley with all speed. As he ran, Dash gave -a loud bark, glad that he had been understood. One glance into the -galley was enough for Jacob Ropes. - -"Fire! fire!" he bawled, with all the strength of his powerful lungs. -"Tumble on deck, boys; the Dashaway is on fire!" - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - FIGHTING THE FLAMES. - - -Old Jacob's loud cries soon aroused everybody. The first person to come -up from below was Don, who looked as pale as a sheet. - -"Is the yacht afire?" he gasped. - -"The galley is," returned the old tar. "We've got to work lively if we -want to save the Dashaway. Come; man the hose pump, while I get some -buckets. And some of ye lower the sails. To run into this wind will only -feed the flames." - -By this time all the others were on deck, even Danny coming up, his head -bound around with a towel. - -"It's in de galley!" he groaned. "I t'ought dat fire was most out!" - -He, too, ran for water, and so did Dick, while Leander and Bob began to -work, first on the mainsail and then the jib, which, in less than two -minutes were safely stowed away, although in a hasty, clumsy fashion. - -Luckily the hose pump was handy, and soon a small stream was pouring -into the galley from the window, the door having in the meantime been -tightly closed, so that the fire might obtain no draught to feed upon. -Then came old Jacob with some extra buckets, and a bucket brigade was -formed by the old tar and Robert Menden. - -It was hot work, and it must be confessed that everybody was thoroughly -scared, feeling that if the fire once got beyond the galley, the yacht -would be doomed. - -"And what will become of us, then?" whispered Dick to Don. "We're -completely out of sight of land." - -"If the wust comes to the wust, we'll fill the small boat with -provisions and take to that," said old Jacob. "But I think we can master -these flames yet." - -The sparks were now pouring from the windows of the galley at a lively -rate, and soon a bright column of flame shot up. - -"Dat's de pot uf grease!" groaned Danny. "I was so sick I didn't t'ink -to put it away." - -He was laboring as hard as any of them, working the hose pump with Don, -who felt ready to drop with exhaustion. - -"I'll go down in the hold and see if it's eating through the floor," -said old Jacob, and disappeared through the hatchway. - -All waited anxiously for what he might have to say. They heard him -crawling about with care. - -"No fire yet," he yelled. "But plenty of smoke. Work lively, an' keep it -up, lads!" And then all hands went at it with renewed vigor. - -Inside of five minutes their labors began to show some effect. The -flames died away and only the thick smoke continued to pour from the -galley. - -"All of you fill your buckets, and then I'll open the door," said Dick, -and his instructions were followed. At the draught a slight flame went -up, but a single douse of water put it out; and then the conflagration -was practically over. - -But neither old Jacob nor any of the others were satisfied, and -procuring a patch of old canvas, the Yankee tar soaked it thoroughly and -then went into the galley alone and beat out all of the remaining -sparks. Then lanterns were lit, and all hands took turns at inspecting -the damage which had been done. - -"It's not so great as I thought," said Dick. "The stove is all right, -and all we'll have to do is to put up some new boarding on the sides and -ceiling. But wasn't it a narrow shave!" - -"That's what it was," answered Don, soberly. "I don't want another like -it." - -"Nor I," added Bob, and Leander shook his head doubtfully. - -"I wonder how it started," was Robert Menden's question. "Danny, can you -explain it?" - -"Sure an' I can't, sur, savin' to say that I was sick, an' maybe I -didn't put the fire out very good, sur;" and Danny looked as if he had -committed the greatest crime on earth. The origin of the fire was never -fully explained, but probably Danny's view of it was correct. - -The fire brought forth another lecture from old Jacob. "Ye can't be too -careful, nohow," he said. "Ye want to see to it thet not a spark is -allowed around. If the Dashaway had been burnt up, like as not most of -us would have lost our lives." - -"I am sure we'll all be careful in the future," said Dick. - -"You kin bet I'll be on me guard, so I will," broke in Danny. "Dat fire -most scared me into a fit, dat's wot it did." - -The nights were now beautiful ones. A cloudless sky and millions of -stars twinkled down upon the polished deck of the Dashaway as she bowled -along before a steady breeze, which old Jacob declared was "jest about -right, any way o' lookin' at it." It was cool, too, for that locality, -and the balance of the trip promised to prove a most delightful one. - -Passing along the Great Bahama Bank to the south of the Andros Islands, -the course had been toward Acklin Island, on the southeast, and then -past Providence Island, straight onward to a course five or six miles -north of the upper coast of Hayti and Dominica. - -"We might stop along the coast o' Dominica," observed old Jacob, one -day, as he surveyed the distant coast line with his long telescope. - -"I wouldn't stop unless it is necessary for stores," returned Robert -Menden. "Remember, we want to get to Porto Rico just as quickly as -possible." - -"We have stores enough to last us to San Juan. I saw to thet afore we -pulled up anchor at St. Augustine." - -"Then we'll go right straight through," decided Dick; and as he was the -owner of the Dashaway, that settled the matter. - -But going right straight through was not such an easy matter as -anticipated. Early on the following day a heavy fog set in, and by noon -it was so thick that one could not see twenty feet ahead. At once old -Jacob ordered the jib taken in, also the topsail, while the mainsail was -closely reefed. - -"This is one o' the wust places in the world fer a fog," was the Yankee -tar's comment. "Afore ye know it if we ain't careful we'll run on a -hidden bank. We must keep a strict watch, and keep the fog horn blowing -until the fog lifts." And this was done, one and another taking his turn -at the big horn until he was tired. Once, about seven o'clock, they -heard an answering horn, which seemed to come closer and closer, but -just as they felt they had good cause for alarm, the sound began to -recede, until it was lost in the distance. - -"This is reg'lar smugglers' weather," said old Jacob. "They love it, for -they can land goods 'most anywhere, without the custom house officials -being the wiser." - -"Did you ever run across any smugglers?" questioned Don, who stood by. - -"I did once—down on the coast o' Maine. They were bringin' in silk from -Chiny, and I helped the revenue officers collar, six o' 'em—strappin' -big fellers, too. Three o' the crowd were shot in the mix-up and one o' -'em died in the hospital from his wounds. It was in that muss that I got -that," and the old sailor pointed to a long scar along his neck. - -"Excuse me, but I want nothing to do with smugglers," shuddered Don. -"They must be a bloodthirsty set." - -"Some o' 'em are, lad—yet they ain't half so bad as the wreckers—the -chaps as sets up false lights along shore to lure a vessel to her doom, -so as they kin loot her. Those are the chaps as ought to be hung, every -mother's son on 'em!" and old Jacob shook his head decidedly. - -It was not until thirty hours had gone by that the fog began to lift, -raised by a gentle breeze which sent the Dashaway on her course as -lively as ever before. - -"Off once more!" shouted Bob. "Hurrah!" and the others joined in the -cheer. It was calculated that two days more would bring them within -eight of Porto Rico, at a point near Manati, a city located directly in -the center of the northern coast, and but a few miles to the westward of -San Juan. - -But once again their hopes were doomed to disappointment. The wind -lasted only until sunrise the next morning, then died out utterly, -leaving the sun to boil down on the deck with more fierceness than it -had shown for some time. - -"Confound the luck!" growled Dick, as he gazed at the idle sails of his -craft. "I wonder how long this is going to last." - -"Why not whistle for a breeze," suggested Bob, slyly. "I've heard that -will fetch it." - -"All right, Bob, you whistle," replied Dick. - -"I'll tell you what I'd like to do," said Don. "I'd like to take a swim -before we go ashore at San Juan." - -"Hurrah! just the thing!" cried Leander, throwing up his cap. "We'll all -go in together!" And he rushed down to the cabin, to don his bathing -trunks. All of the other boys followed, even Danny taking part. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - A SWIM NOT LIKELY TO BE FORGOTTEN. - - -"You want to be on the lookout fer sharks," observed old Jacob, as he -watched the boys' preparations. - -"Gracious! Do you mean to say there are sharks around here?" ejaculated -Leander. - -"I don't see any, but there may be, nevertheless. Howsomever, I'll keep -my weather eye open an' give ye warnin', if I see anything suspicious." - -"I don't want any sharks in mine," put in Don, and hesitated a long -while before entering the ocean. But when he saw the others diving about -and having a good time, he could not resist the temptation to join them. - -It was jolly sport. The water was just warm enough to be pleasant, and -the waves were so light that there was little or no danger of being -pounded against the yacht's sides. They dove and turned somersaults to -their hearts' content, and then Dick proposed a race, and an empty -barrel was thrown out behind the Dashaway. - -[Illustration] - -"Each boy must swim to the right of the barrel and around it," cried out -Robert Menden. "An extra piece of pie to the lad touching the rudder -first on the return. Line up now. All ready?" - -"Yes! yes!" was the cry. - -"Then go!" And away went the five boys, shrieking and laughing wildly, -while Robert Menden and old Jacob watched the sport with keen interest. - -The barrel had floated all of a hundred and fifty feet away, so the race -would be one of over a hundred yards. At first Dick was in the lead, but -gradually Leander crawled up, with Bob, Don and Danny not far behind. - -"I'm goin' to win dis race if I kin!" gasped the chubby Irish lad. "Dat -extry pie is comin' to me, even if I has ter make it meself!" - -"No, Danny, you'll make the pie for me!" laughed Bob, and forged ahead -of all of the others. - -At the turning point Bob led, with Leander, Dick, Don and Danny close -behind. But now Leander began to play out, and at the barrel he paused -for a second to gain his breath. - -And then something awful happened—something that Leander will never -forget as long as he lives. - -Something cold and slimy brushed up against his legs and swiftly -encircled them. - -What the thing was, Leander could not imagine; but the yell he gave -would have shamed an Indian on the war-path. - -"Get out!" were his words, and he tried to kick the thing off; but his -efforts were unavailing, and whatever it was, it drew about his legs -closer and closer and then started to drag him under the surface of the -ocean. - -He yelled again; but his chums were too intent upon winning the race to -pay much attention to him. "Come on, don't lag behind!" called out Dick. -"You may win yet." - -Before anybody noticed that something was wrong, Bob had reached the -rudder post and had won. But now old Jacob was on his feet, and pointing -excitedly to where Leander was clutching at the empty barrel and yelling -at the top of his lungs. - -"Somethin' is wrong with the lad," said the old Yankee tar. - -"Help! help!" screamed the terrified boy. "Something has me by the legs -and is trying to pull me under!" - -"Is it possible!" cried Robert Menden. He turned to the old sailor. -"What can it be?" - -"Don't know—maybe a devil-fish," was the answer. - -"Help! don't leave me to die!" came from Leander. He had slipped from -the barrel, but now he clutched it once more. - -As quickly as he could, old Jacob procured a life line and threw it -toward the lad. - -But the line fell short and Leander gave another scream. - -"Throw me a long knife, and I'll try to help him," said Dick. "He shan't -perish if I can help him." - -"No, no, boy; it may cost you your life," shuddered Robert Menden. "All -of you had better come on board as quickly as you can." - -But none of the members of the Gun and Sled Club would listen to this. -They had stuck together before in extreme peril, and they would do the -same again. - -"Keep up; we are coming!" shouted Dick, and having procured a long -kitchen knife he swam toward Leander with all speed. Soon the others had -armed themselves in a similar fashion and were following. Even faithful -old Dash seemed to realize that something was wrong, and with a loud -splash he, too, went over the yacht's side. - -"They have grit, as you Americans would say," observed Robert Menden. -"What do you think it is?" - -"We'll know in a minit," replied old Jacob, and rushed for a gun. - -By this time poor Leander was utterly exhausted. The thing about his -legs was growing tighter and tighter and pulling downward so heavily -that the barrel to which the boy clung was almost totally submerged. - -"Save me!" he gasped once more. "I'm going down! It's pulling me under!" - -"I'm coming!" answered Dick. "What is it? Can't you make out?" - -"Something slippery and slimy. Oh, save me!" - -"If it was a devil-fish we'd see something of it," thought Dick, and he -dashed in and then under water. In a moment he had hold of Leander's -legs and was slashing away vigorously with his knife—at a mass of -drifting seaweed! - -It was a tough job; but once Dick knew he had not some animal to contend -with, or monster of the deep, he grew calmer, and in a minute more -Leander was free, and the others were helping him back to the yacht. - -Dick brought with him some of the seaweed, which was dark green in color -and covered with a whitish slime which gave one a shiver to touch. - -Poor Leander was too exhausted to stand, upon reaching the deck, and had -to be assisted to the cabin, where he was rubbed down and put to bed. - -All on board examined the seaweed with interest. - -"It's alive; don't ye forgit thet," observed old Jacob. "An' if Leander -hadn't been cut away by Dick, he would have been pulled under, jest as -sartin as if he had been tied to a rope. Sometimes thet seaweed covered -an acre or more of the ocean. I don't know wot the scientific name is, -but us old sailors used to call it Old Nick's hot-bed." - -"And a hot-bed it must make," put in Don. "I don't think I want to go -swimming around here again." - -"The weed winds around anything that it happens to touch, and then it -begins to contract, and that pulls the thing down. Many a poor sailor -has lost his life through foolin' with Old Nick's hot-bed," concluded -old Jacob. - -On the day following, the breeze freshened once more, and the Dashaway -bowled along merrily. Toward evening all hands began to watch for land, -but it did not appear. Yet about nine o'clock in the evening they -sighted numerous lights clustered together almost directly south of the -yacht. - -"Must be the lights of Manati," observed old Jacob; and his surmise -proved correct, and by morning they were running straight for the harbor -of San Juan. - -Now that the end of the long voyage was so close at hand, the boys and -Robert Menden were impatient to go ashore, and the time was spent in -making preparations for the trip to the great caves near Caguas. - -"We may have some difficulty in taking our guns ashore," said Dick. "In -that case we'll have to rely, perhaps, on our pistols." - -"You won't be hunters after game on this trip," smiled Robert Menden. -"You'll be after something of greater value." - -"But we'll have to go armed," put in Bob. "I've heard that Porto Rico is -full of old-fashioned Spanish brigands." - -"There are brigands, but not as many as you perhaps imagine," said the -Englishman. "Our greatest enemy will be Joseph Farvel—if he turns up." - -"And he will surely appear sooner or later," said Don. "We had better be -on our guard against him and any followers he may have picked up." - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - THE CLUB ARRIVES AT SAN JUAN. - - -The Island of Porto Rico boasts of but three cities of importance: San -Juan on the north, Mayaguez on the west and Ponce on the south. The -mountainous country back of the seacoast is dotted with hundreds of -villages and hamlets; but the means of communication from one place to -another are very poor, the best highway being the military road from San -Juan to Ponce, a splendid bit of engineering, which, as previously -mentioned, runs over mountains nearly, if not all, of four thousand feet -high. - -San Juan, the capital, is the principal city, especially so far as -shipping is concerned, for its harbor is one of the best the island -affords. The city contains about 30,000 inhabitants; natives, Spaniards -and negroes, and foreigners from all over the world. It is wedged in -along the shore, between two frowning forts of whitish stone and a long -line of battlements, once kept in good order, but now fast tumbling into -decay. - -In the city itself there are two plazas; one at the city hall and the -other near Fort Christobal—both great meeting-places, in the evenings, -for native dames and maidens, young and old men, and children. It is a -merry crowd, that smokes, sings, dances, listens to the band, and -otherwise amuses itself. - -As the Dashaway came to anchor in the harbor, all the boys viewed the -shore with interest. They could see row after row of the flat, square -houses, set up in long blocks, with narrow and not over clean streets -between. About every second house had its second story project over the -first, and balconies were to be found everywhere, sometimes causing the -street below to be little better than a tunnel. - -"All ashore that's going!" cried old Jacob, and the small boat was -lowered, and the boys and Robert Menden entered, along with their -weapons and other traps, and then the Yankee sailor pulled them to the -nearest dock. - -Here a harbor officer met them, and a long conference ensued. Then the -Dashaway was visited by the San Juan officials and inspected, after -which the craft was assigned to a proper position in the harbor. It was -at first thought to leave old Jacob in charge of the yacht; but at the -last moment a native was engaged to watch the craft, and the Yankee went -along with "his boys," as he was wont to call them. - -"Now, lads, are you all ready for the trip?" questioned Robert Menden. - -"We are," came in a chorus. - -"Remember, you may have some dangers to face. Don't go if you would -rather remain behind." - -"Who's afraid," came from Bob. "I'm not." - -"Nor I!" came from the others. - -"I'm out fer dat hundred dollars wot was promised to me," put in Danny. -"Just youse lead de way an' I'll be close in yer footsteps, see if I -ain't." - -Each of the lads had provided himself with a hunting suit, and a small -pack containing a change of underwear, comb and brush, and the like. All -carried a little money, which, in the city, was exchanged for Spanish -silver; for it was correctly surmised that the natives in the interior -would not take United States coin. To-day that is, of course, changed, -and Uncle Sam's coin or paper money is as good as any. - -The party of seven soon found themselves on the main street of San Juan. -Robert Menden had made some careful inquiries, and without delay they -set off for Caguas. - -They had hired a native turnout to take them to the place, but the -driver failed to turn up, and at last they set out on foot for the -village. - -The many sights to be seen at every hand were very interesting. Here -were the milk and fruit peddlers, each with his wares hanging from a -yoke balanced over his broad shoulders. And here were funny looking -ponies and donkeys with huge burdens strapped to their backs. Native -carts were rather scarce, but occasionally one would come lumbering -along, with its broad and almost solid wheels, and its team of oxen or -cows. The driver would walk by the team's side, lashing them with a long -whip and yelling at them continually in very bad Spanish. - -The people also interested the boys. A large proportion of them were -black, the blacks increasing in number as the seacoast was left behind. -Most of the colored men looked friendly enough, but here and there could -be found fellows of mixed Carib blood—tall, ugly looking creatures. - -"I reckon they are the Porto Rican brigands," whispered Dick, as they -passed three of the ugly looking Caribs. "I don't think I would care to -meet them of a dark night along a lonely road." - -"These people have good cause to be ugly," put in Robert Menden. "Spain -has robbed the natives for years by taxing them to death, and I -understand that in many places the church has fallen into disrepute -because the clergy do everything they can to get the money away from the -sugar and plantation workers. It's really a sad state of affairs." - -On they went, until San Juan was left behind and they struck the -military road previously mentioned. The walking was all uphill, but the -ascent was so gradual that they scarcely noticed it. On both sides of -the road grew tropical trees of all sorts—palms, mangoes, guavas, cedar, -mahogany, and that wood which can be found almost anywhere—hemlock. -There were also plantains and great cacti, and over all trailed immense -tropical vines. Close to the deep, black soil grew magnificent ferns, -and such mosses as the boys had never before seen. - -"Almost a paradise, isn't it?" remarked Don. "And how clear the air is— -not half as hot as I imagined it would be." - -"Jest you wait until noon afore ye speak o' the heat," returned old -Jacob. "Old Sol don't git to work in earnest till about twelve or one -o'clock." - -They soon crossed a clear running brook, and leaving the bridge, Dick -ran down to the water's edge to get a drink. - -"Drink through your handkerchief!" called out Robert Menden. - -"Through my handkerchief?" - -"Yes." - -"What for?" - -"Because you don't want to swallow a lizard or worse. These waters are -full of small animal life, so I've been told." - -Dick did as the Englishman suggested. And he was glad of it, for while -bending down he saw several tiny lizards or leeches swimming near at -hand. "None in me, not if I know it," he murmured as he drew back. "I'll -inspect everything that goes down my throat after this." - -By noon they had covered several miles. The sun was out clear, and now -the heat began to tell on them. - -"I move we rest," suggested Leander; and this was readily agreed to, and -they sat down under an immense plantain, covered with half ripe fruit— -that fruit which we commonly know by the name of banana, although the -real banana is red. - -"Are there any wild animals in Porto Rico?" questioned Don. - -"I'm sure I don't know," answered Robert Menden. "I shouldn't look for -anything very large on an island of this size. All the large stock has -probably been killed off by the natives." - -"I reckon you'll find wild-cats here an' wild hogs," put in old Jacob. -"An, let me tell ye thet a real wild hog is about as dangerous as a wolf -or a leetle bear. But it ain't likely thet any wild animals would keep -themselves around such a road as this. They would take to the mountains -and stay there, so long as they could git enough to eat." - -The rest was not half over when Dick grew restless, and arose to take a -look at his surroundings. - -"I'm bound to see all I can of the country," he said, with a smile. -"Will you come, Leander?" - -"Certainly," was the answer; and in a moment more the two chums were -strolling off. - -"Be back inside of fifteen minutes," shouted Robert Menden, and both -called back that they understood. - -There seemed to be a fine grove of orange trees to the left of the road, -and toward this they made their way, wondering if they could pick up any -fruit fit to eat. - -"It must be fine to have such fruit ready to hand," observed Leander, as -they entered the grove. "I reckon the natives don't know the value of -what they've got." - -"They might say the same of our apples, Leander. I'd rather have apples -than oranges—that is, I mean for regular." - -"Oh, so would I. Don't they grow apples?" - -"I don't think so—anyway, not such apples as we have up North. It's too -hot." - -They soon found that the oranges were even more green than the -plantains, or bananas, had been. They passed the grove and came out on a -rocky stretch, overlooking a little valley where flowed a tiny stream, -glistening like silver in the sunlight. - -"Beautiful scenery," murmured Leander, and Dick agreed with him. Then a -flock of gayly-colored birds flew out of some brush to the right of -them. - -"If I only had my gun," cried Dick—for their firearms had been left at -the resting place. - -"Let us see if we can't locate their nests," said Leander. - -"I don't want to rob their nests," declared Dick. - -"Neither do I; but we might have a look at the kind of eggs they lay." - -So the pair set off through the brush and over the rocks. - -They had gone less than fifty yards when they came to a spot covered -with long rushes. - -"The ground seems to be shaky here," began Leander, when suddenly, -without warning, the rushes gave way, and down plunged both boys out of -the bright sunlight into almost total darkness. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - PRISONERS OF NATURE. - - -"Dick!" - -"Leander!" - -"Oh, my side!" - -"Oh, my leg!" - -"Are you seriously hurt?" - -"I—I don't know." - -"I've had all the wind knocked out of me." - -"Ditto with me. What a tumble to take!" - -"What kind of a place is this?" - -"A hole—a big, deep, dark hole. One of the caves, perhaps." - -"Do you think it's a—a bear's den, or something like that?" - -"No, I don't. I reckon it's just a common, everyday hole, or cave. The -question is, how are we going to get out?" - -"To get out?" - -"That's what I said." - -"Climb out, of course." - -"That's easy enough to say, but just look up and see how far we are from -the top." - -They looked up. The hole was all of thirty-five or forty feet deep, and -from ten to fifteen feet across. The sides were of dirt and rocks, -covered here and there with wet moss. - -Luckily they had landed on a pile of half-decayed leaves and tree -branches, otherwise they must have been seriously injured. The rushes -and some dirt had fallen all around them. - -For a full minute neither spoke. During that time they examined the -walls of the hole. - -"We've got to get out somehow," said Dick, at last. "But to climb that -wall seems impossible." - -"Let us try it, anyway," returned Leander. - -He found what he considered the best place, where several jagged rocks -projected, and by digging his hands into the soil succeeded in pulling -himself up a distance of eight or ten feet. - -"Look out!" - -As Dick uttered the cry he leaped back out of danger. - -Down came several of the rocks, accompanied by a great mass of dirt. - -Leander followed, to roll over on his back on top of the pile. - -"Great Cæsar!" gasped the fallen one. "I didn't think I was going to -pull down the whole wall over me." - -[Illustration] - -"Don't try that again, or we may be buried alive," cautioned Dick. - -"I don't think I will try it," was the rueful answer. "But, Dick, we -_must_ get out." - -"That's true." - -"Let us yell for help." - -"I don't believe anybody is within hearing distance." - -"Never mind, we can try it." - -Both raised their voices, not once, but half a dozen times. Then they -listened intently. - -"Did you hear anything?" asked Dick. - -"Not a sound." - -Their faces fell. What were they to do next? - -"If we only had a rope," sighed Leander. - -"Or a long pole." - -They walked around the flooring of the hole dismally. Then Dick drew out -his watch and his face brightened. - -"The fifteen minutes are up. They'll be hunting for us presently." - -He was right; the others of the expedition were both hunting and -calling, but nothing was seen or heard of them. - -Led by old Jacob the party went through the orange grove, but came up a -goodly distance to the left of the hole in which the poor boys were -prisoners of nature. - -Another quarter of an hour went by. To Dick and Leander it seemed an -age. Again they cried out, but the top of the hole being smaller than -the bottom, their voices were as muffled as though they were prisoners -in a huge bottle. - -"This is truly a pickle," groaned Dick, as he threw himself on one of -the fallen rocks. "I must say, I'm stumped." - -"So am I." - -"I'm going to try throwing stones out of the hole," said Dick, after -another interval of silence. "Anything is better than doing nothing." - -Both boys began to shy out all of the stones they could pick up. - -"We're really making the hole deeper," observed Leander, when suddenly -the opening above them was darkened, and they saw a negro boy looking -down at them with eyes as big as saucers. - -"Hullo, help us out!" cried Leander, eagerly; but at the sound of their -voices the negro boy took to his heels as fast as he could go. - -"He's gone!" - -"Perhaps he has gone for a rope." - -"More than likely he was scared to death. He'll go home and say he saw a -ghost." - -Another quarter of an hour went by. Then they heard footsteps -approaching, and two stalwart Caribs appeared. Behind them came the -little boy, trembling with fear. - -"Hullo!" repeated Leander. "Help us out, will you?" - -"_Un Americano!_" muttered one of the Caribs. "How you git down dar?" he -asked, in broken English. - -"We fell through the rushes." - -"Um—bad place dis to walk." - -"So we have discovered. Will you kindly help us out?" - -Both of the negroes nodded. Then they withdrew, to consult one with -another. Presently they came back. - -"How much give if pull you out de hole?" demanded the one who had -previously spoken. - -"Give?" came from both boys simultaneously. - -"Ye—as, _Americano_ rich boys, not so?" - -"No, we are not rich," replied Dick in disgust. "But we'll pay you, -don't fear." - -"How much give?" - -"Oh, I don't know." - -"We'll give you a dollar," added Leander. "Gosh, but they believe in -making money, don't they," he added, in a whisper. - -"No take dollar," came from the Porto Rican. "Take ten dollar." - -"Ten dollars!" gasped Dick, not so much over the amount of the sum, but -because of the "cheek" in asking it. "You don't want much, do you?" - -"We'll give two dollars—we can't pay any more," said Leander. - -But at this the Caribs shook their woolly heads. They were bound to make -money out of the Americans' misfortune. Such a thing as being generous -never entered their heads. - -"Ten dollar, or we go away again," said the one who could speak broken -English. - -"We'll give you three dollars," said Dick. - -"No, ten dollar." - -To this the Caribs stuck, and at last the boys promised them the amount. - -"But you have got to pull us out first," said Leander. - -Even to this the negroes demurred, and in the end it was agreed to pay -five dollars first, and the second five when they were safe. - -Dick took some Spanish money and tied it in, a handkerchief, which he -threw up so that the largest of the Caribs could catch it. Then one of -the natives ran off to get a long rope. - -Getting up out of the hole by the aid of the rope was comparatively -easy. As soon as the youths were on the top of the earth once more, each -of the natives caught a boy and held him. - -"Now pay udder five dollars to Bumbum," grinned the leader of the pair. - -"Is your name Bumbum?" demanded Dick. - -"Yes, señor." - -"All right, Bumbum, here is the money, and let me say that I think you -about the meanest Porto Rican on the island." - -"Bumbum must earn his living, señor." - -"I don't call this earning a living. What do you do, as a general rule? -Lie about to squeeze strangers?" - -At this the Carib's face darkened. "No insult me, or you be sorry!" he -cried, and made a movement as if to draw some weapon from his bosom. - -"Come, let us be going," cried Leander, in alarm. - -"I'm ready," was Dick's reply, and they hurried off in one direction, -while Bumbum and his companion, accompanied by the negro boy, stalked -off in another. Soon the two parties were lost to sight of each other; -but that was not the last, by any means, that was seen of the wily -Caribs. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - THE WAYSIDE INN. - - -"Well, well, boys, where have ye been? We've been a-huntin' high an' low -fer ye!" - -And so speaking, old Jacob rushed up to them, followed by all the -others. - -Dick told their story, to which the remainder of the party listened with -close attention. - -"It's lucky the Caribs came up," was Robert Menden's comment. "But they -made you pay dearly for their services." - -"It was downright robbery!" burst out the old Yankee tar. "If I run -across 'em, I'll make 'em give up nine dollars o' the money, sure; mark -my words on't!" - -"Well, I'm mighty glad we are out of it," said Leander. "I wouldn't want -to spend a night down in that hole for twice ten dollars." - -"Nor I," added Dick. "Next time I'll be sure where I am stepping." - -They continued on their way until five o'clock, when it began to rain. - -"No use of getting wet," declared Robert Menden. "I move we seek shelter -for the night." - -This was agreed to, and they hurried on to where there stood a sort of -wayside inn—a rambling, two-story affair, built of rough stone and -whitewashed. - -A tall and not overly-pleasant looking Spaniard received them, and soon -Dick had arranged for supper, lodging and breakfast for the entire -party. - -The wayside inn was almost deserted, only the proprietor, his wife and a -negro servant being present. - -They were shown to two rooms in the second story—low apartments, but -well ventilated—and here their host left them, stating that supper would -be ready at seven o'clock. - -The boys surveyed the apartments with interest. Each room was perfectly -square, with its floor covered with a rough matting of sea-grass. The -walls were bare, saving for one or two religious pictures miserably -executed. The beds were old-fashioned "four-posters," covered with straw -ticks and plain white sheets, nothing more. - -"They don't need blankets," observed old Jacob. "A man can keep warm -without half tryin'. Thet's why the windows ain't got no glass in 'em, -an' there ain't no stoves around." - -The rain continued to come down steadily, so that they could not roam -about the place. After a general washing up, they went below, to find -their host, Jose Maguel, snoring lustily in an easy-chair in the parlor. - -"Half-past six," said Menden, looking at his watch. "I wonder what they -will give us for supper?" - -"He promised us chicken," answered Dick. "But it ought to be cooking by -this time." - -He walked through the dining-room and into the apartment that did duty -as a kitchen. Beyond, in the yard, the servant was stirring up a small -charcoal fire, built under a shelter of palm thatch, the sides being -open so that the smoke and heat might escape. - -Presently a negro boy hove into view on the road. He carried in his hand -the body of a dead rooster. As he came closer, Dick saw that the fowl -had steel spurs attached to his legs. - -"A dead gamecock," he muttered. "I'll wager there has been cock-fighting -somewhere, and Señor Maguel is going to dish us up the defeated fowl." - -Dick hurried back to the others and told them of what he had seen. At -once old Jacob grew indignant and rushed to the rear of the inn, where -the servant was in the act of decapitating the dead fowl with an axe. - -"We won't eat thet, consarn ye!" he cried, pointing his long, bony -finger at the fowl. "We want chicken—good barnyard fowls—an' don't ye -forgit it!" - -The girl did not understand a word of what was said, but she understood -his actions and stepped back, dropping the gamecock as she did so. At -once old Jacob secured the fowl, and marched into the inn with it, and -up to where Jose Maguel still sat snoring in the chair. A shake of the -shoulder aroused the innkeeper, and he gazed in bewilderment when the -old Yankee tar held up the gamecock before his nose. - -"Do ye suppose civilized Americans air a-goin' to eat thet?" came from -old Jacob, wrathfully. "I'd jest as lief eat crow. We want real chicken, -killed fer the purpose o' eating, understand?" - -"_Un Americano_ no like dis?" queried Jose Maguel, mildly. - -"No, we don't like it, not by a jugful. You give us real chicken." - -"Dis chicken—good chicken." - -"It's a slaughtered fowl from one o' yer cockfights," roared old Jacob. -"Like ez not, he's pizened from the other bird's cuts. Oh, I know all on -ye do nothing but look at cock-fighting day in an' day out, much to yer -discredit. We want good chicken, understand?" - -"Yes. Señor shall have good chicken," growled the Spaniard; and inwardly -very angry, but not daring to show it before so many strangers, he took -the gamecock and passed into the kitchen with it. - -"He'll make you eat it if he can," observed Leander. "He's mad clear -through, I can see that." - -"I'm going to watch him, lad, until the meal is on the table," replied -old Jacob; and this he did, and made certain that they got a chicken -which was caught and killed for that purpose. Cock-fighting is a -national sport in Porto Rico, and it is a great trick to work off the -slain fowls on anybody who does not know the difference, the natives -rarely eating their fallen champions. - -When supper was served it was by no means a bad meal, although all of -the party had eaten better. It consisted of chicken, rice cakes, fried -sweet potatoes, baked bananas, and bread and jelly, with strong native -coffee. As they ate, the host sat by, but said nothing to them. - -"We may as well retire early," observed Robert Menden. "We want to reach -the vicinity of the caves by to-morrow." - -"Did you ask the landlord about the caves?" queried Don. - -"I mentioned them in an off-hand way, but he said he knew nothing about -them." And this, let me add, is not strange, for it is but lately that -the caves have become known to the great majority of people. - -"We don't want to let anybody suspect our mission here," put in Bob. -"They might follow and rob us, you know." - -"Thet's it," added old Jacob. "As long as we know about where the caves -are, ye had better keep yer trap closed. I allers found thet it paid not -to talk too much in a strange country." - -Robert Menden had his written description of the caves with him, and -before retiring, all hands pored over this, hoping by it to gain some -clew concerning the box with the initials, M. M. M. - -The rain continued to come down, but it did not lightning and thunder, -and the gentle patter-patter on the roof acted as a lullaby to the tired -boys, everyone of whom went sound asleep in short order. Then Robert -Menden and old Jacob dropped off, and all became quiet in the two rooms -which the party occupied. - -How long he slept Don did not know. But he awoke with a start and sat -up, not knowing what had aroused him. - -The room was in semi-darkness, the smoky lamp being turned down low. All -of the others were sleeping soundly. - -"Dick!" he cried softly, but there was no reply from his chum. - -"Bob! Leander!" he continued after a long pause. Still no answer, saving -a long snore from Bob, as he turned over restlessly. - -"It's mighty queer what woke me up," thought the boy. He usually slept -well. - -He dropped back on the bed and tried to go to sleep again. - -But the effort was a failure, and though he lay back with his eyes -tightly closed, he was as wide-awake as before. - -Then, of a sudden, although he heard nothing, a peculiar sensation stole -over him, and he became convinced that some stranger was in the -apartment! - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - THE MAN IN THE ROOM. - - -Don shivered, but said nothing. - -He felt positive that he was right—that somebody was moving around the -room—yet so far he had not heard a sound. - -"Can it be the landlord?" he asked himself. "If it is, what is he doing -here?" - -The bed in which the boy rested was turned in such a fashion that he -could see but a small portion of the apartment in his present position. - -As noiselessly as he could, he shifted about until the entire room was -within his range of vision. - -He was just in time to behold a shadow cross the doorsill and glide into -the next apartment, where Robert Menden, old Jacob and Danny were -sleeping. - -Then a slight puff of air came in at one of the windows, extinguishing -the smoky lamp and leaving all in total darkness. - -"Wake up, all of you!" cried Don, at the top of his lungs. "Somebody is -here who doesn't belong here!" - -At his cry one after another leaped up. - -"What's thet?" demanded old Jacob. - -"Somebody just entered your room." - -"There he goes—out of the window!" ejaculated Robert Menden, and ran -toward the spot, only to stumble over a chair and stub his toe so -severely that he set up a howl of pain. - -Old Jacob turned quickly enough to see the man's head as he swung from -the window-sill to the ground below, a distance of less than twelve -feet. In the darkness he saw the fellow, a native, rush away at top -speed. - -"Stop, ye villain!" he roared. "Stop, or I'll fire!" Then he ran to his -bed to get his revolver, which had been placed under his pillow, but by -the time he reached the window again the midnight marauder had -disappeared into a wood opposite the inn. - -"He must have entered the rooms for the purpose of robbing us," said -Dick. "Let us light the lamp and see if anything is missing." - -A match was struck and the lamp turned up as high as possible, and then -they began an examination of their clothing and bundles. Only one set of -trouser-pockets had been cleaned out—those belonging to Bob, who had -lost a good knife, a bunch of keys and a couple of dollars in Spanish -small change. Nothing else had been disturbed. - -"Don scared him off," said Dick. "Otherwise he would have gone through -every pocket and package in the two rooms," and the others agreed with -him. - -"I'd like to catch the rascal," grumbled Bob. "That knife was a prize -one and I don't want to lose it—nor the money neither." - -"We would have a job tracking that thief in this storm," answered Robert -Menden. "Let us be thankful the matter is no worse, and be more on our -guard in the future." - -The noise in the rooms had awakened the landlord of the inn and he now -knocked on the door, demanding what was the matter. He drew down the -corners of his mouth when told. - -"The Porto Rico brigands, señors," he said. "Be glad they no knife you!" -and he shivered. - -"Perhaps," said old Jacob, laconically. "But maybe you are in with -them," he muttered to himself, as he turned away. The gamecock episode -still hung in his mind, and certainly the landlord's general appearance -was much against him. - -For the balance of the night one or another of the party was awake, and -it was decided that in the future they should take turns on the watch, -just as had been done on the yacht. - -In the morning they had breakfast very early, having contracted for this -beforehand. Had they not done so, nobody at the inn would have stirred -before eight o'clock, and breakfast would not have been on the table -until nine or ten. To many living in Porto Rico time seems to be of -little value. Almost all of the business is done between ten and twelve -o'clock in the morning, and after that the shopkeeper locks up his place -and takes a nap until four or five o'clock, opening up again in the -evening, which is really the busiest part of the whole twenty-four -hours. - -The storm had cleared off and now the atmosphere was sultry and -oppressive, the evaporations from the forests going up like clouds of -steam. - -"Phew! this is going to be a corker!" exclaimed Dick, as he mopped the -perspiration from his brow. They had covered less than two miles, and -yet he felt completely dragged out. - -"We'll take a rest when we come to a suitable spot," announced Robert -Menden. "But we must push on all we can before twelve o'clock. Nobody -will want to move a step between that time and four, mark my words." - -Menden had scarcely spoken when a large flock of birds arose directly in -front of them. The young hunters could not resist the temptation to take -a shot at the creatures, and one after another fired their weapons, -bringing down seven of the birds. - -"Good enough!" cried Robert Menden. "I see that all of you can shoot, -and I am glad of it, for there is no telling what will turn up before -this treasure-hunt is over." - -"Before I leave Porto Rico I want a little chance to hunt and fish," -said Dick. "It wouldn't be a real summer outing without that." - -"I'm out fer dat money dis trip," put in Danny. "Say, I hopes yer git -about a million dollars, so I do!" and he shook his head -enthusiastically. - -"Don't speak of it quite so loudly, Danny," cautioned the Englishman. -"This is a secret search, you know." - -"Yes, dat's so—I forgot," answered the Irish lad. "I'll be as mum as an -oyster after dis." - -Coming to a bit of high ground overlooking one of the numerous valleys -of upper Porto Rico, they sat down on several flat rocks to rest. - -Robert Menden calculated that they were within a few miles of Caguas, -and announced that the next night might be spent there. - -"And then we must pick up some reliable native guide to take us to the -great caves," he added. - -The scenery from where they sat was truly grand. Hills and valleys were -clothed in every variety of tropical growth, from the tallest of royal -palms to the heavy grass—grass the like of which none of the boys had -ever seen. Far in the distance were the great mountains, ranging along -for miles, their sharp ridges clearly defined against the blue sky. -Smaller ridges came down toward them, the lower ones more smooth on -their tops, and covered with great patches of grass, where fed cattle -and sheep innumerable. - -"It's certainly a charming island, so far as looks go," murmured -Leander. "But I believe this atmosphere would make the most active man -in the world lazy sooner or later." - -"It's a good climate for invalids," said Robert Menden. "Some day Porto -Rico is bound to become a great winter resort for Americans and others." - -"I want to get to the top of yonder mountains before I leave," put in -Leander. "If we—Great Scott! Look out!" - -He leaped up in terror; and small wonder, for from under the flat rock a -serpent, all of seven feet long, had glided. Now it raised its head and -showed its cruel fangs, as if to strike at one or another of the -startled party. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - A LIVELY FIGHT WITH A SERPENT. - - -"A snake!" - -"Kill it, somebody!" - -"Run, before it strikes you!" - -Such were some of the cries which rang out, as all started to secure -places of comparative safety. - -Then a pistol shot rang out. The report came from old Jacob's weapon, -but the bullet passed over the serpent's head. - -By this time all had crowded to the edge of the little opening. - -Behind them was a series of jagged rocks, the climbing of which would be -no easy task. In front was a cliff overlooking the valley, and on one -side were heavy bushes. - -The only escape, therefore, lay to their left. But here was where the -snake had located itself, as if to make them prisoners. - -"We're in a pickle," groaned Dick, as he drew his own pistol. Bang! went -the weapon, and the bullet clipped the reptile's tail. - -The wound enraged the serpent, and it slashed right and left with pain. -Then it raised its head once more and darted straight for Dick. - -Its eyes blazed like twin diamonds, and it may truthfully be said that -for a moment the owner of the Dashaway was dazed. - -But now a most unexpected thing happened. - -Dash had wandered off in the brush and been forgotten. - -He leaped into view with a bound and coming up behind the snake caught -it in the neck with his strong teeth. - -There was a grating sound, and the head of the snake twisted painfully -and then dropped limply. - -"Good for Dash!" cried Don, and rushing up, he fired his pistol at the -snake's body, literally cutting it in half. - -Then Dash dropped the quivering body, and to settle matters, Robert -Menden crushed the head with a sharp stone. - -It was several minutes before anybody recovered his former composure. - -"Dash am de greatest dog wot ever lived!" cried Danny, and hugged the -canine around the neck. At this Dash wagged his tail furiously, as -though he understood perfectly. But strange to say, now the snake was -dead, the dog could not be coaxed to go anywhere near it. - -"He knew we were in danger," declared Bob. "Otherwise you couldn't have -hired him to tackle a thing like that," and the others were forced to -admit that this must be so. - -No one wanted to remain in that locality, so they set off once more -without further delay. The road was now steeper than before, and by the -time Caguas came into sight, everybody was fagged out and glad to think -that traveling for that day had come to an end. - -The appearance of the town was a disappointment to them. Caguas contains -but five thousand inhabitants, mostly Caribbean negroes, and there are -only a few buildings of fair size. The other shelters are mere huts, -stretching along irregular streets, which are dirty in themselves and -piled high with the refuse of years. - -"The people here must be dirt poor," observed Don. "Gracious! I never -thought to see such poverty—and with so much good land around that might -be cultivated." - -"Many of the folks won't work, no matter how hard ye drive 'em," -answered old Jacob. "They live by stealin' their neighbors' fruit, and -when they want anything from San Juan or Ponce they go into the woods, -pick a bag or two o' cocoanuts, and take 'em along on a pony to trade -with." - -"Which goes to prove that it's not a good thing for nature to provide a -man with too easy a living," laughed Dick. "Real labor would be the -making of lots of these natives." - -To find proper accommodations in Caguas was not an easy matter. There -was a small hotel, but this had been visited by fire and no rooms were -to be had there. - -"I will take you in," said a native, who met them. "My house is the -cleanest in the village, señors. Come;" and they followed him almost to -the outskirts. - -The native's name was Carlos Remora, and all found him "a pretty decent -sort of a fellow," to use Robert Menden's manner of expressing it. He -was a heavy-set mulatto and spoke very fair English. - -"I travel to Florida once," he said, with much pride. "I show a man how -to raise oranges. Stay dare two years, den come back here." - -"Why didn't you remain in Florida?" queried Don. - -"Wife no like it dare—she have all her family here. But now wife dead -and Carlos Remora alone in de worl'." - -As they had agreed to pay him well, the native provided an excellent -supper, baking among other things some delicious cakes made of banana -flour, with grated cocoanut on top. - -There were but two rooms to his house, which was only a single story in -height. He occupied one, with Danny and old Jacob, while the others of -the party occupied the second. - -But sleep was next to impossible. The house was certainly clean, so far -as dirt was concerned, but it was alive with bugs, ants and other -insects, for this portion of Porto Rico is overrun with these pests. - -"Oh my!" roared Don, after he had been in bed less than an hour. "I'm -being eaten up alive!" - -"Ditto," came from Bob. He turned up the light. "What's this on the -floor, spots of dirt? No, by gracious, they're moving! And look at the -beds!" - -"We've struck a bug colony!" put in Dick. "I reckon we're in for it for -the balance of this night." - -"I'm going outside and sleep on the ground," announced Leander. "If I -stay here I'll get the nightmare, sure. Ugh!" And slipping on his -trousers, he made a dash for the open air, and the others followed. Soon -the owner of the house was aroused, but he could do nothing for them. - -"My house best house in Caguas," he said, simply. "Nobody can stop de -bugs an' ants. Must let dem run," and he went back to bed. The boys and -Robert Menden shook out their blankets and tried to get some sleep -outside, under the trees, but were not very successful, and were glad -enough when the rising sun announced another day at hand. - -"And now for the treasure cave!" whispered Dick to Robert Menden, and -the Englishman smiled and squeezed his hand in silence. The two had -taken a great liking to each other from the very start. - -Robert Menden had been talking confidentially with the native, and had -come to the conclusion that the man could be thoroughly trusted. He now -asked Remora if he knew anything of the caves. - -"I have seen a part of the Dark Cave, which is on a plantation six miles -from here," he said. "It is a bad place—nobody go dare for fun." - -"And what of the other caves?" asked the Englishman. - -"Udder caves little way off, all bad—no Porto Ricans go dare. Once two -men go; one break leg, udder get eye knocked out by somebody in de -cave." - -"Got his eye knocked out!" - -"Yes, señor. He in dark, when baf! something strike, an' he lose his -eye. Werry bad place—better you not go down." - -"Certainly we don't want to lose our eyes," was the Englishman's -comment. "But will you take us to the entrance to the different caves? -We will pay you for your trouble." - -At first Carlos Remora demurred, but finally, when offered a dollar a -day for his services by Dick, he consented to go along, and also agreed -to take along enough provisions to last the whole party several days. - -"Many tourists come on horseback," he said. "But the way is safer on -foot. Horse may throw you in a hole." - -Being assured that the climb up into the mountains would be a difficult -one, they took their time in making their preparations for the -departure. Bob had torn his coat and this was sewn up before leaving. - -Leander was the only one to grow impatient, and stalked around urging -the others to hurry. Then he started up the road alone. - -He had not yet passed out of sight when they heard him utter a shout. - -"What's up?" called out Dick. - -"Come here—somebody is in trouble!" returned Leander, and then the whole -party set off to see what was the matter. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - THE EXPOSURE OF THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR. - - -Leander had seen a man lying on the road on his back. Evidently the -fellow was unconscious. - -Over the form bent another man, and it was none other than Bumbum, the -Carib who had taxed Leander and Dick ten dollars for pulling them from -the hole. - -As Leander uttered his shout, Bumbum raised his head, and then shook his -fist at the youth. - -But Leander was undaunted, and ran forward to detain the Carib until the -others might arrive on the spot. - -But Bumbum was not to be caught thus easily, and when Leander grabbed -him by the arm, he struck fiercely at the boy and then tore himself -loose. - -"Where is he?" came from Bob. - -"There he goes—the fellow who took the ten dollars from Dick and me." - -"And who is this man?" - -"I don't know, but I think the Carib knocked him down." - -At once a rush was made to the spot where Bumbum had disappeared, and -the wood and brush was searched thoroughly for a distance of ten or -fifteen rods. - -In the meantime Robert Menden had come up, and was gazing in -open-mouthed wonder at the man lying in the road. - -"Joseph Farvel!" he gasped. "What a meeting!" - -"Is this Joseph Farvel, your enemy?" ejaculated Bob. - -"The very same, lad. I wonder if he is dead?" - -"I don't think so. But he got a bad crack on the head, that's certain." - -Joseph Farvel lay in a slight hollow on the road. He had been hit over -the left eye by some blunt instrument, probably a club, and the blood -was pouring copiously from the wound. - -Forgetting that this sour-faced man was his worst enemy, Robert Menden -whipped out his handkerchief, soaked it in a nearby pool of water, and -bound it about Farvel's head. Then he and old Jacob carried the sufferer -to a shady spot under a tree. - -In the meantime the others gathered around, and then Don uttered a cry. - -"Bob's knife!" - -He was right; there lay the knife beside the spot where Joseph Farvel -had rested. - -"It's mine, sure enough," said Bob, as he looked the blade over. He -gazed at Robert Menden. "Do you think it was this Joseph Farvel who -entered our room?" - -"Great Cæsar! Perhaps." - -"I believe it was that Bumbum," put in Dick. "I remember now that he -cast longing glances at my pocketbook when I paid him that second five -dollars. He is a regular brigand—or rather, a common sneak thief and -footpad—and he probably tackled this Farvel for what he could get out of -the fellow." - -"I reckon as how Dick is right," was old Jacob's comment. He turned to -the Englishman. "What do ye think is best to do concerning your enemy?" - -Robert Menden thought for a moment. - -"I don't want to leave him to die here," he said slowly. "That wouldn't -be human. Cannot some of your party watch over him until he comes -around, while I get out of sight?" - -This was decided upon, and after some more conversation on the point, -Robert Menden hurried on, accompanied by Dick, Don and Bob, leaving -Leander, Danny, old Jacob and the Porto Rican behind. - -It was fully half an hour ere Joseph Farvel showed any signs of -returning to consciousness. In the meantime those around the man made -him as comfortable as circumstances permitted. - -At last he opened his eyes and sat up. - -"Where—what's the matter?" he asked, in a cold, disagreeable voice. - -"You were struck down on the road," answered Leander. "Don't you -remember?" - -"I—yes, I remember being hit from over the shoulder. Who did it?" - -"A native—we caught sight of him running away," put in old Jacob. "I -don't believe you are seriously hurt, though." - -"I don't know." Joseph Farvel gave a deep groan. "What beastly luck I'm -having, to be sure! Did the native rob me?" - -"You'll have to find that out for yourself," answered Leander. "We don't -know what is in your pockets." - -With some difficulty Joseph Farvel went through first one pocket and -then another, and then he gave another groan. - -"My purse is gone—and it contained over eight pounds!" - -"You certainly had hard luck," was old Jacob's comment. "Where are you -bound?" - -"To the next village. I was—ah—roaming about these mountains, but I'm -rather sick of it." - -"The mountains seem to be very nice," observed Leander, dryly. "We are -taking a look around, too." - -"Indeed! Found anything of special interest?" - -"No." - -"It's a beastly island, and I shan't stay here long." Joseph Farvel -staggered to his feet. "My head swims like a top!" - -"I would remain resting for awhile," said Leander. "You are not strong -enough yet." - -"My boy, you don't know me. I'm stronger than you think for." The -sufferer turned to Carlos Remora. "How far to Caguas?" - -"Less than two miles, señor." - -"I can easily make that before noon, and I might as well travel before -it gets too hot." - -"You may be attacked again," said Leander. - -"I'll be on my guard, and if I am, I'll shoot the rascal. I am much -obliged for what you did for me." - -"That's all right." - -"Always ready to help a gentleman in distress," observed Danny, with a -wink behind Farvel's back at Leander. - -"That's all right. So you are bound for the mountains. Beware of the -holes, or caves, as some of the natives call them." - -"We have this man with us as a guide," said Leander. - -"Indeed! Well, take care, that's all I have to say, and good-bye to -you," and so speaking, Joseph Farvel staggered off, but at a rapid gait. - -"He certainly has grit," whispered Leander. "He's a bad man to have for -an enemy. What wicked eyes!" - -"Jest so," said old Jacob. "He wouldn't hesitate to heave a man -overboard, an' I know it. Menden must keep his weather eye open." - -The party resumed their march up the mountain side, and at the first -turn joined the others behind a large, projecting rock. - -The Englishman listened with interest to all that they had to tell. - -"I'd give a good bit to know if he has discovered anything," he -observed. "Being in such a hurry to get to Caguas makes me a little -suspicious. Perhaps he has located the treasure, and now wants to make -arrangements for getting it away." - -"He can't have been here so very long," put in Don. "We came through as -fast as we were able." - -"I told you he would want to put his hands on that gold as soon as he -could. But come, there is no use in wasting time here." - -Up and up they went, along a twisting and turning trail, now broad, and -then again so narrow, that Dick wondered how a horse might find his way -without slipping. Yet the native assured him that horses sometimes came -that way with heavy burdens on their backs. - -"Da get use to it, señor," he added. "But him bad—sometimes fall an' go -dead." And Dick believed him. - -The first range passed, they began to descend into a valley. Here the -oranges, bananas and other tropical fruit grew in profusion, and in the -brush could be seen numerous wild coffee berries just turning a -beautiful red. The boys tasted them, to find them very bitter; "not a -bit like cooked coffee," as Don put it. - -"It's the ripeness and roasting that brings out the flavor," said Robert -Menden. - -Presently they came to a mountain torrent, all of twenty feet wide and -ten to twelve feet deep. There was no bridge, but a large palm tree lay -from bank to bank, and over this they made their way, one following the -other. - -"What about horses here?" questioned Leander. "You don't mean to say -they walk this sort of a tight-rope." - -"No, horses go up de water and walk on rocks," answered Carlos Remora. - -Danny was the last to set foot on the tree, the others being some -distance ahead. He was over the very center of the stream when a large -bird, flying from some nearby bushes directly past his face, startled -him. He uttered a yell, and turning around, the others were just in time -to see him slip from the tree and disappear with a splash into the -swirling stream below. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - IN WHICH DANNY IS RESCUED. - - -"Danny has fallen into the river!" - -"Danny! Danny! can you save yourself?" - -"The little fellow will be drowned!" - -"He shan't be drowned, not if I can help it," burst out Bob. He had not -forgotten how Danny had saved him from harm, while they were skating on -the lake at home the winter before. - -He sprang toward Carlos Remora, who carried over his shoulder one of the -long ropes which Robert Menden had requested should be taken along, for -possible use in the caves to be visited. - -At one end was a loose noose, and holding this in readiness, he ran some -distance below the spot where the Irish lad had disappeared. - -The others followed him, but Dick thoughtfully took to the other side of -the watercourse, thinking that perhaps he might be able to render -additional assistance from that point. - -All realized Danny's peril. His friends knew that he could swim, but -swimming would be of small help in that rushing, roaring torrent, with -its sharp rocks and snags of fallen trees. Should his head strike on one -of the rocks they felt that all would be over. - -The banks of the stream were several feet high, of broken stones and -black dirt, and to get down to the water's edge was not easy. - -Yet Bob was undaunted and leaped straight down, at the risk of a broken -or twisted ankle. Danny must be rescued at any cost. - -"Danny! Where are you?" - -One and another uttered the cry, but no answer came back. The truth was, -that the Irish lad had been carried so far under that his head had -struck, and now he was more than half unconscious and unable to do more -than gasp for breath, and that meant to merely take in water. - -"There he is!" - -It was Don who uttered the cry. He pointed to the center of the stream, -where a fallen tree projected several feet over the surface. - -The Irish boy was struggling between the half decayed branches, but was -too weak to clear himself. - -"He's going to drown as sure as fate!" muttered old Jacob. "Perhaps I -had better go in fer him!" - -"No, no; I'll go in!" cried Bob, and slipped the rope around his waist. -In a second more he had entered the water, which at this point boiled in -a milky-white foam. - -At the shore it was not over three feet deep, yet he found that it was -all he could do to keep his feet. The bottom was of rock, worn smooth by -constant rubbing. Out and out he went, foot by foot, until half the -distance to the fallen tree was covered. - -He was now up to his armpits, and could no longer keep his footing. With -a dash he set out to swim the remainder of the distance. - -Never had brave Bob undertaken a more difficult task. As though he were -a feather, the force of the current carried him downward until he was -almost past the extreme end of the half-sunken tree. - -A wild splash and one hand caught the last branch. At first it looked as -if he would be torn loose. But he held on like grim death, and slowly, -but surely, pulled himself closer to where Danny rested. - -"Oh, Bob, save me; please do!" - -The Irish boy's words were scarcely intelligible. He had raised himself -up so that his head was clear, but could do no more, and was in -immediate danger of sinking back again. - -"I'll save you, Danny; keep your courage," was Bob's reply, and coming -closer, the youth drew the Irish lad still further up, to a point of -temporary safety. - -Old Jacob and several of the others had caught hold of the end of the -rope, which Bob had left with them. Now the rope was entangled about the -half-sunken tree, and the boy had his hands full in trying to disengage -it and support Danny at the same time. - -"Be careful, Bob, or you'll both go down!" shouted Robert Menden. "That -tree may not be as secure as you imagine." - -The Englishman had scarcely spoken when there came a dull crack, and the -upper portion of the tree turned over and disappeared from view, to -emerge again twenty feet below the spot. - -Bob and Danny were hurled headlong, and, caught in the foaming and -raging torrent, went over and over. - -"Pull on that rope!" yelled Dick, and plunged in to the rescue of his -two friends. - -The three boys came together at a spot where a small rock appeared -several inches above the foam. All had hold of the rope, but Bob and -Dick had to support the Irish lad between them, for he was on the point -of becoming totally unconscious. - -The others pulled upon the rope with might and main, and slowly but -surely the human freight came shoreward, at a point some distance below -where old Jacob and the others stood. - -At last they were at a point where the water was not over three feet -deep, and Bob and Dick staggered out to a grassy spot and deposited -Danny on his back. - -The Irish lad's eyes were closed and he did not move. - -"He's full of water, I reckon!" cried old Jacob, and forthwith began to -roll the boy, and then held him up by the ankles. By this means Danny -got rid of considerable of the element he had swallowed; but it was a -good hour before he came to his senses, and then he was so weak, that -travelling, so far as he was concerned, was out of the question. - -A consultation was held, and it was decided that Bob, Dick and Danny -should remain near the river until nightfall, when Carlos Remora would -bring the rest of the party back, unless, of course, something of -importance was discovered. - -The boys were left some provisions and their firearms, and soon Don, -Leander and the others were out of sight. - -As the three who had been in the stream were sopping wet, it was decided -by them to take off their clothing and let it dry by hanging on some -bushes in the hot sun. - -In the meantime Dick built a small fire and made a pot of hot coffee, of -which all partook with great satisfaction, along with several -sandwiches. - -"Sure an' I t'ought I was a goner," said Danny, when he felt strong -enough to speak. "My, but don't dat river run fast!" - -"In a place like this, one has to have all his wits about him," answered -Dick. - -"I'll have me wits about me when I cross another tree bridge, dat's as -sure as yer born," concluded Danny. - -Among the articles they carried, the boys had several fishing lines, and -while Danny rested, Bob and Dick baited with some land crabs they -succeeded in catching, and threw into the stream to try their luck. - -"I've got a bite!" cried Bob, a half minute later, and drew in his haul, -a tiny brown fish weighing not over three or four ounces. "Not worth -anything," he muttered, disappointedly. - -A short while later Dick felt a jerk, and at once his line began to -leave his hand rapidly. "Something big," he cried, and played his catch -as skillfully as he could. Inside of five minutes the fish was landed—a -speckled beauty of at least three pounds. It was no wonder that Dick was -quite proud of it. - -But fish were not plentiful in that stream, and at the end of two hours -they gave up the sport, each having caught two of fair size and several -little things besides. - -"Dat fish would taste mighty fine baked on a red-hot stone," said Danny; -and to please the Irish lad, Bob proceeded to start up the fire, and -soon a fish was done to a turn. It was the largest of the mess, but -their appetites were good and they ate all there was of it. - -Toward sunset they began to look forward to the return of the others, -but nobody put in an appearance, and once the great orb of day went -down, it grew dark rapidly. - -"I hope they return," observed Dick; and growing a trifle anxious, he -walked from the hollow and up the road the party under Remora had taken. - -He was gone fully quarter of an hour and came back in considerable -excitement. - -"I just caught sight of that Joseph Farvel," he announced. "He is on the -other side of the stream with two negroes, and the three are making -their way toward the tree bridge." - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - STRANGERS IN CAMP. - - -"Joseph Farvel!" ejaculated Bob. "Did he see you?" - -"I don't think so. The moment I spotted him and his companions I dove -out of sight behind a rock. He and the others are carrying quite some -baggage, including torches and several ropes." - -"Then he is bound for the caves, beyond a doubt." - -"True; but he hadn't any rope with him before, so I don't think he has -discovered anything yet. More than likely he found out that he couldn't -get to where he wanted to go without a rope." - -"If dey is comin' over de bridge dey will see dat smoke," put in Danny, -as he pointed to the fire—which was now burning low, but still throwing -off considerable smoke. - -Without delay Bob ran to the fire and kicked it out. But the mischief -had already been done, and soon they heard Farvel and the two negroes -coming toward them. - -Their first impulse was to hide; their second, to stay where they were. -"We have done nothing wrong—he can't harm us," said Dick. - -"Hullo, my Irish boy!" sung out Farvel, as he caught sight of Danny. -"What are you doing here?" - -"Sure an' we're restin'," replied Danny, coolly. "How are ye afther -feelin' now?" - -"Oh, I'm first-rate again." Farvel looked at Dick and Bob. "Did you -belong to that party I met this morning?" - -"We did." - -"I didn't see you." - -"We left before you came to your senses." - -"Oh, I see." - -"Sorry we can't offer you any supper," said Bob. "We just ate the last -of what was cooked." - -"I've had my supper, thank you," was the short reply. Then the man's -face grew dark, and he whipped a handkerchief from his pocket. "Will you -tell me who owns that?" he asked, tossing the article over. - -"Why dat's Mr. ——" began Danny, and stopped short. - -"Where did the handkerchief come from?" questioned Dick slowly, hardly -knowing what to say. - -"It was the one I found bound around my head this morning, when I -arrived at Caguas." - -"I didn't put it on your head." - -"Do you see the initials, R. D. M?" And catching up the handkerchief -once more, Joseph Farvel pointed them out. - -"What of that? They are not my initials," said Dick. - -"Nor mine." - -"Dem must be old Rusher's initials," put in Danny, quickly. Dat's his -name, Rusher Daniel March." - -"Who is Rusher?" and Farvel's face took on a different look. - -"You'll have to ask de captain, Mr. What's-your-name." - -"My name is Joseph Farvel." - -"Well, wot yer making all dis fuss about dat handkerchief for?" - -"I know a man who has those initials—Robert Dascott Menden, of London." - -"I suppose dare's lot uf fellers has dem same letters, an' why not? I'll -turn dat handkerchief over to de rest of de crowd, if yer say so. I see -yer got yer head plastered up now." - -"What are you going to do with those ropes?" asked Dick, determined to -follow up the advantage Danny's ready wit had brought them. - -"That is my business." - -"Oh, all right. Sorry I spoke." - -"I want to know if you met this Robert Menden?" - -"Perhaps I had better say that is my business, too," answered Dick, -coldly. - -"I believe you have met him, and that that is his handkerchief," went on -Farvel, sourly. - -"All right; think what you please. We did you a good turn this morning, -but you are not making us particularly happy over it." - -"Oh, if you want pay for what you did, there you are," growled the -newcomer; and pulling a couple of silver dollars from his pocket he -flung them at Dick. - -On the instant Dick's face grew crimson, and he walked up to the man -with clenched fists. "You are no gentleman, Joseph Farvel," he cried. "I -have seen quite enough of you. The sooner you leave our camp, the better -I will be pleased." - -"And so will I be pleased," put in Bob. - -"An' yer kin take yer money wid yer," added Danny. "We ain't so hard up -as yer seem to t'ink." - -"You don't dare to answer me about Robert Menden," burst out Joseph -Farvel. - -"We have no reason to answer any of your questions," said Dick. - -"I'll wager all I am worth that he is with the rest of your party." - -"And what if that should be true," put in Bob. "Hasn't a man a right to -travel where he pleases?" - -"Robert Menden has no right to be on the island of Porto Rico, and in -this vicinity." - -"Why not?" - -"Because he is after something that belongs rightfully to me." - -"He tells a different story," burst out Bob, momentarily forgetting -himself. - -"Ha! so you acknowledge at last that he is with you? Take my advice and -beware of him." - -"I would rather trust him than you," said Dick, bluntly. - -"So he has poisoned your minds against me, eh? Very well, that is -another score to settle with him. As soon as I catch him I shall have -him arrested." - -"What for?" - -"It was he who knocked me down and robbed me." - -"Nonsense; it was a Carib did, that!" cried Bob. - -"I do not believe it." - -"If Robert Menden knocked you down, would he take the trouble to bind up -your wound afterward?" - -"He probably got scared, being afraid that he had killed me and must -hang for it." - -"You is away off de track," said Danny. "A big black feller struck you -down—we kin all give our word on dat." - -"I am not willing to take your word." - -"Then you had better clear out and leave us alone," said Dick, sharply. - -"Don't get too dictatorial, young man." - -"I mean what I say. We did you a favor, and you have made yourself as -disagreeable as possible. Now the sooner you take yourself off, the -better we shall be pleased." - -"Bound to make me your enemy, eh?" - -"I think you have made yourself that already." - -"Be it so, but—" Joseph Farvel paused. "Beware how any of you cross my -path—that's all." - -"Oh, pshaw! I never did like melodramatics," cried Bob. "The world is -wide enough for us. You go your way, and let us go ours." - -"Answer me one question. Are you travelling with Robert Menden?" - -"We are resting at present." - -"You know what I mean." - -"We have nothing more to say," said Dick. "Now leave us alone." - -Joseph Farvel's face grew blacker than ever. "Be it so," he muttered. -"But remember what I said about crossing my path." And then he turned -away, taking his two negro companions with him. In a few minutes a turn -in the trail took him out of the sight of the three boys. - -"I don't know whether we did right or wrong," observed Dick, doubtfully. -"I reckon he knows now pretty nearly how matters stand." - -"I wonder if he will meet Menden and the others on the trail," said Bob. -"I hope not." - -"If dey meet, dare will be a fight, an' I know it," put in Danny. "Dat -feller is a bad egg, if ever dare was one." - -A half hour dragged by slowly. It was now quite dark and the boys began -to think that the others would not be back. - -Suddenly a shot rang through the stillness of the night air, followed by -two others. - -"Gracious! what does that mean?" demanded Bob, leaping up. - -"Perhaps it's the fight Danny mentioned," answered Dick, grimly. He -looked at his pistol. "I've a good mind to walk down the trail and -investigate." - -"You may walk right into danger, Dick." - -"I'll risk it. You and Danny remain here until I get back. There is no -use in all of us going." - -A few seconds later Dick was off on his mission. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - LOST IN THE FOREST. - - -Dick felt that he must advance with caution, having no desire to meet -Joseph Farvel again, if it could be avoided. - -"I may be able to help Menden and the others more by keeping out of -sight," he reasoned. "If a fight is going on, I'll try to tackle the -rascal from the rear." - -No more shots reached his ears, and only the cries of the night birds -disturbed him as he advanced slowly up the mountain path. - -It was a dangerous trail in spots, and he moved forward slowly. His -pistol was in his pocket, but right where he could lay his hand upon it -if necessary. - -Dick had gone a distance of two hundred yards when he came to a spot -where the trail appeared to split into two parts. - -"Here's trouble," he muttered. "Which path shall I follow?" - -Getting down on his hands and knees he made an examination of the dirt -and the brush on both sides. By the aid of a match he made out several -footprints leading to the left. "I'll take that," he concluded, as the -match began to burn his fingers and was dropped. - -On he went again, the trail now leading over some rough rocks -overlooking a second valley covered with thick timber. On the opposite -side of the trail was a cliff, and the footpath was not over two feet -wide. - -How it happened, Dick could never tell afterward, quite clearly. He -slipped and stumbled, and like a flash began to roll down the incline -leading to the valley. Over and over he went like a barrel, and then -came a drop, through some brush into a hollow filled with dead leaves -and moss. In a few seconds he had travelled several hundred feet. - -Beyond a rude shaking up, he was not hurt in the least; and as soon as -he could catch his breath he picked himself up and tried to climb out of -the hollow. All was pitch dark around him. - -"This is a pickle, truly," he groaned. "I might better have remained -with Bob and Danny." - -But now was no time "to cry over spilt milk," as the popular saying is. -He must get back to the trail somehow. - -But getting back was not so easy. On leaving the hollow he became turned -around in the darkness, and it was not long before he was hopelessly -mixed up. In his endeavor to pick his way up the mountainside, he -plunged deeper and deeper into the forest, until all at once the full -realization of his situation burst upon him like a flash. - -He was lost! - -Lost in that veritable jungle, which appeared to stretch out for miles -on every side of him. The tall tropical trees were everywhere, festooned -with monstrous vines, while below grew the dank moss and fungi, the home -of countless beetles, ants, spiders and other insects. No wonder Dick -shivered. It was a situation to make any heart quail. - -"If it was only daylight," he thought. "But it's as black as ink, and I -haven't got so much as a lantern." - -He felt in his pocket. He had still two matches left and he drew them -forth. Trying one, he found it had no head. - -"Only one match that is good," he said, half aloud. "I had better find -the driest kind of wood before I strike it." - -He searched around for several minutes, for dry wood was scarce in a -spot where all seemed so damp for the want of sunshine. At last he -struck the match on a stone. - -It flashed up, sputtered—and went out. In vain he tried to light it -again—it would not give forth a single spark. - -For the moment Dick felt like crying; he had laid such a store by the -looked-for light, which would give him a fire and make him otherwise -comfortable. It looked as if he must spend the remainder of the night in -darkness. - -But then a new thought came to him, and he brought out his handkerchief -and tore from it several small strips, which he pulled apart and rolled -into a loose ball. Into this he thrust his pistol and pulled the -trigger. - -The report brought a blaze of light with it, and instantly the linen -caught and blazed up merrily. Over the ball the youth held several small -sticks, and then some larger ones, and soon had a lively fire, which he -took good care should not die down for the want of fuel. - -But the fire revealed nothing around him but the endless trees and -jungle of vines. As the blaze flickered up it cast dancing shadows in -all directions, adding to the weirdness of the scene. Dick had been -alone before, but he had never felt so lonely in his whole life. - -"If I ever get out of this, you won't catch me going off alone again," -he thought. "What's to do next?" - -That was the absorbing question; but the only answer he could give was -to throw himself down by the fire and fall into an idle speculation. He -had not the least idea how to turn in order to find the trail again. - -At last he grew sleepy and his eyes closed in a light doze, from which -he gave a start, as a terrifying sound not far off reached his ears. - -"Gracious, what's that?" he cried, and took out his pistol. - -Soon the sound was repeated—a half grunt, half squeal—and then a dark -object loomed up among the tree ahead of him. Two eyes shone steadily -out of the darkness. - -With his nerves at their topmost tension, Dick took hasty aim and fired -twice. A furious squeal rent the air and into the circle of light -staggered a badly wounded wild hog. - -The animal made straight for Dick, as if to knock the boy down or bite -him. But there was another cartridge in the revolver, and this finished -the porker by cutting through his windpipe. There was a grunt and a -dying kick or two, and then all was over. - -The attack had been short, but Dick was ready to collapse. "I was afraid -it was a bear," he said, in telling of it afterward. - -On his former outings, the youth had learned how to skin and carve -almost any animal, and now he drew out his clasp knife and went to work, -more to keep himself awake than anything, for he was afraid to go to -sleep again. Some of the pork fat he threw on the fire, which now blazed -up more brightly than ever. - -Slowly the night wore away, until, looking at his watch the youth saw -that it lacked but a short while to sunrise. Already the birds were -tuning up, while the croaking of the frogs stopped as it grew lighter in -the east. - -As soon as it was daylight, Dick cut off several pork chops and broiled -them over the fire for breakfast, washing down the meat with a drink -from a pool in the hollow. Then he resolved to climb one of the tallest -of the trees, to take a general view of his situation. - -Climbing came easy to him, especially as the tree he selected had -numerous branches, some growing quite closely to the ground. Once in the -top, he was enabled to see a goodly distance on all sides of him. - -Over to his left was the valley, with the river, where he had left Bob -and Danny. To the right was the mountain, and almost in front of him the -slope down which he had rolled so unceremoniously. - -"Not a soul in sight," he mused, when some objects moving along the -trail caught his eye. He watched them for several minutes and -distinguished three men—a white man and two blacks. - -"Can it be Joseph Farvel and his helper and guide?" he asked himself; -and finally concluded that it must be the party mentioned. - -He determined to watch them, to see how they would head. They were -coming from the mountain, and as they came closer he saw that they no -longer carried their ropes and torches. - -Presently the three men disappeared, at the point in the trail which was -nearest to Dick. He waited for them to reappear, but nobody came to -view. - -"It's queer where they went to," he thought, and continued to watch. At -last he grew tired, and determined to see if he could not find his way -back to where he had left Bob and Danny, certain that they would not go -on until they heard from him. - -Now that the sun was up it was an easy matter for Dick to strike a -straight path. Before setting out, he cut off a good-sized piece of -pork, satisfied that his chums would enjoy a change in diet. - -Dick's journey took him along a bit of rocky ground and then through a -deep hollow, where the brush was so thick he could scarcely fight his -way along. Indeed, once he grew so tangled up he had to use his -pocketknife in clearing himself, while the briars tore his clothing in -several places. - -"I want no more Porto Rican jungles after this," he muttered. "One -experience is enough. If we ever lay hands on that treasure, it won't be -worth any more than the trouble of getting it." - -A number of birds were flying over his head, and had he been out for -sport with a shotgun he could have brought down several bagsful of the -saucy creatures, which even dared to circle directly before his face. -But with Joseph Farvel so close at hand he did not deem it prudent to -fire his pistol even in fun. - -The end of the jungle reached, Dick came out into an open patch probably -a hundred feet in circumference. It was covered with moss, and -unsuspicious of danger he started to cross to the other side. - -But the moss only covered one of the most treacherous of bogs, and the -youth had scarcely covered fifteen feet of the distance than he sank up -to his ankles in the sticky soil. Growing alarmed, he tried to turn -back, only to find himself glued to the spot, and sinking deeper and -deeper with every movement made to extricate himself. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - AN UNPLEASANT TALK. - - -"What shall I do now?" - -Dick asked himself the question several times. Here he was up to the -knees in the bog and unable to stir either foot an inch forward or -backward. - -In vain he caught at the moss around him. It came up in his hands, -revealing only more muck, black, slippery and pasty. - -"If I stay here much longer I'll be planted for good," he groaned. "Oh, -I must get out somehow!" - -He struggled again and pulled with might and main upon one foot. But as -that member came up, the other went down just so much deeper, and in new -alarm he set down both feet again, to find himself now almost up to his -waist. - -His struggles had disturbed several swamp crabs—dirty and ugly looking -creatures, peculiar to Porto Rico and other West India Islands. They -crawled all around him, hissing viciously and glaring at him with their -hard, beady eyes. When he shouted at them, however, they scuttled off as -fast as their long legs permitted. - -The time that followed was an age to Dick, who could not think of a -thing to do. But he did think of something else—snakes—and wondered if -any were at hand. - -"If they come this way I'll be a goner!" he shuddered. Then he raised -his voice and called out, not once, but again and again, until his -throat grew husky from his exertions. - -At last he heard an answering shout and his heart gave a bound of joy. -But then it sank almost as much as before, as he saw Joseph Farvel -approaching, accompanied by one of his black guides. - -"Who calls?" cried Farvel, and then caught sight of him. "You!" - -"Yes, Farvel. Please help me out of this?" - -"How did you get into such a box?" - -"I tried to pass over the moss, not dreaming of what was underneath. -Will you help me?" - -"Where are your companions?" - -"I left them at the camp where you first saw us." - -"I don't mean the boys. I mean Robert Menden and those who went off with -him." - -"I don't know where they are." - -"Where did they go yesterday afternoon?" - -"I don't know." - -Joseph Farvel's face darkened into that ugly look which Dick had before -noticed. - -"I want a true answer, boy!" - -"I have told you the truth." - -"You know as well as I what brought Robert Menden to this island and -this locality." - -"Well?" - -"I want to know just where he went yesterday afternoon." - -"I don't know. I wasn't with him, and I haven't seen him since yesterday -morning." - -"He didn't return to your camp?" - -"I can't say that either. I left my friends, wandered off, and got lost -in these woods, and I've been here all night, although not in this -swamp." - -"Humph!" Farvel mused for a moment and sat down on a fallen tree. "Can -you tell me how Menden got to Porto Rico?" - -"Aren't you going to help me out?" - -"I will—if you'll answer my questions." - -"He was picked up out of the ocean by some folks on a yacht, and those -folks brought him to San Juan." - -"Do you know what he had to say for himself when he was picked up?" - -"He thinks he was shoved overboard from the steamship." - -At this Joseph Farvel started, but as quickly recovered, and gave a -hollow, unnatural laugh. - -"Robert Menden always was full of queer ideas. He was sick, and even the -captain of the steamship thought he acted queerly. You know his story, -but you don't know mine. What both of us are after here belongs to me." - -"I guess it will belong to the first man who finds it." - -Joseph Farvel grated his teeth. "It belongs to me—and I will have it. -Now tell me where Menden is at this moment." - -"I haven't the least idea." - -"You want me to rescue you, don't you?" - -"Would you be inhuman enough to leave me to such a fate as this?" -demanded Dick, in horror. - -"You got yourself in this box—I had nothing to do with it. How can you -expect me to help you if you are not willing to help me?" - -"I can do nothing for you, Joseph Farvel. But I would not leave a dog in -such a helpless situation as this." - -"I would—if the dog stood ready to do me an injury—and that is what you -are ready to do, in helping Robert Menden." - -So speaking, Farvel withdrew to a distance and consulted in a low tone -with the Carib who accompanied him. - -The negro nodded, and then both hurried away through the wood at the top -of their speed, leaving Dick once more alone. - -If the youth had been downcast before he was doubly so now. He was up to -his armpits in the swamp, and such a thing as getting out alone was -entirely out of the question. - -But now something welcome broke upon his ears. From afar came the bark -of a dog. It was Dash, who had been sent to follow up his trail; and a -few minutes later the faithful animal came into appearance from the -direction of the wood where the boy had spent the night. - -"Dash! Good dog!" cried Dick, and Dash came bounding toward him. Luckily -the dog was not so heavy but that the moss would support him, although -he had to move around with care. - -"Are you alone, Dash?" asked Dick, and the dog set up a lone howl, at -the same time pointing his nose into the air. - -"Bring Bob, Dash! Bob or Leander, Dash. Bob! Leander! Run, Dash, go!" -And understanding perfectly, the intelligent canine started off at a -loping gait across the valley and over to the camp by the river. - -To Dick it seemed that Dash would never come back. The sun mounted -higher and higher in the sky until it poured directly down upon the -youth. He was tremendously thirsty and would have given almost anything -for a drink of water. - -He had sunk lower, so now only his head was above the top of the swamp. -The water was beginning to collect about him, and he felt that before -sunset he must drown, if he were not rescued. Oh, how bitterly he -regretted having attempted to cross the quagmire. - -What was that? Dash's bark again, and he set up a faint shout. Then he -listened and heard the voices of Bob and old Jacob, and once more his -hopes revived as by a shock. - -"This way, Bob! This way, Jacob! Hurry up!" he called, and then his -friends came into view. - -"Oh, Dick, what a situation!" ejaculated Bob. "Can't you help yourself?" - -"Not a bit." - -"We must be a-doin' somethin' fer him, an' mighty quick, too," burst out -old Jacob. "It's a lucky thing I've got this rope with me," and he -pointed to a long coil suspended over his shoulder. - -How to rescue Dick from his unpleasant situation was a problem; but the -old sailor finally solved it by climbing a large tree which overlooked -the swamp close to where Dick was a prisoner. Crawling far out on a -stout branch, he threw one end of his rope to the unfortunate boy. - -Dick caught the rope with difficulty. - -"Can ye tie it under yer arms?" asked old Jacob. - -"I'll try," was the reply. - -It was a difficult undertaking, and by the time it was accomplished the -youth was up to his chin in the dirty water which was collecting in the -quagmire. - -"All ready!" he shouted feebly. - -At once old Jacob began to pull away. "Wish I had a single tackle," he -panted. "A straight haul o' this sort ain't no easy job." - -Bob had climbed into the tree to help him, yet he could do but little, -old Jacob being afraid that the limb would break down with their -combined weights, added to the strain from the rope, which was now drawn -as tight as a washline. - -"Perhaps it will break," shouted Dick, warningly; but the rope had been -selected with great care, and it held well. A long pull, and Dick began -to leave the quagmire, the rope pressing against him as if to cut him in -two. - -"Hurrah! he's coming!" shouted Bob, presently, and he was right. With a -sudden sucking sound, Dick left the muck and water behind, and then, -held up by the rope, stepped quickly to a place of safety; and the -rescue had been accomplished. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - THE SEARCH FOR THE SPANISH TREASURE. - - -For a quarter of an hour after reaching a place of safety Dick could -only lay on the ground panting for breath and trying to regain his -strength. - -His lower limbs were cramped and swollen, and when he finally stood up, -his feet felt as though a thousand needles were piercing them. - -"Never mind; you'll be all right by to-morrow," said old Jacob, kindly. -"I'm glad we found ye in time." - -"So am I, Jacob. I think, though, that Dash deserves a good bit of -praise;" and he patted the dog affectionately on the head. - -While resting, Dick told of the encounter with Joseph Farvel. Then he -asked what had become of Menden and the others. - -"They are all in camp up on the mountainside," answered Bob. "They made -a tour of one small cave yesterday, but found nothing. We were all going -out to-day, but went off on a hunt for you instead." - -"If Robert Menden is smart he will lose no time. Joseph Farvel means to -get that treasure if he can." - -"Well, I reckon it's going to be a neck and neck race," said Bob. "All I -hope is, that Menden proves to be the winner." - -It was not until sunset that Dick found himself in the new camp. All -were glad to see him and listened with deep interest to the story he had -to relate. - -"You have received a taste of the sort of man Farvel is," was Robert -Menden's comment. "Do you wonder now why I thoroughly dislike the -fellow?" - -"No, I don't wonder," answered Dick; "and after this I'm going to try -harder than ever to keep that treasure out of his reach." - -That night both Dick and Danny slept soundly and in the morning felt -once more like themselves. It was resolved that in the future, if it was -possible to do so, the whole party should keep together. - -"And one man must remain on guard constantly," added Robert Menden. "If -not, Joseph Farvel may treat us to a disagreeable surprise." - -The party had, the day before, explored a small cave but a short -distance from the river. It was now decided to let Remora take them to -the great Dark Cave. - -The path was a winding, tortuous one, and they had to proceed with great -care, especially as all wanted to avoid even the semblance of another -mishap. - -It was clear, and from one point where they stopped to take a rest they -could see for miles. Far away to the north they beheld the church spires -of San Juan, and beyond the rolling sea, shining brightly in the -sunlight. On all sides were the rolling hills and sharp-backed -mountains, clothed in living green of all shades. - -"What an immense island for stock raising!" murmured Leander. "A fellow -could have thousands of heads of cattle here. Just look at the thickness -of the grass." - -"This land will all be given over to coffee and sugar plantations in -time," said Robert Menden. "Nine people out of ten care to raise nothing -else." - -They were resting under a big calabash tree laden with green fruit. Now -they resumed their journey, through brush and stubble, for the trail had -gradually scattered and been lost. - -At last they approached a cliff all of two hundred feet in height. -Before the cliff were great piles of rocks, overgrown with vines and -gray moss. Behind one mass of rocks was a yawning hole not over six feet -square. - -"Dat is one of de doors to de Dark Cave," announced Carlos Remora. "Now -we light torch, please you;" and they halted while he fired up. The -torch was a stick several feet in length and smeared over with a sticky -gum. Carlos carried several, and all of the others had at least one -apiece, tied over his shoulder, and all carried a goodly supply of -matches in addition. - -The descent into the cave was a gradual one for forty or fifty feet. -Beyond the opening the cavern broadened out and became much higher. At -the end of the descent there was a drop of a few feet, and after this -the flooring proved quite level for over half a mile. - -"Have a care of de birds!" shouted Remora. He meant the bats, which were -circling in all directions over their heads. Near the entrance the Dark -Cave is filled with them, and sometimes they brush against the visitor -with their skinny wings, producing anything but a pleasant sensation. It -was a bat which had knocked out the eye of the native before mentioned. - -On they went, over a flooring of dark stone, reeking with wet, mould and -slime. Overhead hung stalactites of lime rock, tinged with various -colors from the minerals which lie hidden in these mountains of Porto -Rico. In one spot a stalactite had fallen, and they picked it up and -brushed it off, to find it of a rainbow hue, beautiful beyond -description. - -"I should think those stalactites would alone be worth something," -observed Bob. "They would make beautiful house ornaments, were they -properly cleaned." - -"They wouldn't stand the outer air long," answered Dick. "Such rock -never does." - -"Great Cæsar! what a cave!" exclaimed Don, after they had been -travelling for a mile or more. "This is a regular underground world." - -"You have not seen it all yet, señor," replied Carlos Remora. "Da werry -long, werry broad." - -All had their eyes open as they advanced, looking for a long, flat -stone, with a cross cut upon it and the initials M. M. M. - -Robert Menden had questioned Remora on this point, but the Porto Rican -had assured him that he had never seen such a stone, and added that he -doubted if there were any carvings in the cave. "Only werry few come -here," he had concluded. "Most men afraid of de dark." - -"It would be very beastly down here without a light," said Menden, as -they paused in front of a yawning hole a dozen or more feet in diameter. -"Where does that lead to, Remora?" - -The native shook his head. "Can't say about dat. Nobody ever go down -dem. Hark!" - -He picked up a loose stone and hurled it down the opening. They heard it -rebound from one wall to another a dozen times, the sound growing -fainter and fainter until it died out altogether. - -"That's awful!" whispered Leander, as he drew back. "That must lead to -the center of the earth." - -"Nonsense, Leander," replied Dick. "But it's pretty deep, I admit." - -"Are there many such holes?" asked Menden. - -"So many," the guide held up the fingers of both hands. "But dis is de -big one. Everybody afraid of him;" and he walked on, unwilling even to -remain in the vicinity. - -From a distance came the sound of falling water, and presently they came -to a tiny waterfall. Below was a pool of inky blackness and a small -underground watercourse, which disappeared under the wall of the cavern -a hundred yards away. - -"I reckon dis knocks out de Mammoth Cave uf Kentucky," said Danny. "Why -yer could build a hull city down here, dat's wot yer could!" - -They had now reached the end of one branch of the cave, and turned back -to try another branch. Soon they reached a point where the flooring was -very wet and the drops of water came down steadily. - -"We under ribber now," explained Remora. "Some day water come down in -big heap and fill cave." - -"Where does this water go to?" asked Don. - -"Go to little ribber at waterfall." - -"I see. Do you think it safe here with this water coming down?" - -At this question the guide merely shrugged his shoulders. To his way of -thinking no portion of the cave was safe, and only the thought of -getting good pay for his services made him stick to the exploring party. - -By one o'clock everybody was tremendously hungry, and all hands sat down -in a comparatively dry spot to consume the lunch which had been brought -along. There was also a pot of coffee, and by holding this over a couple -of torches it was warmed up, and each had a cup of the beverage which, -as old Jacob expressed it, "struck right ter hum in thet cold, forlorn -region." - -"So far, no luck," said Robert Menden, in disappointed tones. "I'm -afraid I've led you all on something of a wild-goose chase." - -"You musn't get discouraged too quickly," replied Dick. "Remember, -treasure boxes aren't to be picked up every day." - -"I had no idea that the caves of Porto Rico were so vast. The more I see -of them the more I am astonished." - -"I've been thinking that perhaps the treasure is down in a cave below -this," put in Bob. "We ought to try some of those holes before we -leave." - -"I intend to do so. But we had better finish our examination of this -cave first." - -"It might be as how the natives carted thet treasure off long ago," -ventured old Jacob. "Like as not somebody else knew of it besides the -chap you met in Madrid." - -"Well, all we can continue to do is to hunt," said Don. "I'm not -discouraged yet by any means. If we—Hark!" - -He broke off short, as the sound of a distant voice reached his ear. All -listened intently. - -"That is Joseph Farvel approaching!" whispered Robert Menden. "He has -either followed us with his guides, or else he is making a search on his -own account." - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - INTO THE BOWELS OF THE EARTH. - - -"Farvel!" exclaimed one and another of the boys, and Dick felt for his -pistol. - -"What shall we do—let the feller see us?" demanded old Jacob. - -"Would that be wise?" queried the Englishman. - -"I should calkerlate not." - -"Then let us get out of sight with all possible speed," put in Don. - -Not far away was a gloomy looking recess and into this they made their -way. The torches were extinguished, leaving them in absolute darkness. - -"Don't walk about," cautioned Dick. "If you do you may take a nasty -tumble." - -The caution was unnecessary, for the intense darkness made everybody -stand as still as a statue. Listening, they heard Joseph Farvel moving -along slowly. Then by the aid of the advancing lights, they saw he was -accompanied by both of his former negro companions. - -"Ha! what is that?" muttered the man suddenly, and they saw him pick up -something. "A crust of fresh bread! Somebody has been down here. I'll -wager it was Menden's party." - -He continued to mutter to himself, but they caught no more of his words. - -"Too bad I didn't eat that crust up," murmured Don. "But I've got some -canker sores in my mouth and it was rather dry." - -Joseph Farvel halted his party and peered around anxiously. But our -friends kept out of sight and he discovered nothing of them. In a minute -more he went on; and that was the last they saw or heard of him for the -time being. - -"He won't discover anything in that direction—at least, not if he covers -the ground we covered," grinned Leander. "We were wide-awake and I don't -believe anything escaped us." - -They now turned off into another branch of the great cave—a long, narrow -opening twenty to thirty feet in height. Here the rocky formation was -soft and crumbling, and they had to pick their way with care. - -"A slight shock would send down tons and tons of that stuff," said -Robert Menden, as he pointed to the loose masses hanging as by threads -over their heads. "Ugh! it gives a fellow the shivers to look at it." - -Remora did not wish to enter. "No, no, come back!" he cried. "Him no -safe!" But they lit their own torches and went on, feeling every foot of -the way, while the Porto Rican remained at the entrance to await their -return. - -The flooring sloped downward, and presently they found themselves -traversing a circuitous way, which seemed to lead, so Don declared, to -the very bowels of the earth. - -"Don't slip," came from old Jacob. "If ye do——" - -"You'll have a worse roll than I had on the mountainside," finished -Dick. "No, thank you; once was enough for me." - -But at last they reached a level again. Here the lower cave was not over -five to six feet wide, but of such a height that the torches failed to -light up the ceiling. The opening seemed to be a winding one and without -end. - -"If we don't look out, we'll get lost," said Bob. "We must be an awful -way from the entrance." - -As they advanced, Robert Menden threw down a little crushed rice, with -which he had filled several of his pockets. "We can follow that trail -back, if the worst comes to the worst," he declared. "But it will be a -long and tedious work." - -They had now another stream to cross. The water was clear and cold, and -all stopped for a drink. - -Danny was the last to bend down to get his fill. He had not yet finished -when he started back and gave a yell. - -"Wot's dat t'ing?" - -"What thing?" they asked in chorus. - -"Don't yer see it—agin de wall. It's comin' dis way!" and the Irish boy -started to retreat. - -All looked in the direction he pointed out and saw something like an -enormous crab coming toward them. It was hissing viciously and was as -repulsive a creature as they had yet beheld. - -Bang! it was the report of Don's pistol, and the thing was pierced -through the body and killed instantly. - -"A good shot—" began Leander, when Dick and old Jacob both gave a cry of -alarm. - -"Look out, the roof is coming down! Run for your lives!" - -Crash! Boom! Down came some of the loose rock behind them, and by -instinct more than reason, they leaped across the underground -watercourse, Don falling in, but quickly picking himself out again. They -had scarcely advanced to a safe distance when there came another -cracking and a dull rumble, and the entire passageway at the spot where -they had stood but a minute before was choked up! - -For the time being, all were too dazed and bewildered to do more than -gaze in open-mouthed wonder at the destruction before them. The air was -filled with dust and dirt which blinded and choked them, and then came a -sickening odor of released gases. - -"Gracious, I didn't suppose a pistol shot would do so much!" murmured -Don, when he could find his voice. "A quarry blast would bring the whole -thing down, I suppose." - -"We were lucky to escape with our lives," said Robert Menden. "No, it -doesn't do to make too much noise in a cave like this. The sound waves -are almost certain to loosen something overhead." - -"I think this has placed us in a putty bad pickle," said old Jacob, -seriously. - -"What do you mean?" asked Bob. Then his face blanched. "Are we—we—hemmed -in?" - -"Thet's about the size on it—to my way o' reckonin'." - -"Have the fallen rocks really closed up the passageway?" queried Robert -Menden. - -"O' course we can't say till we investigate, Mr. Menden. But it looks -thet way from here," came from the old tar. - -They wished to investigate at once; but old Jacob held them back. "More -rocks might be a-comin' down. Take yer time—it will pay in the end." And -they waited quarter of an hour longer. - -At last they crossed the watercourse again and began to climb over the -fallen mass, with their torches held aloof, watching for an opening. The -climbing was dangerous, and more than once one or another came near to -twisting his ankle or having his hand crushed, as the rocks began to -settle one over another. - -"Here we are!" cried Robert Menden at last, and pointed to an opening -some distance away. It was small, and they had to pass through in single -file; yet all breathed long sighs of relief when they were on the -opposite side. - -"I think we have investigated that branch as far as necessary—at least -for the present," said Robert Menden. He looked at his watch. "Five -o'clock!" - -"Reckon we had better make fer the open air," was old Jacob's comment. -"We have been down here long enough fer this day;" and the others agreed -with him. Hunting for the treasure was not such an agreeable task as -they had anticipated. - -It was a long and tedious journey to where they had left Carlos Remora, -and when they reached the spot the Porto Rican was nowhere to be seen. - -"I'll wager he heard the downfall of rocks and made up his mind that we -were all killed," said Leander; and he hit the nail exactly on the head, -as was later proven. - -There was now nothing left to do but to find the mouth of the great cave -alone. They proceeded with caution, not wishing to make any false turn. - -"I see the opening!" cried Dick, at last. He was right; and ten minutes -later they were scrambling out into the open air. - -"Oh, how good it feels once more!" remarked Don, as he inflated his -lungs. "It's all well enough to go down there and hunt for money, but I -prefer the open air every time." - -The sun was beginning to set in the west. To the southward, dark clouds -were beginning to loom up. Old Jacob watched the clouds with care. - -"What do you think of them?" asked Dick. - -"What do you think, Dick?" - -"I should say there was a good bit of wind coming and, maybe, some -rain." - -"And I should say you were right, lad; and both won't be long a-comin'," -concluded the Yankee tar. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - A HURRICANE ON THE MOUNTAIN. - - -The party watched the oncoming of the storm with anxiety, for they felt -that a downpour on the top of that high mountain would be no light -affair. - -Danny had began to build a fire preparatory to cooking the evening meal, -but now old Jacob stopped him. - -"There is an overhanging cliff," he said, pointing with his long finger. -"We had better look for shelter there afore we think of eating." - -"You are right," said Robert Menden. "This coming storm may prove what -the boys would call a corker." - -They took up their traps, which had been hidden in the brush while they -were in the cave, and set off for the cliff which loomed up less than -quarter of a mile away. It was a difficult road, through brush and -creeping vines and over rough rocks, and before it was finished, the big -raindrops were beginning to patter down on the broad tropical leaves. - -"Here's a pretty good place," said Dick, pointing to a hollowed-out spot -eight or more feet in depth. There were several wild plantains in front -of it, and it certainly looked a very good shelter. - -"I can't make no fire here," said Danny. "De rain will put it out in no -time." - -"Build up close to the rocks, Danny," replied Don. "Here, I will show -you;" and soon they had a fairly good blaze started, and Danny placed -some water to boil. - -By this time the storm was on them in all of its fury. The rain came -down in sheets, so that they could not see fifty feet in front of them. -The wind made the trees groan and creak as it swayed them in one -direction or another. - -"This is a small-sized hurricane, I reckon," observed old Jacob. "Hark!" - -He put up his hand and they all listened. From afar came a dull, humming -sound. It was coming closer. - -"It's a hurricane, ez sure ez guns!" shouted the Yankee sailor. "I hope -we are safe here." - -"We ought to be," replied Leander. "Oh, my! Listen!" - -The humming seemed to fill the air all around them, while the sky grew -as black as night. Then came a wild rushing of wind and at a distance -they heard several forest trees go down with a crash. A tree directly -before their shelter followed, and then the full force of the hurricane -was upon them. - -In a twinkle, one and another of the boys found himself lifted up and -dashed against the rocks. The wind soused the rain in all around them, -and the embers of the fire were hurled hither and thither, some sailing -up into the air to disappear in the raging element. In front of the -shelter the brush was torn up by the roots, and the very rocks seemed to -quake and quiver, as if about to tumble down upon their heads. - -"This is fearful!" groaned Bob; but nobody heard him, nor were the -remarks from the others audible. The wind had found a crack in the rocks -and through this it was whistling with the loudness of a steam calliope. - -Swish! crack! bang! down came another tree before their hiding-place, -and the uppermost branches were thrust at them, hemming all in against -the wall. But this gave additional shelter, and now the wind that came -after could not reach them. - -In a few minutes the first fury of the hurricane was spent; but it -continued to blow and rain at a lively rate, and this kept up until -almost morning. To make even a torch-light was impossible, and they -huddled together in the dark, side by side, with their backs to the -cliff, silently praying that God might see them through this peril in -safety. And their prayer was heard; for morning found them wet, sleepy -and hungry, but still unharmed by a hurricane which, in other quarters, -had done untold damage. - -"My gracious! that was worse than the blizzard we had on Snow-Top -Island!" declared Leander. "I'll tell you what—I wouldn't want to be out -in the Dashaway in such a blow." - -"I trust the storm ain't found the yacht," replied old Jacob, dubiously. -"If it got in the harbor it would play high jinks with the shipping." - -"Oh, I hope it passed by San Juan," said Dick. The Dashaway was his -pride, and he did not wish to see the beautiful vessel harmed. - -It was with difficulty that the entire party found enough dry wood with -which to kindle a fire. All were soaked to the skin, and it was decided -to remain in camp until noon. - -"Perhaps we would have been better off in the cave," said Bob. "I wonder -if Joseph Farvel remained down there." - -"As like as not," said Robert Menden. "But I think staying in such a -hole in a hurricane is dangerous. You don't know what pranks a storm -might play." - -"Yes; if the wind got in there it would haul down a good bit o' the -roof," said old Jacob. - -While Danny was nursing the fire into a big blaze, several flocks of -birds flew over the cliff. At once the boys got out their firearms and -half a dozen shots brought down twice that number of the feathered -specie. The birds were speedily dressed, and cooked, and made a welcome -addition to their otherwise scant breakfast. - -Robert Menden was anxious that no more time be lost, and promptly at -noon, with clothing once more dried, they started off again for the -caves. Carlos Remora had disappeared entirely, nor did he show up again, -thinking that all of the party were buried under the fallen ceiling of -the cave. - -The side of the mountain was wet and slippery, and they had to proceed -with care, for fear of slipping into some hollow and becoming seriously -hurt. - -On all sides were the evidences of the terrific storm—shattered trees, -bushes laid flat, and here and there a ripped-up portion of grass, as if -some giant's hand had reached down and twisted it up from the roots. - -"It's wonderful what a power the wind has when it lets itself loose," -remarked Dick. "I'm awfully glad we weren't caught out in the open." - -"That's so," said Don. "We would have been blown to Kingdom Come." - -When they reached the entrance to the Dark Cave they looked around for -some trace of Remora and of Joseph Farvel's party; but the storm had -obliterated all footprints and other signs. - -With lighted torches they passed inside and down the first slope, which -was now familiar to them. Their future operations had been talked over -during the breakfast hour, and it had been decided to try a central -branch of the great cave—one which Carlos Remora had told them had a -very uneven flooring and was, consequently, but little travelled. - -They had just reached the ending of the first slope when Dick saw a -white object sticking up on the end of a stick. - -"Hullo! what's that?" he cried. - -"What's what, Dick?" - -"That thing on the stick?" - -"It's a sign of some sort," exclaimed Bob; and running forward he held -the torch to it. It proved to be a piece of white paper stuck on a bit -of tree bark. On the paper was written: - - "WARNING! - - "Be it known to all that I, by right of inheritance and also - discovery, do hereby lay claim to everything of value which is to be - found in this cave or any of its branches. I warn all outsiders, and - especially Robert Menden and his party, to keep away from my - property. - - "JOSEPH FARVEL." - -"Oh, what cheek!" burst out Dick. - -"He had better claim the earth and have done with it," put in Leander. - -"Will you pay any attention to that?" asked Don, turning to Robert -Menden. - -"Do you think I should?" queried the Englishman, with a twinkle in his -eye. - -"No." - -"Nixey," cried Danny, who could not always get away from his old-time -slang. - -"He hasn't any more right here nor any o' us," burst out old Jacob. -"Jest let him try to stop me, thet's all. He'll reckon he fell in with a -second hurricane!" - -At this they all laughed. And that laugh settled matters. They would go -ahead and pay no attention to the warning left by their enemy. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - THE CHAMBER OF BONES. - - -On they went, the flooring under their feet showing that a good deal of -the rain had washed into the cavern. - -Robert Menden was ahead with one torch, while old Jacob brought up in -the rear with the second light. - -Between, the boys were spread out in a semicircle, each looking with all -his might for anything that might resemble a long, flat stone, with a -cross and the three M's cut upon it. - -Along with Dick trotted Dash, his ears up, as if as ready as any of them -to make an important discovery, did it lay in his power. - -A quarter of a mile was covered, when they reached the branch for which -they were searching. In the meantime Robert Menden had left a trail of -crushed rice, that they might thereby find their way back. - -They now found it necessary to climb over jagged rocks as high as their -heads and higher—laborious work which soon put all in a state of -perspiration. - -"I guess this is about as hard as working in a coal mine," said Don. "I -hope the rocks come to an end soon." - -"This flooring has been thrown up by an earthquake," observed Robert -Menden. "We must be careful, or somebody may fall through some fissure. -And don't wander away, whatever else you do." - -The boys promised to be careful. But Menden's warning was not needed, -for in that gloomy spot they were perfectly willing to keep close to one -another and could not have been hired to separate. - -"I believe we are coming to the end of this branch," said Dick, half an -hour later. - -"There is a small opening to the left," replied the Englishman. "We will -try that;" and as before, he led the way. - -A narrow passageway was passed, and they came into a round chamber fifty -feet or more in diameter. From overhead the water dripped constantly, -and curious spiders and black bugs ran hither and thither, as the party -approached with their torches. - -"Oh, my! Look!" - -The cry came from Don, and was taken up by several of the others. - -"We've struck a cemetery of bones," said Bob; and he was right. On all -sides of the chamber were piles of bones, with here and there a row of -skeleton heads! - -"There must be nigh onto a thousand o' 'em," muttered old Jacob, as he -surveyed the scene. "Never saw sech a tarnal sight in my life!" - -"It's certainly a grim spectacle," returned Robert Menden. "I wonder how -they happened to place these bones here?" - -No one could answer that question. They hunted around for bits of -clothing and jewelry, but none came to sight. - -"This ain't to my taste," said old Jacob—"let us go on;" and on they -went to a small cavern beyond. - -Here the air was foul and unwholesome, and even the torches refused to -burn, saving with a yellow, uncertain light. - -"We can't stand much of this," said Leander. "I feel as if I was in a -tomb." - -He had scarcely spoken when Dick pointed out some bones lying in a -corner of the chamber. Coming closer, they made out the skeleton of a -man. Beside the bones lay several patches of clothing and a pair of -old-fashioned iron-rimmed spectacles. - -"That man lost his life here, sure," said Bob. "Look; one of his -leg-bones is broken in half." - -"More than likely he broke his leg and found it impossible to walk -further," said Don. "And then I suppose his light and food gave out, and -he starved to death. Horrible!" - -"I don't want to see any more of it," said Don, shuddering. "I guess he -was an old man, otherwise he wouldn't have had those iron-rimmed -spectacles. I suppose that skeleton has been here for a dozen years." - -Dick was bending down over the bones, having seen something shining near -one of the fleshless hands. He picked the object up and found it to be a -long, flat, brass key. - -"A key!" cried Robert Menden. He took the thing from the youth, and held -it close to the torch. "By the queen!" - -"What's up?" came in a chorus. - -"See! The key is marked M. M. M. on one side!" And he pointed out the -initials. - -"It must belong to the treasure box!" ejaculated Dick. - -"Hurrah! We're gittin' closer to dat prize!" burst out Danny, and shook -his bullet-like head enthusiastically. - -All examined the key with interest. It was a little rusted at one end, -but still good enough to use if the cedar box was brought to light, as -Dick declared. - -"We are on the right trail; I feel certain of it," said Menden. "For -that old Spaniard mentioned a pile of bones to me." - -"I wonder if Farvel has been here yet?" said Don. - -"I think not—and I hope he doesn't come." - -They moved on more slowly than ever. The foul air was now left behind -and they gained a chamber where there was a steady current of cold air -which made one and another shiver. - -"What's that?" said Don, of a sudden. - -He had heard a strange sound, and now they all noticed it. - -"Is it somebody moaning?" gasped Leander. - -"It certainly sounds like it," said old Jacob. - -"Perhaps it is Farvel in trouble," suggested Bob. - -The moaning rose and fell, as if a person was in great pain and unable -to cry out loudly. - -"Where does it come from?" was Dick's question. - -No one was able to answer, and they stood in a mute crowd, looking at -each other. Danny gave a shiver. - -"I don't like dat nohow," he whispered. - -"No more do I like it," muttered Leander. "It sounds like a ghost!" - -"Don't say dat, or I'll be fer runnin' away!" cried the Irish lad. - -Dash put up his nose and added a long whine. - -"Where is it, Dash?" said Dick. "Show it to us, old boy!" - -The dog started forward, then stood stock still and showed his teeth. - -There was another moan and then a hiss, and out of the gloom ahead shone -two fiery eyes, moving slowly from side to side. - -"Some beast!" shouted Robert Menden. "Have your pistols ready!" - -He had scarcely uttered the words when a big cat shot past him and -landed on Leander's left shoulder. - -The creature was of the domestic specie, but evidently gone wild from -hunger and loneliness. - -"Help! take it off!" cried the boy, and tried to clear himself. But the -cat hung the closer. Then it opened its mouth as if to bury its teeth in -his arm. - -A report rang out. Robert Menden had taken careful aim and fired. At -once the cat gave a screech and tumbled to the ground, where it lay -writhing and moaning. Another shot put it out of its misery forever. - -The attack had taken Leander's nerve away from him, and the boy sank -down on a rock and shivered, while turning as white as a sheet. - -"It was terrible!" he murmured. "Say, I'm for getting out of this!" - -"Oh, don't talk that way, Len!" cried Bob. "The cat's dead now, you -know." - -"But there may be more of them." - -"I think not. She probably got in here by accident." - -"And then that dead body, too!" - -"I don't believe there are any more of those either." - -"To be sure, it was very unpleasant," put in Robert Menden. "But it will -have to be something far worse to turn me back." - -"And me," added Dick. "I am going to stick to the hunt to the end." - -And five minutes later the whole party went forward once more. But -Leander kept close to old Jacob, and carried his pistol where it could -be brought into instant use if required. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - THE TABLET OF STONE. - - -By consulting a watch they found that it was after six o'clock; but they -had brought supper along and ate this in preference to making their way -out of the cave to their camp on the mountainside. - -"Farvel must not be allowed to get ahead of us in this search," declared -Robert Menden. "If he once got the treasure in his possession, the jig -would be up, so far as we are concerned." - -"It's queer we haven't seen anything of him to-day," said Dick. "He must -be in the cave somewhere." - -"There are so many branches we can easily keep apart," said Don. "It is -like the branches of a great tree lying flat underground." - -"And we are like ants looking for the right branch," laughed Bob. - -"I feel it in my bones that we have the right branch here," put in -Robert Menden. - -"An' I feel thet way myself," added old Jacob. "I think we'll have thet -treasure in forty-eight hours, or sooner." - -Both torches had burnt low, and now they lit fresh ones, which threw a -brighter light on all sides. They were moving along in a row when the -Englishman called a sudden halt. - -"There is a wide crack in the rocks ahead," he declared. "Look out that -somebody doesn't tumble into it." - -"Does it lead to the lower caves?" asked Dick. - -"I'm sure I don't know, Dick. We can throw down a stone and see." - -Robert Menden was about to look around for a suitable stone, when a cry -from Bob caught his ears. - -"The tablet!" yelled the boy. "Look! look!" - -All rushed to his side and gazed in the direction that he pointed out. -Sure enough, there on the very brink of the crack Menden had located, -was a long, flat stone. At one end of the stone they saw that a rude -cross had been carved. At the other end were the much sought-after -initials, M. M. M. - -"Hurrah! the treasure at last!" cried Dick, and felt like dancing a jig -for joy. - -"Where is the cedar box? I'm crazy to see how much it has in it!" put in -Don. - -"I guess we're all crazy for that," laughed Leander, his scare having -been forgotten. - -"It ought to be under the tablet," said Robert Menden. "Can the thing be -lifted by hand?" - -He examined the tablet, which rested on several rocks set in the form of -a square, one side at the very opening just mentioned. The flat stone -was a heavy affair, weighing all of six or seven hundred pounds. - -"Ye can't budge thet by hand," said old Jacob, who was almost as excited -as the rest. "It will take a block and fall, or a long lever, to do it." - -"And we have neither!" groaned the Englishman. - -They stared at each other blankly. What was to be done? - -"Perhaps we can pull it away from the back," said Dick. "That is, if -there is any way of fastening the rope." - -As he spoke he reached across the tablet from the front, and felt in the -back. - -"By ginger! the back's hollow!" he burst out. - -"Hollow?" came from several of the others. - -"Yes, hollow. Here, give me one of the torches and I'll take a look for -the chest." - -The light was speedily thrust forward, and while the others held him by -the legs to keep from sliding down into the crack beyond, Dick made an -inspection. - -"The hole under the tablet is empty!" - -A groan went up. - -"Empty? Impossible!" said Robert Menden, and his face grew as white as a -sheet. - -"Yes, the hole is empty." - -"But—but—" began old Jacob. - -"The bottom of the hole slopes toward the crack," went on Dick. "I'll -wager that when the flooring parted, the cedar chest fell down to the -bottom of the split." - -There was a murmur of relief at this. Perhaps the treasure was not lost -after all. - -"Let us throw a piece of torch down and see," said Bob; and his advice -was speedily carried out. But the torch went down so far, its light -revealed little but grotesque shadows, which might be treasure boxes or -something else. - -The crack in the flooring was eight to ten feet wide; but taking a run, -Robert Menden cleared the distance, and aided by a rope, several others -followed. - -From this side they could look into the hollow under the tablet with -ease. But this gave them little satisfaction, for the opening was as -empty as Dick had mentioned. - -"I've a good mind to try my luck with the rope," said Robert Menden. "We -brought it along for the purpose of getting down holes, you know." - -"Well, we'll let ye down as carefully as possible," answered old Jacob. - -A noose was made and slipped around Menden's body, under his arms. Then -a smooth spot was selected, where the rope might run without scraping, -and the Englishman climbed down over the edge. - -"Now, lower away," he called out. "But go slow, and don't let me slip -away from you." - -He had a torch in one hand, while with the other he kept himself from -striking on the various sharp projections which he encountered. He went -down twenty, thirty, forty feet, and then to the very end of the line. - -"A little lower!" he cried, as those above stopped and held fast to -several knots previously inserted in the rope. - -"Can't put out any more," called down old Jacob. "Ain't ye reached the -bottom?" - -"No; it's about ten or fifteen feet below this point." - -"Can ye see anything?" - -"See a lot of loose rock and—Yes, a corner of a box. I think the fall -broke the chest all to pieces." - -"We'll haul ye up and git a longer rope," returned the Yankee tar. "He's -found the treasure right enough," he added, to the boys gathered around -him. - -It was no easy task to bring Robert Menden up to the flooring again, but -at last it was accomplished, and the Englishman untied himself, none the -worse for his trip to the region below. - -All greatly regretted there were no more ropes at hand. - -"If we had them we might get at that treasure this very night," declared -Dick. - -"Never mind; it's late," said old Jacob. "We'll go back to camp and -rest, and bring the other ropes in by daylight. I reckon it won't hurt -the treasure to rest another twenty-four hours." - -"But we want to know how much is there, Jacob," said Bob. - -"So we do—but we'll have to be patient." - -"Yes, we had better go back," put in Robert Menden. "But first let us -cover that tablet with loose rock, so if Joseph Farvel comes this way, -he won't discover it." - -This was considered good advice, and as loose stones were plentiful they -soon succeeded in hiding the tablet entirely from view. Then the spot -was carefully marked by another means, and they started once more for -the outer air. - -The climb over the rough flooring tired them thoroughly, and by the time -the mouth of the main cave was gained they could scarcely drag one foot -after the other. - -"I'll sleep to-night, no matter if it does blow," said Don. "But I guess -I'll dream of a lot of shining Spanish gold, too," he added, with a -smile. - -All were in the best of spirits, and several of the boys began to -whistle as they set off for the camp on the mountainside. But this -Robert Menden stopped. - -"We want to do this thing as quietly as possible," he said. "Remember, -we have both Joseph Farvel and the Porto Rican brigands against us. Even -if we get hold of that treasure, we'll have a job to get it safe to the -city or on board of the Dashaway." - -Bob was in advance, knowing the trail pretty thoroughly by this time. - -No sooner was the shelter under the rocks gained than he let out a wild -howl. - -"The things are all gone! Somebody has robbed us!" - -Bob was right. During their absence the camp had been visited by some -thief, and now everything, including the ropes and the cooking utensils, -as well as their supply of food, was missing. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - LOOKING FOR THE CAMPING OUTFIT. - - -For the moment, all stood aghast over the discovery which had been made. - -"This is Joseph Farvel's work!" cried Robert Menden, when he could -speak. "He means to make us quit the search and go back to San Juan." - -"The pesky rascal!" muttered old Jacob. "Jest wish I could lay hands on -him, thet's all!" - -"What is we ter do?" queried Danny. "I can't git no supper wid nuthin' -ter work wid." - -"This is certainly a bad fix," said Don. Then he looked at Dash. "Too -bad, eh, old boy?" - -"I forgot Dash!" cried Dick. "I wonder if he can't follow the trail of -the thief?" - -"To be sure he can," ejaculated Leander. "Can't you, Dash?" And the dog -wagged his tail. - -"Do we want to follow him?" questioned Menden. - -"We want our stuff back," answered Dick, determinedly. "Besides, we -can't do anything in the cave without those other ropes." - -"Yes, let us follow the trail right now—if we kin do it," said old -Jacob. - -They were all out of humor, being tired and hungry, and had Joseph -Farvel crossed their path just then, it would have gone hard with the -man. But our friends had made a great mistake, as we shall presently -see. - -It took some little time to make Dash understand what was wanted. But -when Bob took a bone and pointed at the fire, and at one plate that had -been left behind, the canine knew what was wanted, and set off on a trot -that made them all hustle to keep up with him. - -The trail led over the very top of the mountain and to a little bamboo -shack on the other side. - -Nobody was in sight and they rightfully guessed that the bamboo shelter -was deserted. - -Entering, they found all of their traps piled up in a corner, together -with some things which did not belong to them. - -"Here's our stuff, and more," cried Don. "Good for Dash! He makes the -best kind of a detective." - -While they were sorting out their goods, old Jacob, who was at the -doorway, announced that somebody was approaching. - -"It's a man, but who, I can't tell, it's that dark," he said. "Better -prepare to give him a surprise." - -"I believe it's Farvel, and that this other stuff is his," said Robert -Menden. - -But as the newcomer came closer, all were surprised to see, not Joseph -Farvel, but Bumbum, the good-for-nothing Carib. - -"We've made a big mistake," murmured Menden. "I'd almost forgotten about -this fellow." - -"Well, I've not forgotten him," said Leander, grimly. - -"Nor I," added Dick. "If he took this stuff, let us bring him up with a -round turn." - -It was agreed to hide, and they did so without delay, behind a bush back -of the hut. - -Bumbum approached rapidly, and lighting a torch, entered the clumsy -shelter. - -Then taking a rope he began to tie together all the articles belonging -to the Dashaway's party, as well as the other things. - -"Drop those, you rascal!" - -The command came from Dick, and turning, the Carib found himself -confronted by two men, five boys and a dog. - -The articles in his hands fell to the dirt flooring with a bang, and he -staggered back in terror. - -"_Americano_—" he began, but could get no further. - -"So we've caught you in the act," said Leander. "Pretty business for you -to be in, isn't it?" - -"Bumbum no understand," stammered the native. - -"You stole our outfit," came from Robert Menden. - -"Bumbum no steal anyt'ing, señor. Bumbum find t'ings on de mountain." - -"You can't make us believe that yarn," cried Bob. "You knew the things -belonged to us when you took them. You're a first-class sneak." - -"Bumbum very honest, señor—nefer take not'ing, nefer!" And the Carib -nodded earnestly. - -"You took our ten dollars fast enough," said Dick. He turned to the -others. "Hadn't he better give that money up?" - -"Yes, make him give it ye back," said old Jacob. "He don't deserve a -cent." And the others agreed with him. - -When the Carib was made to understand what was wanted, his face grew as -dark as the night outside. "You rob poor man—dat no fair," he muttered. - -"You are a rascal and ought to be in jail," answered Robert Menden. -"Give the boys their money back and be quick about it." - -But Bumbum was a miser, and rather than part with a single _peseta_, he -determined to try running away. With a bound he reached the outside of -the shack and started to run, when Don tripped him up and sent him -headlong. - -A short struggle ensued, but the Carib was speedily overpowered, and -then his hands were bound behind him. In his pocket he had not only the -money Dick and Leander had been forced to give him, but also the wallet -stolen from Joseph Farvel. - -"Here is your money, lads," said Robert Menden, as he handed the silver -to the two boys. "I must say I don't know what to do about Farvel's -wallet." - -"Keep it, until you have the chance to give it back to him," suggested -Bob; and this advice was acted upon. - -"And now what's to do with this critter?" put in old Jacob. - -"He ought to be handed over to the authorities." - -This was certainly true, but the nearest _alcalde_ was the one located -at Aguas Buenas, over five miles distant and they had no desire to make -such a trip that night. - -"Let him go," said Leander, at last. "Boot him out of camp, and tell him -we'll have him arrested if he ever shows up again." - -"All right," answered Robert Menden, and Bumbum was released. A sharp -quarrel of words followed, and then the Carib slunk away in the -darkness, more bitter against the entire party than ever. - -"We want to keep our weather eyes open fer thet chap," was old Jacob's -comment. "He's the sort as would knife ye in the back if he got the -chance." - -It was decided to remain at the bamboo hut over night, and a blaze was -speedily started and supper prepared. Everybody was too tired to go -hunting or fishing, and the evening meal was, consequently, a scant one. - -It is doubtful if any of the boys slept very soundly that night. Each -head was filled with visions of the golden treasure, and each tried to -calculate mentally how much his share of the expected find would amount -to, after the necessary expenses were paid. - -Each had to stand guard for an hour, but nothing happened to disturb -them, and by sunrise the camp was in motion. - -"A hasty breakfast, lads," cried Robert Menden. "And then, ho! for the -treasure." - -"And may it prove to be twice as large as expected," added Don. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - JOSEPH FARVEL MAKES A MOVE. - - -Breakfast was about over, and Danny was beginning to wash the few dishes -they had used, when suddenly Bob leaped to his feet. - -"Joseph Farvel, as sure as fate!" - -"Where?" demanded Robert Menden. - -"Coming through the brush back of us. See! There he is!" - -The youth was right; Farvel was making straight for the shack, followed -by his two negro companions. He looked dirty and tired out, and his -clothing was in tatters. - -When he beheld them he stared in amazement; then halted, and drew his -pistol. - -"Stop, Farvel; we want no shooting here," cried Robert Menden, sternly. -"Put your firearm back in your pocket." - -"It's a fine game you played on me," growled Farvel, as he concealed his -pistol and came closer. "Thought you were mighty clever, didn't you?" - -"I don't understand you?" - -"Don't you? See here; you can't play any such game on me, even if we are -alone among these mountains." - -"What are you driving at, Farvel?" asked Dick, coming forward. - -"Your crowd stole my traps—I see some of them in the hut. I want them -back." And the fellow shook his head decidedly. - -"You can have your traps and welcome," said Menden. "But we did not -steal them. If they were stolen, the job was done by a Carib named -Bumbum." - -"It's a likely story!" was the reply, with a sneer. "Who is this Bumbum? -I never heard of him?" - -"The man who waylaid you on the road and robbed you." - -"How do you know that?" - -"Here is the wallet he took from you." - -The article was passed over to Joseph Farvel, who accepted it with a -cold stare. However, he opened it quickly to see if the contents were -intact, and then smiled to himself. - -"I don't understand your game at all," he muttered. - -"It is no game, Farvel," said Robert Menden. - -"How did you get the wallet?" - -"Our things were stolen and, aided by our dog, we traced them here, -where we found your goods mixed up with our own. While we were sorting -out the stuff we saw this Bumbum approaching. We hid in the bushes, and -saw by the way he acted that he had robbed both of us and was going to -tote his booty off. We collared him, and on searching him got ten -dollars belonging to two of these boys, and your wallet. That proves -that he was the man who waylaid you; otherwise, how would he have your -wallet?" - -"It's an odd tale, Robert Menden," came sullenly. - -"And a true one, whether you believe it or not." - -"Of course I'll have to believe it. But I want to talk to you about -another matter." - -"All right. But hurry, as we don't intend to spend all of our time -here." - -"You are hot-footed after that treasure, I see." - -"We have a right to be." - -"Didn't you see the notice I posted near the entrance to the cave?" - -"That notice isn't worth the paper it is written on, Farvel. You might -better have saved your writing material." - -At this Joseph Farvel bit his lip. "Don't be so sure of that, Menden." - -"We won't argue the point. I have given you your wallet—for which I've -got no thanks—and there are your other goods. You had better take them -and yourself off." - -"I'll go when I please." - -"Then we'll go, and you can live in the hut and welcome," put in Dick. -"Come, Danny, make up your bundle, and I'll help you carry it." - -"Have you found anything of the treasure yet?" asked Farvel, curiously, -as he turned to Bob. - -"That is none of your business." - -"I'll make it my business. The treasure is mine, and nobody shall rob me -of it," was the fierce response. - -"That treasure will belong to the party that finds it, Farvel," replied -Robert Menden. "Don't deceive yourself by thinking otherwise." - -"I know what I'm talking about. But, see here—" Farvel shifted uneasily -from one foot to the other. "What do you say to our doubling up and -dividing the treasure when we locate it?" - -At this proposition all were greatly surprised. Then they looked at -Farvel's appearance, and quickly came to the conclusion that the fellow -was growing discouraged. - -"We do not need your assistance, Farvel," said Menden. "We'll do as -we've been doing—go it alone." - -"You won't form a partnership?" - -"No." - -"I think I can locate that treasure in another day." - -"Then go and do it." - -"I—I've located the flat stone already." - -"What!" came in a chorus, and all of the Dashaway's party were much -dismayed. - -"Yes, and I'll have the treasure box, and unless you agree to assist me -you won't get a penny." - -"When did you locate the tablet?" queried old Jacob. - -"Yesterday afternoon. I would have opened it only——" - -"Only what?" - -"I didn't have the tools, and it was cemented right in the wall of the -cave." - -"Indeed!" The old tar put up his hand to shut off the others from -talking. "Farvel, I think yer a natural born story-teller. You ain't -seed so much as a corner o' thet stone. It's a put-up job to make us -take ye into partnership—but it won't work nohow." - -"Jacob Ropes is right," said Robert Menden. "You haven't seen the -tablet." - -"It ain't in no wall!" burst out Danny, ere he had stopped to think -twice. "It's—" He stopped in dismay. - -"Ha! so you have located it!" cried Joseph Farvel. - -"It ain't in no wall, fer de papers don't read dat way," went on Danny, -bound to smooth matters over. "It's behind a monument wid lions' heads -and carved snakes, and such t'ings around it." - -"A monument with lions' heads?" queried Farvel, in bewilderment. "All -right—if you know best." He paused. "Then you won't form any -partnership?" - -"No," said Robert Menden; and all of the others agreed with him. - -Without another word, Joseph Farvel ordered his helpers to gather his -things together. He was on the point of appropriating one of old Jacob's -ropes when the sailor stopped him. - -"Take yer own, an' no more," he said, sternly; and Farvel dropped the -coil. In a minute more he and his party made off and soon disappeared -over the mountain top. - -"That was a bad break, Danny," said Dick, when Farvel was out of -hearing. - -"So it was," murmured the Irish lad. "But I guess I t'rew him off de -track wid dem lions' heads an' snakes, don't you?" - -"Perhaps so; but be more careful in the future." - -"I think the best thing we can do is to hide our traps, after this," -observed Leander. "Who knows but what Bumbum or Farvel may be after -them." - -"That Carib may be watching us even now," said Don. "Let us search the -bushes and see." - -This was done, but nobody was brought to light. Then the outfit was -hidden in a dense hollow, under some vines, and off they started for the -Dark Cave once more, carrying all their ropes, as well as a stout canvas -bag, with them. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - BOB IS TAKEN PRISONER. - - -They now felt thoroughly at home on the mountain top, and set a straight -course for the Dark Cave. - -It promised to be an exceedingly warm day, and they had not proceeded -far before all were bathed in perspiration. - -"This is too bad," observed Don. "We won't want to go underground while -we are so hot. We may get a chill." - -"We can rest awhile at the entrance to the cave," said Robert Menden. -"We'll need it before climbing over the rough rocks to where that crack -is located." - -Reaching the entrance, they threw themselves on a grassy bank in the -shade to rest. - -Although they did not know it, Joseph Farvel was close at hand, and now -watched them intently. - -The fellow felt that they had discovered something, and wished to -ascertain, if possible, just what it was. - -"I'll dog them; see if I don't," he said to himself. - -The negroes he had with him were brawny fellows, willing to do almost -anything he ordered. - -Presently Bob, feeling rested, sprang up and began to walk around near -the entrance to the cave, and then toward a nearby pool of water. - -His course took him out of sight of his companions, and close to where -Farvel and the negroes lay concealed in the tall grass and trailing -vines. - -As the boy approached, a sinister look came over the man's face, and he -whispered a few words to his black companions. They evidently -understood, and nodded in agreement with him. - -Bob had just procured his drink and was watching the flight of several -birds near by, when he felt himself clutched from behind. - -Before he could make the slightest outcry a hand was clapped over his -mouth, and he was lifted from his feet and borne into the jungle. - -Bob's eyes were wide open and he easily saw who had made him captive. - -The natives carried him with ease, while it was Joseph Farvel's hand -which was clapped over his mouth. - -After several hundred feet had been covered, he was set down, and a -handkerchief gag was inserted in his mouth. - -"Make an outcry and you will be sorry for it," said Joseph Farvel, -grimly. - -Bob wished to ask where he was being taken, but was given no chance to -do so. The natives bound his hands behind him, and then he was told by -Farvel to march. - -As there was nothing to be gained just then by resisting, poor Bob -marched along, through the jungle and across several tiny mountain -streams. - -Presently they reached a rough shelter built of tree branches and palm -leaves, and here they halted. - -The boy was tied to a tree, hands and feet, the natives using some tough -vines for that purpose. Then he was searched, and his pistol and -pocketknife were taken from him. - -"If I ungag you, will you promise to make no outcry?" asked Joseph -Farvel. - -As Bob was nearly smothered, he nodded his head, whereupon the obnoxious -gag was quickly removed. - -"What do you mean by handling me in this fashion?" demanded the youth, -as soon as he could speak. - -"Now don't get on a high horse, or it will be the worse for you," -replied Farvel, bitterly. - -"I ask you a direct question and I expect a direct answer," went on Bob, -indignantly. - -"I brought you here to get some information from you, young man." - -"You'll learn nothing from me." - -"Perhaps I shall." - -"I'll cut my tongue off before I tell anything." - -"It's easy enough to talk that way now. But you'll change your tune -presently." - -"I don't think so." - -"We'll see. Do you realize that you are entirely in my power?" - -"That doesn't scare me so very much, Joseph Farvel. You won't dare to do -much." - -"I am here for that treasure, and I'm bound to have it by hook or by -crook. If you know anything definite, you had better tell me about it." - -"As I said before, I'll tell you nothing." - -In a rage Farvel stepped closer and slapped Bob's cheek. - -"You little rat, I'll make you talk!" he stormed. "Your party has -located the treasure; I feel certain of it." - -Bob was boiling with indignation, and had his hands been free he would -have knocked Farvel down. But he was helpless, and could do absolutely -nothing. - -"Are you going to talk?" demanded the enraged man, after a short pause. - -"No." - -"Don't you know what is best for you?" - -"Perhaps I do." - -"You act as if you didn't." - -"I'll chance it." - -"You shan't have a mouthful to eat or to drink until you promise to tell -me all you know." - -"Then I'll starve," said Bob, promptly. - -Joseph Farvel had not looked for so much grit in the youth, and now he -was completely nonplussed. - -"You don't mean what you say." - -"Try me and see." - -"Have your friends located that tablet?" - -"Go ask them, and find out—if you can." - -"Don't get cheeky. What is your name?" - -"Bob Hobart—I'm not ashamed of it either—as I would be if my name was -Joseph Farvel." - -"Don't anger me too greatly, or I'll—I'll——" - -"What will you do?" - -"I'll bring you to terms in a hurry." - -"You can't bring me to terms. And now let me do a little talking. I -demand that you set me at liberty." - -"Go ahead and demand, and that is all the good it will do you." - -"If you continue to hold me a prisoner, when I get free I'll have you -arrested, just as sure as you're an Englishman." - -"Perhaps you won't get the chance." - -So speaking, Farvel walked away, to consult with the blacks, one of whom -immediately made off in the direction of the Dark Cave. - -In vain Bob tugged at the vines which bound him. They were as tough as -iron and refused to part. At last with a groan he gave up the struggle. - -Half an hour passed, and then the second negro left, and Farvel -approached Bob once again. - -"Have you changed your mind about talking?" he demanded. - -"I have not." - -"If Robert Menden finds that treasure, are you to have a part of it?" - -"If you wish to know so bad—yes." - -"What part?" - -"Robert Menden is going to give our party one-quarter of all that is -found." - -"Humph! I wouldn't be satisfied with a quarter." - -"We consider that the treasure is really his—if he finds it." - -"It belongs to me. Now I have a plan that ought to interest you. If your -party will drop Menden and come with me, I'll give your crowd one-half -of all we get." - -"I'm not making a deal with you, Joseph Farvel. I wouldn't go into -partnership with you for a million dollars." - -"Why not?" - -"Because I don't like you and I don't think you are honest. If you——" - -Bob was allowed to go no further. White with rage, Farvel sprang forward -and planted a blow directly on the defenceless boy's nose. The onslaught -drew blood, which trickled down over Bob's mouth and chin. - -"You coward!" moaned the boy, when Farvel hauled off for another attack. -But now an interruption came, as welcome to the boy as it was terrifying -to Farvel. What it was we shall speedily learn. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - A FRIEND IN NEED. - - -"Bob! Bob! Where are you?" - -It was Dick who called out, about quarter of an hour after Bob had -disappeared. - -The party was ready to descend into the gigantic cave once more, and -wondered why Bob did not return. - -"Where can he have gone?" asked Robert Menden. - -"I reckon as how somethin' has happened to him," burst out old Jacob, -putting away the short briar-root pipe he had been smoking. "Didn't he -saunter off in thet direction?" and he pointed with his long finger. - -"He did," answered Leander. - -"Where is Dash? He will find him," cried Don. - -They looked around for the dog, but he was nowhere in sight, having gone -off on a trail of his own after some small ground-animal. - -Soon the entire party was hunting in earnest for Bob, but without -success. - -When they reached the pool of water, old Jacob inspected the wet ground -with interest. - -"Here are lots o' footprints," he exclaimed. "Poor Bob's got into -trouble, jest as I supposed." - -"Some of the prints are of naked feet," put in Leander. "Those negroes -with Farvel were barefooted." - -"That's true," said Robert Menden. "Can it be possible that Bob has been -carried off by Farvel and his tools." - -"It looks that way," said Leander. "The question is, what have they done -with our chum?" - -All stared blankly at each other. Then Don got down on his knees and -began another examination. - -"If I was an Indian I might follow this trail," he said; "but as it is, -I fancy I am not equal to it." - -"If only Dash was here," sighed Leander. "What can have become of that -dog? Dash! Dash!" - -The call was followed by several others. At last came a short, -suppressed bark from a neighboring thicket. Instantly Don and Leander -made a run in that direction, and arrived just in time to see a big -black fellow running away. - -"Stop, or I'll fire at you!" cried Don, and pulled his pistol; but in a -second more the fellow was out of range behind several trees. - -The native had been sent forward to kill the canine, Farvel feeling -certain that otherwise Dash would be used to locate his captive master. - -The native had been in the act of firing at Dash, when Leander and Don -appeared. - -As it was, Dash was limping painfully from a slight wound in the -fore-shoulder. - -"Good dog!" cried Don. "So he meant to kill you? Too bad!" And he hugged -faithful old Dash around the neck. - -The others soon came up, and it was decided to follow the trail of the -native without delay. - -This was an easy but slow undertaking for Dash, and this time they kept -up with the canine with ease. - -The trail led directly to where Farvel was keeping Bob a prisoner, and -they came in sight just as the rascal had punched the helpless lad in -the nose. - -"Oh, the villain!" cried Dick, and rushing up behind Farvel he hit the -man such a heavy blow in the neck that Farvel dropped like a log. - -Seeing this, the native disappeared, and it may as well be stated here -that he did not return, nor did the other black come back. - -Farvel was nearly stunned, and by the time he recovered, old Jacob had -released Bob by cutting the vines with his sharp jack-knife. - -"Who—what—" stammered Farvel, when he could speak. Then he saw the crowd -gathered around him and his face fell. - -"Oh, how glad I am that you came up," cried Bob. "I believe he was going -to kill me!" - -"Wasn't going to do anything of the sort," growled Farvel. "You just let -me alone." - -"I fancy I will let you alone," panted Bob, "after I am square with you. -Take that!" And as the man got up, Bob slapped him with such force in -the mouth that Farvel's teeth rattled. "You are a brute, and ought to be -in jail." - -"Tell us your story, Bob," said Robert Menden, and the tale was speedily -forthcoming. Farvel tried several times to interrupt, but was not -allowed. - -"We'll make him our prisoner now," said old Jacob, grimly. "It ain't -safe to leave him roamin' around loose." - -"Me a prisoner!" gasped Joseph Farvel. "I rather guess not!" - -"Yes, tie him up," said Bob. "We can set him free later on, when we hand -him over to the authorities." - -Farvel fumed and used language not fit to transcribe to these pages. But -this availed him nothing, and soon his hands were bound as tightly as -Bob's had been. - -"Now march!" ordered old Jacob. - -"Where to?" - -"March, an' ye'll find out soon enough. Forward, or I'll boot ye!" and -the old tar looked so fierce that Farvel moved off without further -parley. - -The course of the party was directly for the cave entrance. Arriving -here, a consultation was held, and it was decided to take Farvel to a -grove some distance to the left. Here the rascal was fastened to a cedar -tree. - -"We'll come back for you by night," said Robert Menden. "In the meantime -here are some crackers and a drink of water for you," and he held them -up so that Farvel could get at them. At first the fellow wanted to -refuse, but soon thought better of it, having a fear of suffering from -thirst and hunger. - -Joseph Farvel was boiling with inward rage. Yet he did not dare say too -much, fearing that the party would turn on him. Soon he was left to -himself. Yet they were not yet done with him. - -"A good bit of time lost," remarked Robert Menden, as he consulted his -watch. "But I am glad we now have Farvel where he can do us no further -harm." - -The entrance to the cave passed, they speedily found their way to the -chamber of bones, and then to where the tablet was located. - -All was exactly as they had left it and Robert Menden breathed a long -sigh of relief. - -"Now, we ought to have that treasure in our possession before we leave -to-night," he said. - -"Ye can't git it none too quick for any o' us!" grinned old Jacob. -"Ain't thet so, boys?" - -"You're right!" cried Dick. "Hurry up with the ropes." - -The coils were speedily forthcoming, and the two heaviest were well -knotted together. Then Robert Menden prepared to descend once more—this -time with the canvas bag on his back. In one hand he carried a fresh -torch, which made that portion of the crack in the rocks almost as -bright as day. - -"Gently now," he cautioned, as he swung downward. "I don't want to break -my neck for all the gold on the island." - -"We'll be careful," answered Bob; and then all took hold of the rope, -and Menden was lowered slowly but steadily. - -He had passed something like twenty feet further down than on his -previous trip, when he called to them to halt. - -"I've found a resting-place," he said, when Dick threw himself flat to -look down into the gloom. "It's a sort of ledge. There is a wider -opening further down." - -"Is the box there?" - -"I don't see it—yet. Hold onto the rope, for I may slip from here at any -instant." - -Dick promised to do so, and all kept the line taut as before. They heard -Menden moving around and heard him toss several small rocks aside. - -Then came a sudden yell, followed by the fall of some dirt or rocks, -they could not tell which. The rope came up so quickly that all fell -back in dismay. - -"Something is wrong!" gasped Don. "Menden, are you all right?" - -There was no answer to his cry, and he and Dick bent over the edge to -investigate. But the torch was hidden, or had gone out, and they could -see nothing. - -"Haul up the rope," said old Jacob, quietly; and it was quickly done. -The noose which had been around Menden's body was gone, and the end of -the line showed that it had been cut by the edge of a jagged stone. - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - FINDING THE SPANISH TREASURE. - - -"Has he been killed?" - -"What shall we do next?" - -"I can't see or hear anything of him." - -One and another stared at his companions. Robert Menden was gone, and -there was no telling what had become of him. - -"I'll go down and find out," said Dick, determinedly. - -"But the danger, lad—" began old Jacob. - -"I'll be very careful, Jacob. I have no wish to lose my life. But we -must do something, you know." - -The old sailor shook his head doubtfully. "If you lose your life, lad, -I'll never be able to face your folks—not me!" - -Nevertheless, he allowed Dick to tie the end of the jagged rope around -him, and then the boy was lowered over the brink of the fissure, also -with a lighted torch in his hand. - -Down and down he went, and still down, until he felt as if he was -entering the very bowels of the earth. His heart beat violently, and -several times he could hardly keep from calling to those left behind to -pull him up. But he was grit, and kept on descending until the ledge -upon which Menden had stood was gained. - -All was uncertain about him. The jagged rocks loomed up all around him, -and to one side was the vast opening the Englishman had mentioned. Dick -waved his torch over it and concluded it was a bottomless pit. - -Several tons of rocks had fallen, but most of the mass had gone over the -edge of the ledge. There was a heap of small stones close at hand, and -looking down among these the youth saw Robert Menden's body, partly -covered up. - -"Can he be dead?" he asked himself. "Oh, I pray God he is alive!" And -then he heard the Englishman utter a short groan. - -"He's alive!" he shouted. "But he's badly wounded." - -"Better send him up, then," returned Leander. "Do you want another -rope?" - -"Yes." - -It was speedily forthcoming, but, alas! it proved too short by a dozen -feet. - -"Let down some more," called Dick. - -"We can't. That's all we have." - -"It won't do." - -"Can't you tie him on the rope you have?" asked Bob. - -Yes, Dick could do that. But such a proceeding would leave him on the -ledge without a safeguard. He shivered at the thought. Then he grated -his teeth. "I must do it," he muttered. "It's the only way." He slipped -down on his knees, and extricated the body from the stones and dirt that -held it. - -"Oh, my head!" groaned Robert Menden, and replased into unconsciousness. - -With extreme caution Dick untied the noose about him, and adjusted it -under Menden's arms. Then he braced himself on the ledge, and called to -those above to haul away, and they did so. As the body swung upward, the -canvas bag slipped on Dick's head, and he let it fall to his feet. - -It was no mean task to get the unconscious man to the top of the fissure -and to a place of safety. But this accomplished, old Jacob set to work -to bind up his wounds and restore him to himself. In the meantime the -boys lowered the rope once more for Dick. - -His first feeling of horror over, Dick began to gaze around him -curiously. He hardly dared to move, for fear of pitching headlong into -the pit; but he brought the torch low, and by its flames made out what -looked to be a portion of some boards just beyond where he was standing. - -"Dick, the rope is coming!" called Leander. - -"All right—I have it,"—and with a sigh of relief the boy adjusted the -end of the coil once more under his arms. He now felt free to move, and -advanced upon the boards with caution. - -The nearest came up with ease, and he saw it was of cedar and varnished -upon one side. Then he looked further, and saw—shining gold! - -There was a regular heap of it—Spanish doubloons and other coins of the -realm—enough to fill his canvas bag three times over. At the sight he -could scarcely contain himself. - -"Hurrah!" he yelled. - -"Have you found it?" came from above. - -"Yes; a regular heap of gold, boys, all tumbled out of the chest, which -has gone to pieces. We're in luck, and no further doubt of it." - -There was a hurrah from those above, and Danny and Don executed a jig of -delight. In the midst of the uproar, Robert Menden sat up and stared -about him. - -"Whe—where am I?" - -"You are safe," replied old Jacob. "An' the treasure is found!" he added -with a happy smile. - -"Found! Good! But the rock fell——" - -"And you went down under it, sir. But you'll be all right. Dick went -down for you, and he's just passed up word that the gold is there." - -"He must be careful. I—I—oh, my head!" and Robert Menden fell back -again, too weak to go on. Yet he, like all the others, was supremely -happy. - -Without waiting, Dick began to fill the canvas bag, doing so with care, -that none of the golden coins might become lost. Then he tied the bag to -the rope. - -"Haul away on the first load!" he cried, and they hauled away with -vigor. At the sight of so much shining gold Danny nearly had a spasm. - -"Well, if dat don't beat de nation!" he gasped. "Dare must be most a -fortune dare!" - -"It's a fine pile!" burst out Leander. "Tell you what, fellows, it was -worth coming for, eh?" - -"Any more down there?" yelled Bob, to Dick. - -"Yes, two bagfuls," came the muffled reply. "Send down the bag again. - -"Two bags!" ejaculated old Jacob. "Boys, we'll be rich—that is, you'll -be." - -"You shan't be forgotten," answered Don, hastily. "Nor Danny neither." - -Again the canvas bag was lowered and Dick began the task of filling it a -second time. - -He had to work with extreme care, for the ledge slanted considerably, -and at one point it ran almost directly downward and was shaky besides, -and he could scarcely keep his footing. - -Up came the second bagful, and then the third followed. - -"Keep it up there, now," called out Dick. "I'll bring the rest in my -pockets." - -"Don't miss any," shouted Don. "These doubloons are worth sixteen or -eighteen dollars each." - -"I don't intend to miss any," answered Dick; "but it's no mean work to -move around down here—I can tell you that." - -"Be careful," cried old Jacob. "If you have the most on it, better come -up." - -"Yes; leave the odds and ends of coin go," shouted Don. - -A cry from Dick interrupted him. "Here's something else, boys—a little -bag full of stones." - -"Diamonds?" queried Leander. - -"I can't say, for the bag is sealed up, and it's marked M. M. M. I'll be -up soon now." - -Dick continued to hunt around, in the meantime adjusting the rope under -his arms, that a slip might not prove too dangerous. - -Three more Spanish gold pieces were sighted, also a curious golden cross -set with rubies. - -At last it looked as if he had secured everything of value, and he -called to those above to haul him up. - -The others were busy counting up the gold pieces, but responded without -delay, and in a minute he was swinging clear of the ledge and moving -upward slowly but steadily. - -His torch had almost gone out, and threw out far more smoke than flame. - -Suddenly, when he was midway between the top of the opening and the -edge, something caught his eye which filled him with horror. - -In some manner the torch had set fire to the rope at a point two feet -over his head. The strands were burning freely, and it looked as if in a -few seconds more the rope would be burnt through. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - A DANGEROUS TUMBLE. - - -"Pull up quick, boys! The rope is on fire!" - -Such was Dick's agonizing cry as he made his dire discovery. - -"The rope is on fire?" repeated Bob. "How did that happen?" - -"I must have set it on fire with my torch. Quick! or it will part and -I'll have a bad fall." - -"Hoist away, all hands!" sang out old Jacob, and exerted all of his -strength. - -The old tar and the others meant well, but it would have been much -better had Dick been lowered to his original resting-place. Yet up he -came, until he was almost within reach of the top of the fissure. - -Then came the dreaded parting of the burning rope. - -Down shot the boy, down and down. - -His feet struck the ledge; but he could not save himself, and with a -scream that rang in his companions' ears for days afterward, he went -over the ledge, down and down, until nothing more could be heard of him. - -As the burning rope parted, all of those holding the upper end were -thrown on their backs, but leaped up quickly. - -"He's gone!" gasped Leander, hoarsely. - -"Dick! Dick! where are you?" cried Don, peering into the darkness below; -for even the torch had disappeared. - -No answer came back, although they listened with strained ears. All was -as silent as a tomb. - -And was that to prove poor Dick's grave? Silently they asked themselves -the question, as one looked at another, all with blanched faces. - -"I'd rather lose the fortune," said Don, voicing the sentiment of all. - -"Give me that other rope, lads," exclaimed old Jacob. "I'll go down for -him." - -He stepped upon the burning end of rope and put it out. Then the reserve -coil was fastened on, and he tied the end under his arms and lit another -torch. - -"Don't set the rope afire again," cautioned Bob. He could scarcely trust -himself to speak. - -"No danger," answered the Yankee sailor. "Let me down carefully now," he -added, and disappeared over the edge of the opening. - -Down he went until the ledge was reached. Here he paused to survey the -situation. Nothing but the loose rocks and the remains of the shattered -cedar chest met his gaze. - -"Dick! Dick!" he called. - -There was no answer, and the look on his face grew more serious than -ever. The boy had gone further. But to where? - -"Let me down some more," he called up. "But be careful. It's mighty -skeery down here." - -They promised to be careful, and the rope was let down inch by inch, -until old Jacob had reached a point fifteen feet below the ledge. - -"That's all the rope we have here," cried Bob. - -The Yankee tar remained dangling in midair. On all sides of him were the -walls of rock, dripping with moisture. He held the torch down, and saw, -far below, the glitter of some dark, underground stream. - -Dick had fallen into that. But where was he? The question was one -impossible to answer. With care old Jacob took some light string from -his pocket and threw it into the water. Like a flash a strong current -seized it and carried it under a neighboring wall! - -"He's gone, poor boy!" he muttered; and something like a tear stole down -his bronzed cheek, for he thought a good deal of the young master of the -Dashaway. From the top of the opening he heard Dash set up a dismal -howl, as if to confirm his opinion. - -It was a sorry crowd that gathered to hear what the old tar might have -to say when he came up. - -"And you think he was carried away by that stream?" observed Don, sadly. - -"No doubt on it, lad. He wasn't in sight, and the water fills the entire -bottom of the opening." - -"Then he is gone!" gasped Leander, bursting into tears, and little Danny -joined in. - -"Dat's de wust yet!" sobbed the Irish lad. "I don't want none o' dat -gold—now!" And the others felt very much the same way. - -"I've a good mind to go down and have a look," said Bob, and insisted -upon it despite old Jacob's protestations. But he learned nothing new. -Then Don went down, followed by Leander. - -The result was the same, and all were forced to believe that poor Dick -had been carried off by the underground stream to a watery grave. - -By this time Robert Menden was able to sit up, and though still weak, he -insisted upon being told about what had happened. - -"This is certainly bad," he said. "I suppose I can be thankful that I -did not meet a similar fate." - -"That's true," answered old Jacob. "But I am not going to give up yet." - -"What do you intend to do?" - -"Get a longer rope from somewhere and examine thet hole thoroughly. If I -only git his body it will be better nor nuthin'." - -The matter was talked over for a few minutes, and then old Jacob hurried -off alone, to where they had left Joseph Farvel a prisoner. - -A surprise awaited the old sailor. In some unaccountable manner, Farvel -had become free, and had disappeared. - -Under ordinary circumstances old Jacob would have begun an investigation -but now other matters filled his head. - -Farvel had left the rope which had bound him, and this the old tar -appropriated. - -Inside of half an hour he was back to where he had left the boys and -Robert Menden. - -Once more the rope was lengthened, and tested from end to end. - -"Now be very careful how you hold it," said old Jacob. "It's no fool of -a job to handle sech a long coil. And remember, if I whistle twice, let -down; and if I whistle once, pull up. Three whistles, leave the rope as -it is." - -Once more he went down; first to the ledge and then to the very surface -of the underground stream. - -He found the water five to six feet deep, and running so strongly, that -by going in up to his neck he was carried along so fiercely that the -rope almost broke under the tension. - -"He has been swept away and thet's the end on it," he muttered; and -whistled to the others to hoist him up. - -It was an almost silent crowd that bundled the treasure up in the canvas -bag and a blanket which had been brought along for that purpose. - -"I wish we hadn't come to Porto Rico," whispered Bob to Leander. "What -will Dick's folks say of this when we tell them?" - -"I'd like to know who is going to break the news," added Leander. "I'm -sure I can't do it;" and he gave something like a shiver. - -Robert Menden was feeling better, and presently he said he felt strong -enough to walk to their camp. He leaned on old Jacob's arm, while the -boys carried the treasure between them. The rope was left dangling in -the water. "So that poor Dick can use it, if he comes around," as Bob -said, clutching at a hope that was vain-less. - -Night found them established in a new camp, still sad, and next to -silent. They had the treasure safe, but at what a fearful cost. - -"It's enough to make one fling it away," sighed Bob. And when Robert -Menden began to count up the gold, he turned away, unable to endure the -sight. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - WHAT BECAME OF DICK. - - -"Where on earth, or under the earth, am I now?" - -It was Dick who uttered the remark, as he crawled out of the stream, and -sat down on a slippery and slimy rock. - -The tumble over the ledge had been broken by a fall into the underground -stream, and he had been hurled along by the current for a distance of -fully two hundred feet. - -He had felt that he was drowning and could hold his breath no longer, -when he had shot up into pitch dark space, and climbed onto the rock -mentioned. - -He was almost exhausted, and for several minutes could do little but -pant and hold on. - -He had not the slightest idea where he was, saving that he had reached -some lower shaft of the gigantic cave. - -His companions must be above him, but how far, there was no telling. - -His heart sank within his breast and he felt like giving himself up for -lost. - -"I can't swim back," he thought, as he remembered how that mad current -had hurled him onward. - -Ten minutes passed. He felt around for his torch, but it was nowhere -within reach. - -Then he got a firmer hold on the rock with one hand, while with the -other he pulled a match-safe from his pocket. - -Luckily the safe was a water-proof one, and the contents were, -therefore, dry. Soon he had a lucifer lit, and by its tiny light he -sprang to the shore of the stream. - -There were some odds and ends of driftwood there—grass and bits of tree -twigs—and of these he made a little fire. Then he bethought himself and -set up a yell. - -But as we know, his cries were not heard, and no answering call came -back. The only sound that broke the stillness was that of the water as -it took a plunge downward at one end of the opening he had entered. - -"I guess I'm in a trap," he muttered. "But I must get out somehow. Oh, -God, help me to get out!" - -The prayer was repeated over and over again, and at last the boy grew -calmer. Then he took the flaring driftwood in his hands and set out on a -tour of inspection. - -The chamber he had entered was not over twenty feet wide by three times -as long. To one side the roof sloped downward, and here there appeared -to be another opening, running to some higher level. - -"Anyway to get out," thought Dick, and scrambled up the slope. It was -rough, and more than once he went down; but he picked himself up quickly -and went on. - -The upper chamber gained, the youth saw before him a long and winding -gallery, moving gradually to a still higher level. Should he follow -this? - -Again he prayed for Divine aid, and then went on, over loose rocks and -across ugly cracks. The driftwood had nearly burnt itself out, and his -fingers were blistered in several places from holding it. Soon he would -be in darkness again, and what should he do, then? He looked around for -something more that might be lighted, but nothing showed itself. - -On and on, and still on, following one turn after another. Now the -driftwood had flickered down to the last dead twig. He tried to save the -tiny flame—but with a flicker it went out—and all became as black as -night around him—yes, even blacker than night. - -He sank down on a rock, almost stunned. All of the stories of people -lost in caves and coal mines that he had ever heard about, crossed his -mind—how they had wandered about for days without food and drink and -light, to be found at last either dead or jibbering idiots. He felt that -it would not take much to turn him crazy. - -How long he remained on the rock he could never tell. At last, like one -in a dream, he got up and ran—ran as hard as he could, as though a -legion of demons were after him—along one rocky wall and another. His -outstretched hands and good fortune saved him from many a nasty bump, -and thus fully a mile was covered, when he fell down so exhausted he -could not go another step. - -"I'm buried alive!" he cried aloud; and a thousand echoes answered him: -"Buried alive—alive—alive!" Then a strange vision came to him of untold -horrors—snakes, demons, falling rocks and great torrents of water—and he -fell flat in terror, and fainted. - -When Dick came to his senses he leaped up, then sank back exhausted. -Clearly he was out of his mind—for he thought that he was in a beautiful -palace, and that a fairy of gold was dancing before him. Then the fairy -seemed to motion him to come on, and he moved along slowly and painfully -for fully a quarter of a mile. Presently the vision left him, and he -sank down once again, only to get up when he was able, and run, he knew -not where. - -Ha! what was that? a light, or only another hallucination? No, no, it -was a light—a spot of sunshine, streaming in from some opening overhead. -He gave a shout of joy. Oh, to be free once more! Never, never, would he -enter that cave again. - -It was some time before he could locate the opening. Then to get to it -was difficult. But the light gave him a superhuman strength, and up he -went, over one rock after another, climbing a height that would have -made him dizzy had he been able to see his way. - -At last the opening was gained. It lay between two immense rocks, and he -had all he could do to squeeze through. When he came into the outer air, -the first thing that he noticed was that the sun was rising, not -setting. He had been underground all night! - -He looked at himself. He was thoroughly soaked, and covered with mud and -a sort of soot. His face and hands were as dirty as his clothing. - -"But I don't care," he murmured, half aloud. "Thank God I am safe! Oh, -what an adventure that was!" - -Not far away was a mountain spring, and here Dick got a drink, and then -washed himself. He had no idea in what direction the camp lay. - -"I wonder what the others thought when I disappeared," he mused. "I'll -wager they felt pretty bad, Bob especially. Won't they be surprised to -see me safe and sound!" - -He was close to the very top of the mountain, and resolved to make a -circle around the summit and see if he could not locate the camp. - -Travelling here was easy, for the bushes grew but scatteringly, and -there were hardly any trees. Presently he reached a slight eminence, and -from this point made out the smoke of a camp-fire. - -"That must be our camp," he said to himself, and struck off in the -direction. Soon he was in the midst of the jungle, but managed to keep a -straight course. Now his scare was over, he felt very hungry, but could -not bring himself to stop for anything to eat. - -"Danny shall supply me," was his thought. "I know he'll be only too glad -to give me the best on hand." - -The jungle passed, he came to a small clearing overlooking a deep -valley. The camp-fire was just ahead. Not a soul was in sight. - -"Have they gone on a hunt for me?" he mused, when of a sudden a man -leaped upon him and bore him to the ground with ease. The man was Joseph -Farvel. - -"Turn about is fair play, I reckon," growled the rascal. "Didn't expect -to run across me, did you?" - -"Let go of me," cried Dick. - -"Oh, I'll let go," was the sarcastic rejoinder. "You had lots of mercy -on me, didn't you?" - -"You started the quarrel, Joseph Farvel." - -"Did I? I reckon not. You did that—when you came here after the treasure -that belongs to me. Tell me—has your party found anything yet?" - -"I won't tell you a word." - -"I'll make you!" - -"You can't do it." - -"Can't I? We'll see. Come." - -With brutal force the man dragged the weak and worn-out lad to his camp. -With some handy vines he bound Dick's hands behind him, and then -fastened the youth to a slanting rock. The rock was thin and set up -against a second rock, leaving an opening like the letter A beneath. - -Into the opening Farvel kicked the burning embers of the fire, and then -heaped on more fuel. - -"Now we'll see how you feel when your legs begin to get warm," he cried. -"I reckon those vines will not catch for quite awhile, they are that -green." - -"Would you burn me?" cried Dick, in horror. - -"And why not?" - -"You are as bad as the savage Indians used to be!" - -"I mean to have my rights," growled Farvel. "Now if you have anything to -tell me, out with it." - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - GOOD-BYE TO PORTO RICO—CONCLUSION. - - -Dick felt his heart sink within him. Farvel was in an exceedingly ugly -mood, and looked as if he fully intended to let the youth suffer as he -had intimated. - -"You rascal! What is the meaning of this?" - -The words were spoken in English, and caused Joseph Farvel to jump as -though he had been shot. Turning, he saw himself confronted by several -gentlemen, one of whom carried a pistol. - -"Mr. Grey!" gasped Dick—as he recognized the gentleman Bob had brought -to the Dashaway, while taking on stores at St. Augustine—"Help me, -please!" - -"Why, is it possible!" ejaculated the merchant. "You are—er—the young -man from that yacht, are you not?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"And who is this—this villain?" - -"An Englishman, who has tried to do our party a great deal of injury. He -claims that a treasure that we have been hunting for belongs to him." - -"That is no reason why he should treat you in this fashion. Stand where -you are, sir, while I release the youth." - -Several of the party sprang to Dick's side and one cut the vines. Then -Garrison Grey turned to collar Joseph Farvel. - -But the rascal realized the position he was in, and not wishing to serve -a term in prison, he dashed away, straight for the jungle. - -Dick went after him and called upon Mr. Grey to do the same, and soon -the entire party of newcomers were in the chase. - -More alarmed than ever, Joseph Farvel turned from the jungle toward a -high bank overlooking the valley. - -He was not careful of his footsteps, and of a sudden he plunged into a -rocky gully all of fifty feet deep. - -He turned over twice in his fall and then landed on his chest and -shoulder. When the party got to where he was lying, they found him -unconscious. - -The newcomers were all Americans, out sight-seeing, and one of them was -a well-known physician of Philadelphia. - -"What do you think of this case, Doctor Carey?" asked Mr. Grey, while -Dick looked on with interest. - -"He has his shoulder broken and also several ribs," replied the -physician, after a thorough examination. "Luckily for him, I doubt if -there are any internal injuries." - -While the physician set to work to make Joseph Farvel as easy as -circumstances permitted, the others turned to Dick and made him relate -his tale, the boy only omitting the interesting detail that the treasure -had been found. - -"I've heard of these treasures, in Ponce," said the coffee trader. "They -will belong to anybody who finds them. The smuggler who placed them -there left no heirs." - -Dick thought Joseph Farvel had suffered enough for his misdeeds, and -decided to let the man go his own way—which was not saving much, as he -had to be conveyed by litter to a wretched little hospital at Caguas. - -Here the man laid on a sick bed for nearly four months, when he made his -way to Ponce, on money furnished by Robert Menden. Menden likewise -furnished Farvel with money to take him back to England, where he -remained a sadder and, probably, a wiser man. The members of the Gun and -Sled Club never heard of him again. "And we never wanted to," said Bob, -in telling of the circumstance. - -Garrison Grey's party had met old Jacob and the others on the road, and -they directed Dick to his friends' camp. The owner of the Dashaway was -hailed as one from the tomb. - -"The Lord be praised!" cried old Jacob, as he embraced the lad; and then -the others joined in, until happy Dick was almost hugged to death. Danny -danced an Irish jig for joy, and prepared such a spread as none of the -party had eaten since leaving the yacht. - -It was decided by all hands, now that the treasure was found, to go back -to the Dashaway without delay; and inside of twenty-four hours they were -on the way to Caguas. Here Robert Menden paid a short visit to Joseph -Farvel; but what passed between the pair never came to light, excepting -that Menden gave the man the money mentioned. "Poor beggar; I couldn't -do less," was all Menden would say. - -At Caguas the party hired a native carriage, and with the treasure -divided between them, set off on the ride to San Juan. All were armed, -and a strict watch was kept for brigands; but Bumbum had learned a -lesson and did not appear, nor did any others of his calling put in an -appearance. - -At San Juan the Dashaway was found just as they had left her, and it was -with a long sigh of relief that Dick and the others boarded the craft, -followed by the ever-faithful Dash. At once the man who had had charge -of the craft was paid off, and stores sufficient to last them for a trip -to the United States were taken on board. - -It was decided to run directly for Savannah, and they dropped out of the -harbor of San Juan one bright morning when nature seemed to be at its -loveliest. The sun was shining brightly, the sea was almost as smooth as -glass, and scarcely a cloud dotted the deep blue sky. - -"Good-bye to Porto Rico!" cried Bob, swinging his cap in the air. And -all of the others echoed the words. Then they sped on their course, and -before night, town and coastline had faded far away in the distance. - -It must not be imagined that the return to the States was made without -incident. As in coming, they encountered a severe storm, and once came -very close to drifting on the rocks in a calm, when the anchor was lost -and not recovered. - -But taken all in all, the voyage was a happy one. On the first days out -they tried to count up the value of the treasure. But this was -impossible, as they had no idea what the precious stones would bring in. - -"I believe the gold is worth all of twenty thousand dollars," said -Robert Menden. "Perhaps the stones are worth as much more." - -"That will be forty thousand dollars," replied Leander. "Quite a haul, -eh?" and he winked his eye joyfully. - -They were in the best of spirits, and when Danny was not working, he was -dancing, or singing or whistling at the top of his lung power. "We'll be -millionaires, dat's wot!" he was wont to say, to anybody who would -listen to him. He intended to give nearly all of his share to his -mother—a poor widow, who took in washing for a living. "It will most -strike her dead; I know it will!" he whispered one day to Don. - -But all voyages must come to an end, and one morning old Jacob -electrified everybody by announcing that land was in sight. Before night -they entered the harbor of Savannah. - -It was Robert Menden, old Jacob and Bob, who took the gold to one of the -banks and got a receipt for it. Carefully weighed, the treasure proved -to be worth twenty-two thousand and three hundred dollars. - -Then the stones were taken to a reliable jewelry firm, sorted and -tested. Their value brought the total amount of the treasure to a little -over fifty thousand dollars. - -Of this, Robert Menden insisted upon keeping only one-half. The other -twenty-five thousand was placed to Dick's credit. Of this amount the -members of the Gun and Sled Club divided five thousand equally between -old Jacob and Danny, and kept the twenty thousand for themselves—Dick, -Don, Bob and Leander to share and share alike. - -The good news was sent ahead by mail, and created a veritable sensation -in Waterford. Poor Mrs. Guirk could not believe her good fortune, and -shed tears of joy when Squire Hobart read to her the letter Danny had -managed to pen, with Bob's aid. - -"Sure an' it's a blessing from Heaven, Squire," said she. "Danny's a -good b'y, but I niver expected this of him, never!" And she wiped her -tears away with her apron. - -When the Dashaway arrived at home the boys found the water-front of the -town decorated in their honor. A grand feast was had at the home of Dick -Wilbur, and here their various adventures had to be told again and -again, for the benefit of the club members' parents, and their numerous -friends. It was a jolly time and one never to be forgotten; and here we -will leave them, satisfied that, no matter what adventures they may have -in the future, they will never have any more thrilling than those -encountered while treasure-hunting in Porto Rico. - - THE END. - - - - - _LIFE AND DEEDS OF_ - _ETHAN ALLEN_ - AND THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS - - - BY CHARLES WALTER BROWN, A. M. - - _Author of "John Paul Jones," "Nathan Hale," "Lafayette," "Pulaski," - "Washington," "Abraham Lincoln," "Sherman."_ - -[Illustration] - - 16 ILLUSTRATIONS. - -The hero of Ticonderoga and leader of the Green Mountain Boys is best -known for his characteristic demand upon the British garrison at Fort -Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain, to surrender "in the name of the -Continental Congress and the Great Jehovah." 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