"Bob, Bob White," replied Frank from the Fortuna. "Oh, there you are, Charley. Thank God. Oh, come down and come aboard."
"Yes, he'll come aboard," vociferated the mate in a coarse voice. He was a brutal looking fellow, to whom the boys instantly took a violent dislike. "He'll stay where he is and so will you."
With these words he drew from the pocket of his trousers a revolver of old style, but of aspect fully as vicious as its owner. It was of large calibre, and from the way in which the mate handled it he was evidently familiar with its use.
But Jack was not to be daunted so easily. Stretching the truth a bit, perhaps, he replied to the threat of the mate:
"Oh, well, if you feel like bucking the government, go ahead. I can't sink you with this craft, or you'd be at the bottom in a jiffy. But you know what it means to disobey orders of an officer."
At this the fellow perceptibly weakened. But because the members of the crew had overheard his threats and feeling like so many cowardly bullies do that he must make good his word, even though in the wrong, he again shook the menacing revolver and shouted:
"You fellows keep off or I'll shoot. You can't steal my crew. I'm a bucko mate, I am. You better sheer off."
"Drop that gun, you villain!" cried Charley Burnett, high up in the schooner's rigging. At his words the mate turned.
Instantly a ringing voice from the Fortuna called out:
"Now I've got the drop on you! Let that gun go and tell the captain I want to talk to him or I'll have to shoot."
Tom was perched on top of the Fortuna's pilot house with a rifle in his hands, the muzzle pointed straight at the mate.
When the coward saw that he was indeed covered by a weapon in the hands of a determined person, his grasp on his own means of offense loosened, permitting the revolver to drop to the deck.
Seeing that he was for the time worsted he tried to cover his confusion with a grin that was more of a snarl.
"Better send for your captain and be quick about it," cried Jack impatiently. "We can't afford to burn up good gasolene chasing you. Move quickly and it will be better for you."
Ungraciously the mate dispatched one of the hands to call the captain who appeared on deck directly in a not very good humor.
When he saw the boys in their neat uniforms, however, and observed the trim appearance of the craft alongside his own vessel, his manner changed. He approached the rail and hailed:
"Launch, Ahoy! What can I do for you?"
"I must speak with you on important business, Captain."
"All right, sir. If you'll bear off a little, I'll heave to and you may come aboard. I'm heavily laden and on short time, but I'll spare you a few moments if you can be brief."
In a short time the schooner lay quietly upon the water, with the Fortuna ranged alongside. Fenders had been put overboard by the Fortuna's crew in order to protect the paint on the launch.
Jack was received by the captain, who met him with a smile and hearty handshake of welcome. The situation was soon explained by Jack, who won the captain's heart by his straightforward,manly appearance and by his directness of speech.
"So we've got some of your chums who have been shanghaied?" queried the captain, when Jack had finished his recital.
"It looks that way, Captain," Jack announced.
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" inquired the master of the sailing vessel in a tone intended to be severe.
Jack was watching his new acquaintance closely and thought he detected just the suspicion of a twinkle in the captain's eye.
"He's playing for time to try me out," thought the lad rapidly. "He wants to see what I'll do in case of refusal."
Outwardly he gave no indication of what was in his mind, but appeared to be pondering the situation deeply. At length he said:
"Captain, I'll have to leave it up to you. We want our chums who are aboard your vessel. I don't know what the marine law is nor whether we'd have a right to seize them by force if we were able. So I think I'd better leave it to you. What shall we do, Captain?"
"Well, when you put it that way," replied the Captain, reaching for Jack's hand and seizing it in a hearty grasp, "I think you'd better take the lads and with them my apology. Will that do?"
"Captain, you're a brick," shouted Jack, forgetting for a moment in his enthusiasm the difference in their rank. The next moment he was all confusion over his breach of etiquette.
Laughing, the captain preceded him up the companion-way and called to the mate. He then ordered the boys who had been shipped aboard the "Quickstep," released and turned over to the captain of the Fortuna. This was done much to the mate's disgust.
There need be no doubt as to the heartiness of the greetings that passed between the separated members of the Beaver and Bob White Patrols once they were united again. Introductions followed hastily.
As the "Quickstep" sailed away on her course again, the crew of the Fortuna gathered on top of the cabin and waved a farewell, cheering until they were hoarse. At length Jack called them below.
"How about some eats?" queried Tom. "I'm so empty I'd make a first rate drum. I declare I haven't had anything to eat in weeks."
"Rubber," shouted Harry. "Stretch it. You mustn't fib."
"Well, I mean it seems that long," declared Tom. "Who'll be the cook? Shall we run slowly until breakfast is ready?"
"That's a good idea," Jack answered. "Let's run under a check until breakfast is over, then we'll make good time straight for Biloxi."
"Hurray, we're homeward bound," shouted Tom. "Hurray again!"
"Shower bath first," cried Arnold, dragging out the hose.
What a glorious morning that was. Doright laughed until he could laugh no more to see the antics of the boys who took turns holding the hose on each other. The sun was just up clear of the horizon ushering in a day that promised to be beautiful. Only a slight swell was running on the Gulf giving the boys an excellent opportunity for a shower bath on deck. They availed themselves of the opportunity and frolicked about to their heart's content.
At length the boys produced the brushes and proceeded to scrub the Fortuna until she shone--as Tom put it--"like a new bottle."
Jack volunteered to act as cook, drafting Arnold to assist because of the extra number of mouths to be fed. Doright stayed about the kitchenette, taking in every detail of the splendidly equipped boat. To his eyes, unaccustomed to anything of the sort, the vessel was splendid beyond compare. He was charmed.
Presently breakfast was served. All didample justice to the shrimps, sweet potatoes and chicken gumbo that Jack had prepared. The excellence of the coffee was remarked by all.
At length the boys, having eaten their fill, spread the remains of the breakfast for Doright. He had been serving as the boys ate.
"If there isn't enough breakfast for you. Doright, we'll make some pancakes for you," Jack offered in a friendly tone.
"Thankee, Boss. Ah guess there's more'n Ah kin eat," protested Doright. "Ah haint no heavy eater, nohow. Ah just lunches."
Leaving the negro to satisfy his appetite and wash the dishes, the boys repaired to the pilot house for a conference. There detailed explanations of all that had happened since Harry and Arnold left for a fishing trip were made, while Frank Evans and Charley Burnett told their story of the incidents in which they had been concerned.
"I'm puzzled over two things," stated Jack at length.
"What are they?" queried Arnold. "Ask me, I can tell you."
"First, I'm puzzled over the sudden turn of front in Doright."
"That's a fact," was Tom's rejoinder. "He hasturned his coat mighty sudden. I wonder what caused him to do it. Let's ask him."
This was no sooner proposed than it met with instant favor. Doright was called from his labor to join the meeting.
"Doright," Jack began in a kindly tone. "We have had reason to believe that you were opposed to us in times past. We knew that you were working against us and that you helped make prisoners of these lads here. Now what we want to know is, why should you turn about and tell us when they were just being put out of the way?"
Breathlessly the boys all leaned forward to catch the story.
"Well, sir, Boss, hit's jess like this here," began Doright. "Mah name's Doright Abraham Jefferson Davis Canaan. Ah fergit the rest. Ever sense Ah was little Ah been told by mah mammy to do right--Doright! Dat's mah name and Ah tries to do right."
"Thanks," smiled Jack. "Now tell me why you changed so."
"Well, sir, Boss, Ah jest seen that these yere boys wuzn't no men. Ah wuz willin' to let Lopez take the boys and shet 'em up an' all that. But when hit come to puttin' of 'em aboard abucko schooner, Ah says to mahse'f, Ah says: 'Doright, dat haint right.'"
"Yes, and what then? Why didn't you take them off the ship?"
"She done gone. So Ah jest says to Mister Pete--dat's Lopez--Ah says, 'Mr. Pete,' Ah says, 'youall better git them boys back,' an' Mr. Pete he done fotch me a clip over the haid with his'n gun an' Ah specs Ah got a bump right there now. 'Course Ah done hit Mr. Pete then and so Ah come on down to see youall. Mr. Pete he won't come to for a long time. Don't no-body come to for for a long time when Ah hits 'em. Ah don't know mah own strength dey tells me."
"So, that was it, eh?" observed Frank. "Conscience got to hurting a little and we owe the presence of this united band of Boy Scouts to our friend Doright. Boys, I move three cheers for Doright! Give them real heartily now, as if you meant it."
The ringing cheers went echoing across the waters of the Gulf, bringing a grin to Doright's black face. He scarcely caught the entire meaning of this tribute, but he sensed the import of it.
"I think we'd better give Doright a little souvenir," Frank suggested. "Doright, what would you like to have best of all?"
Doright considered deeply, scratching his head meanwhile. At length he looked up with a smile spreading across his face.
"Ah reckon I'd like best to jes' cook an' clean upon this here boat. She sure am a fine boat and Ah wouldn't be in the way a littlest bit. Ah could sleep down in here by the engines or on deck."
"All right, Doright," answered Jack. "We'll have to consider the matter a while. We'll let you know later. You may go now."
After the negro's disappearance toward the cabin, the boys again gathered about Jack, eager for the next development.
"After Doright's lucid explanation, I think we have reduced our troubles to just one," he announced in a tone of finality.
"Just one trouble on earth," shouted Harry. "Oh my!"
"And what, pray, might that be?" queried Frank.
"That is just the question of whether or not there really is a treasure and if there is whether or not it is getatable, and whether Wyckoff and Lopez and their gang of rascals will make us the trouble they have been trying to make if we endeavor to get the chest."
"Well," speculated Charley, "if there isn't atreasure, there might just as well be one for Wyckoff and Lopez and their gang believe there is one, and they're ready to fight to the last breath to get it."
"They're surely scrappers," Arnold announced. "We know that."
"Yes," agreed Harry, "they're scrappers from the very word."
"Look at what we've had to contend with before we fairly start."
"What I'm worried about," Jack announced, "is that although Lawyer Geyer gives minute instructions about everything else he doesn't give any information as to the site of the chest. The fort must have been an acre or so in extent, yet he doesn't say whether it was buried in this corner or that, or out near the wood shed or what."
"We'll have to dig it all up," laughingly declared Frank.
"I can fix that," boasted Harry. "I know exactly the spot where we should turn the first shovelful of earth."
"Yes, you know all about this business," scorned Arnold. "I'll wager you were there when the stuff was buried."
"No I wasn't there, but I know where to dig just the same. I can tell you within two feet of where the chest was planted."
"Harry," Jack said soberly, "this is getting to be almost too serious a matter to joke about. If you have any information that would be of help to us, let's have it, but don't joke us."
"I'm not joking," bridled Harry. "I've got some information that I believe to be pretty near the exact thing we're looking for. I got it from a man who wouldn't have parted with it for his right hand if he'd known about it, so I think it is all right."
"Where did you get it and what does it look like?"
"I got it in the cabin in the woods that was burned down. When Lopez left us that time to go for Wyckoff in order to have his captivesappraised and disposed of, I remembered that I had seen him just before supper step over to a chest in the corner of the room. He unlocked the chest, took an envelope from his pocket, put it in the chest and dropped the lid. It was a spring lock for he didn't lock it again, but tried it to see if it was fast."
"So, of course, you picked the lock and stole his time card."
"Wait, Tom," cautioned Jack. "Let Harry finish his story."
"So, of course," went on Harry, "when we were getting loose I forgot all about the paper until the place was afire. Arnold went out of the cabin and I was at his heels, but remembered the envelope. I wanted that badly just then, so I snatched up a great piece of firewood and with a few blows shattered the top of the chest. It had a tray that was nearly empty except for the thing I sought. There it lay, ready for me to take. So, of course, I took it. I stuffed it inside my jacket while we climbed out and then in the darkness I put it into an inside pocket where it has been ever since. Lopez forgot to search us very diligently or he would surely have discovered it."
"What does it look like and do you think ithas any information we could use?" inquired Jack, intensely interested.
"I don't know what the thing inside is made of," answered Harry producing the article. "It looks like leather of a peculiar kind and on it are black marks. If it were not for one thing, I'd have passed it up entirely. Over in the corner are the words--'Biloxi Bayou.' Then the rest was as clear as mud."
"Let's take a look at it," requested Arnold. "We all want to see what it's like. If it was left by a Spaniard, it's no use to us, for we can't read Spanish and when Harry says he read it, I can't believe he knows what he's talking about. He can't read Spanish."
"I can read this all right," protested Harry, "and so can you. It's very simple. Here's a mark and there's a mark and that's all."
He now spread the chart open above the binnacle so that the boys all might look at it. As he had said, it was a piece of soft Spanish leather left white by the dyer but now yellowed and darkened somewhat with age. In rather uneven lines were traced roughly the location of certain objects intended obviously to be trees. Certain of these were ranged in line like the range lights used by mariners when entering or leaving a harbor. At a spot where two lines of rangescrossed, which was evidently near the water's edge, was a rough sketch of a box. Evidently no words were needed.
"I see it all as plain as day," declared Arnold. "This old chap selected a spot at the intersection of two ranges using big trees--maybe live oaks--then he dug a hole and buried the chest. It is right where the tide comes up so no one would think of looking there for it! He was a wise old chap."
"Then we'll have to go there when the tide's out."
"No, I don't think so. I have another idea," Jack put in, "but it's so foolish that we better forget it. Anyhow, I believe the fellow tried to say that the box was buried just at the high water mark."
"All right, let it go at that," returned Harry. "If the box is there and the trees are there, that's all we want. We can get it."
"If Wyckoff and his gang don't get there first."
"What I want to know," Charley spoke up, "is what makes this line and the others, too, so uneven. They are soaked right into the leather and looks as if the ink hadn't run evenly."
"Frank," queried Jack, "what do you make of it?"
"I'd hate to say right out," Frank answered, "but it looks to me like the old Don had run out of ink and used a little red ink from the arm of one of his trusty followers. A little hot water would set it and turn it black so it would never fade."
"That's horrible," shuddered Tom. "I don't like to think of such a thing. It makes me shivery all over just to think of it."
"Well, we'll get over to Biloxi as soon as we can and look over the ground. When we think we've located the treasure, we'll just shove a spade into the sand and up'll come the dollars."
"Sure, Tom, you've got it all doped out to a dot."
"Where are we now? Seems we ought to be nearly to Biloxi by this time. We've been hitting up a pretty good pace."
"We've got a long ways to go yet. There's Pascagoula over there on the starboard side now. We ran some little distance to the east."
"Sail ho," sung out Charley who was keeping a lookout from the top of the pilot house. "I see a man in a row boat."
"Where away?" asked Jack.
"Almost dead ahead! He's not rowing very hard."
"How shall I head to pick him up?" Jack questioned.
"Just a trifle to starboard. There. Steady as she goes."
In a short time the Fortuna driven by her powerful engines came up to the rowboat. As the boys approached the lone occupant of the skiff all were eager to see who it might be.
"Some early morning fisherman," ventured Arnold.
"He isn't fishing," declared Harry. "He's resting on his oars."
Harry now mounted to the pilot house roof and took the glasses.
"I know that chap," he cried. "Better starboard your helm and go to port of him. We don't want to get any closer to that chap."
"Who is it, Harry?" asked Jack.
"Little Simple Simon Sorefooted Carlos Madero at your service."
"He got run over once by getting in the way of this vessel. I wonder if he's trying it again," mused Jack, holding the Fortuna on her course. "We've got crew enough now so that we can mount guard over him day and night if we want to. Let's pick him up and see what he knows. We can easily tow his skiff along."
"Sure! Let's pick up a shark or two! Let'sexplode some dynamite in the cabin. Let's drill holes in the ship. Let's anything."
"Now don't get sarcastic, if you please. Madero didn't do all those things. He tried something once and didn't make it work."
"Yes, and he got a sore foot, too! He's out here for more."
Answering the hail from the Fortuna, Madero, for it was he, asked to be taken aboard. He seemed weak and unable to help himself. When his condition became apparent the boys were all sympathy. They quickly helped him over the rail and then took his boat in tow.
"What's on your mind, Madero?" laughed Jack. "How are you?"
"I want first of all to tell you fellows how sorry I am I ever did anything to harm you. I believed that you were some terrible creatures come down here to rob and pillage and torture the natives. I had been told by Wyckoff that if you caught me alone you would not hesitate to kill me. He made me believe I was doing something creditable when I attempted to destroy your boat."
"Well, that's all right, Madero. We forgive you."
"And I want to say that I came aboard your boat the other night to finish what Wyckoff andI both had failed to do earlier. When you boys were so kind to me after my accident I hadn't the heart to hurt you. I returned to Wyckoff and refused to do any more. He then had me taken back into the country and put into the chain gang where the negro criminals are worked on the public highways."
"The brute," exclaimed the boys almost in chorus.
"And when I made a trifling mistake," went on Carlos, "the foreman had me stretched over a log and whipped like an animal. My back has been bleeding badly and I hoped I might find you to help me again if you can bring yourselves to do it. I don't deserve it."
"Sure, we'll help you if we can," stoutly maintained Harry.
"How did you happen to be away out here?" asked Jack.
"When I got away from the chain gang, I went to the shipyard and asked for you. The foreman is furious. He says you jumped your bill. I found out that you had headed to the eastward and I at once concluded you had pursued the schooner. Then I thought you'd be coming back, headed for Biloxi. So I waited."
The boys now tenderly removed the clothing from Madero's bruised and bleeding back. Cruellyhad the lash torn the flesh. Their first aid chest was speedily opened and soothing lotions and ointments applied. Their work was skillfully and quickly done.
Madero's gratitude knew no bounds. He could scarcely restrain the tears as he tried to thank the boys for their kindness.
"Do you happen to know anything about what the gang did with our launch, the 'Spray'?" inquired Frank. "I hope she's not lost."
"I think you'll find her at Biloxi," answered Carlos. "They were going to take here there and hide her until this matter had blown over. They might have repainted her and sold her under some other name after a while, but at present she's there, I believe."
"That's good news," declared Charley. "I like that boat."
"And you want to watch out," Carlos added, "for a shrimping schooner of those fellows. They have left Pascagoula already this morning and are headed for Biloxi Bay. They are determined that you shall not, under any circumstances, beat them to the treasure."
"So there is a treasure?" asked Jack. "Do you think there is really a treasure hidden there, or is it all talk?"
"I don't know," replied Carlos. "They believe the story."
A berth was now turned over to Madero and he was urged to lie down and take what rest he could. As he curled up in the berth, Rowdy came in, jumped up on the berth and curled up beside the newcomer. Not a sign of antagonism did the bulldog exhibit.
"Well, you're all right now," declared Harry. "That bulldog's our acid test. When he thinks a fellow is all right, that settles it."
"That is very comforting," declared Carlos. "I hope Rowdy and I become great friends. He's a nice dog."
"How's the foot?" inquired Harry. "I forgot to ask before."
"Great," declared Madero. "You boys are fine doctors."
Just at dusk the Fortuna drew into Biloxi bay. The boys had decided that a few fish would be required for supper and had run out some distance from shore where they threw over their lines with good success. Several Spanish Mackerel graced the bag as a result of their efforts. They were justly proud of their catch.
Charley and Frank were elected cooks for the evening. With Doright's assistance they soon had a fine supper prepared. Fresh mackerel witha package of Saratoga chips was the piece de resistance, but the table did not lack for comforts. It was noticeable that their appetites were increasing. All were feeling in prime condition.
Just before supper was served the Fortuna was tied up alongside the wharf of the shrimping factory where the fishing vessels landed their cargoes. The electric lights were turned on, presenting a cheerful scene as one viewed the craft from shore. Night was falling rapidly and the boys were glad they had reached port.
Rowdy interrupted the peaceful scene by growling and moving about uneasily. He ran whining from one door to the other.
Madero, who was sitting at the end of the table, glanced up from his plate to peer out of a window. With a gasp he fell back.
"There's Lopez!" he cried, pointing through the window.
Doright was standing near the door. Rowdy's excitement now increased to a high pitch. He dashed madly to and fro in the cabin.
"I saw the fellow's face for a minute," cried Jack. "Open the door, Doright, and let Rowdy out. He wants to meet his friend."
"Go on, dog!" whispered Doright, obeying Jack's order.
Quick footsteps sounded on the wharf. A man was running away. Rowdy lost no time in scrambling on deck and from there to the wharf. In a moment came a shriek, followed by a shot. The boys shivered in apprehension. Their pet was alone in the dark and a shot had been fired. It seemed as if they must go to his assistance.
Not many minutes passed before the boys felt the Fortuna rock as a body landed on the deck. Rowdy burst into the cabin.
"Look at the boy!" shouted Arnold. "Good old Rowdy! Good dog!"
"What's that he has in his mouth?" inquired Charley.
"That, my friend," explained Arnold, who sat near Rowdy, "is what every dog gets when he runs fast--pants."
"Stop your joking, Arnold," cautioned Jack. "Look at that bloody ear of Rowdy's. He's been shot. That's some of Lopez's work."
At once a rush was made for the white bulldog. Rowdy seemed to pay little attention to the lacerated ear, pierced by the outlaw's bullet, but paraded the cabin exhibiting the cloth proudly.
"I do believe he got a piece of Lopez's trousers!" declared Jack exultantly. Then giving Rowdy an approving slap he continued, "There's one time Lopez got a reminder his presence wasn't wanted."
"True enough," agreed Frank, "but he may return when things have quieted down, and when he comes back he may be prepared to do serious damage. That gang is desperate and will hesitate at nothing."
"Let 'em come," boasted Arnold, jumping up from his position on a locker where he was trying to cajole Rowdy into parting with the souvenir which he had brought aboard the Fortuna.
"Yes, let 'em come," stoutly agreed Harry."There are enough of us here so we can stand watch and watch tonight and be prepared to keep off all intruders. And we'll use force, if necessary, too."
"It's a problem," Jack said thoughtfully. "I'm sure I don't know what to do. Those fellows may contemplate and execute serious damage to the Fortuna and to her crew. Again, they may be so near the treasure they'll only think of remaining near that to guard it."
"By the way, Jack, where is this fort? Rather, where was it?"
"As nearly as I am able to determine just now, it was located on the north side of that point that lies on the east side of the bay. There's a bayou sets up to the eastward from that point and it is on the chart here as 'Fort Bayou,' so I think that must have been the place. Anyhow, that's the place to which I have been directed."
"Here it is," cried Charley, who had been examining the chart. "Here it says, 'Old Spanish Fort.' It's just where you said it was."
"Then we'll go over there in the morning, if you like."
"Let's go over there tonight," urged Tom. "There's going to be a fine moon and we're all interested, so we won't sleep any."
"Sure! That would be fine," scorned Harry."All of us go across the bay looking for this old treasure and Wyckoff will have a free hand to come in and sink the good ship Fortuna."
"We can draw straws and leave a watch here," suggested Tom.
"And Wyckoff or Lopez throw a stick of dynamite over on deck and up in the air they'd go! Why not take the Fortuna along?"
"I don't think there's water enough over there," Jack objected.
"Well, then, I'll tell you what we'll do," began Harry, "we'll all of us hold an election. Let Doright in on it and Carlos and--"
"Yacht Ahoy!" came a hail from the wharf.
"Answer him, Tom, you're nearest the door," suggested Jack.
"Ahoy there, what do you want?" called Tom.
"Is that the Fortuna?" queried a heavy voice.
"Yes, sir," answered Tom. "What do you want?"
"I'll come aboard, if you please!" replied the stranger.
"Better wait a minute until we can size you up," cried Jack, stepping into the pilot house and switching on the searchlight, which he trained upon the man standing on the wharf. "We're not unprepared for callers and we want to make sure, you know. What do you want?"
"I guess when you see this," laughed the man, exhibiting a star under his coat, "you won't object to my coming aboard. I am sorry to say," he continued in a tone of mock seriousness, "I am a United States Marshal. May I come aboard now?"
"Yes, sir, you may," declared Tom. "But you must excuse us for our precaution. We've been through some trying experiences and it's no wonder we feel we must protect ourselves."
"Got away from Pascagoula in a hurry, didn't you?" smiled the stranger introducing himself as Roger Harrison.
"Yes, we did," stated Jack, introducing the other boys. "We got word from Doright, here, that our friends and our friends' friend had been shanghaied aboard a schooner and so we went after them and got them, too," he proudly stated.
"Well, boys, it seems to me it would have been real easy to stop and pay your shipyard charges when you were coming back."
The boys all gasped. In the excitement of rescuing their chums the matter of settling their bill at the shipyard had been crowded out of their minds. All were amazed and regretful.
"What can we do?" questioned Jack. "I'll jump on a train and go right back there and pay them. When is the next train?"
"Don't be in a hurry. Hear the rest," said the Marshal.
"Is there anything worse?" wailed Jack. "I feel real cheap."
"Nothing that you can't get out of, I guess," replied Harrison. "Those fellows were indignant when you slipped away so hurriedly and were about to telegraph Key West to look out for you when a man named Wyckoff approached and said you were headed for Biloxi. They couldn't believe it but he swore it was so."
"And so you came down here to get us?" queried Jack.
"I'm stationed at Gulfport, a short distance west of here," replied Harrison. "They wired me there and wanted to libel your craft. You know the United States protects merchants and workmen by seizing the vessel if their bills are not paid."
"But we'll pay it!" stoutly protested Jack. "We have the money."
"I haven't the least doubt of it," declared Harrison. "It was only a matter of oversight under the exciting news you got. But tell me," he went on, "how did Wyckoff know you were headed for this place? He seemed very positive about your destination."
Then Jack gave Harrison the whole story. Heomitted nothing that the boys considered of importance, even showing Harrison the map. At the conclusion of the recital Harrison looked serious.
"Well, boys," he said at length, "you've stumbled onto what seems to be a reality, but I always considered it a myth. For years the report has been circulated that there was such a treasure and this man Wyckoff and Lopez claimed to be blood descendants of the officer who buried it. The name on that map would seem to bear them out. But tonight or tomorrow night will be the only time you'll have to get at the treasure for another year, if the whole tale is true."
"How's that?" breathlessly asked the boys.
"I can't explain the whole thing, for I never attempted to memorize details, always believing the story a fairy tale, but as I recall it, the moon and tide must both be just right--something like the moon is tonight and the tide will be in a short time--and then the ground around the chest softens up and the chest comes to the surface for the rightful heir to reach out and get it."
"If there's anything at all in that," asserted Jack, "I'll bet the thing lays in a bed of quicksand. When the tide is just right it softens upand boils. Then any solid substance may be thrown up to the surface. Maybe someone has seen a piece of log or some driftwood at some such time and that's the way the treasure story started."
"But I have the map," declared Harry excitedly. "What do you make of that? You'll have to go some to explain that."
"I guess that's so," sheepishly admitted Jack. "I forgot that."
"Until tonight," stated Harrison, "I never had much faith in the story, but this map as a climax to other things is convincing."
Rowdy, who had been lying on a berth with Arnold, now slipped to the floor. His whole body became tense and rigid while the hairs on his back rose on end. A low, menacing growl issued in subdued notes from his throat. His attitude was threatening.
"Watch the dog," whispered Jack. "Look at him."
"Someone's coming," announced Arnold. "He does that only when he gets near someone who's a sneak or pirate or something."
"Goodness, I'm glad I'm not a pirate," declared Harrison.
"Get a leash on him," ordered Jack. "He'sbeen shot once tonight and that's enough. Get your guns unlimbered, boys."
"I'll keep a lookout on the water," volunteered Frank.
"And I'll watch the wharf," said Tom. "I wish, though," he continued, "that the lights were off. I could see better."
"Turn the switch, Charley," was Jack's request. "It's at your hand there on the bulkhead. It's the middle one."
"I see him," whispered Tom. "It looks like Wyckoff."
"Slide the door open a crack," Harry suggested, "and get the drop on him. If he starts anything, shoot him in the legs!"
"He's laying down a bundle," whispered Charley. "It's only a small package. I wonder what he's going to do."
For answer, Wyckoff, for it was none other, deposited the small package described by the boy on the bow of the Fortuna. He knelt on the wharf a moment leaning over toward the boat. The boys were unable to see him well because of the curving lines of the vessel.
"Good heavens!" exclaimed Charley, starting from his post toward the bows. "He lit a fuse and has started away!"
"Come back from there," cried Jack in a toneof authority. "Come back from there! Do you want to get blown into bits?"
The boys rushed forward to seize their chum and drag him to a place of safety. He kept on undaunted. Harrison gazed in open mouthed terror from one to the other. All seemed horror stricken at the situation. Rowdy tugged fiercely at his leash.
All could now see clearly the sputtering fuse attached to the package lying on the forward deck. From the gentle manner in which Wyckoff had handled it they guessed its contents. None knew better than the intrepid lad approaching the parcel what the result would be were he a second too late. Even as he hurried forward a chill seemed to run through his veins with the thought of what might happen were he not able to reach the package in time.
Harrison often declares that never to his dying day will he forget the coolness and excellent nerve displayed by Charley as he approached the sputtering fuse on the other end of which lay lurking probable death for the whole party. He says that out of all his varied experiences none stands forth with more distinctness than does the one through which he passed that night on the Fortuna.
Doright was paralyzed with terror and sanklimply to the floor, resting his head on a bunk and praying as he never had prayed before for deliverance. His voice was gone, but his lips worked convulsively while his face took on a drawn and haggard expression seeming to visibly shrink together, leaving great pouches beneath his eyes and lines through his cheeks. He gasped for breath.
In his haste Charley stumbled over the free end of the bow line, made fast to the deck cleat. It had been coiled loosely, leaving the free end trailing across the deck. Quickly he was up.
Lunging forward again, his arm outstretched, the boy tried to grasp the package that was still just out of reach. He made a last fierce lunge and grasped the thing. He stood upright. A shower of sparks flew from the end of the shortening fuse.
There is no doubt that Charley's bravery and quick action saved the Fortuna and her crew. With a mighty effort he flung the package far from him. It fell into the waters of the bay with a splash. The next moment a muffled roar was heard and a vast column of water was flung skyward. The Fortuna rocked in the waves.
"Man overboard!" cried Tom, who had been nearer Charley than any other member of the crew. "Throw me a ring buoy!"
He was over the side in a flying leap. He had paused but an instant to gauge the spot where he believed he would find the other lad. Charley's effort to throw the dynamite as far as possible had resulted in his losing his own balance. The severe motion of the Fortuna had completely upset him and he had fallen overboard.
Instantly all was activity and bustle. Ring buoys hung in beckets at either side of the pilot house. A long line was attached to each. Jacktore one of these free preparing to throw it to his chum when he should rise to the surface.
"Can he swim?" queried Harrison anxiously coming up the companion-way. "If he can't, he'll be in a bad way in this mess!"
"They both are Boy Scouts with medals showing proficiency in the art!" declared Harry. "We can all swim," he continued.
"Hurrah, then it won't be so bad! I'm hoping the explosion hasn't stunned the boys," cried Harrison hopefully.
"There they are," shouted Frank. "Can you see them?"
"I see them," Jack answered, throwing the ring buoy with true aim. "Stand by to help them aboard. Charley needs help!"
Dashing the water from his face, Tom seized the ring buoy and with its assistance supported Charley's face free of the surface until drawn to the side of the Fortuna and relieved of his burden.
First aid methods were speedily applied. Charley was placed face down upon the deck, where the boys took turns applying the means of resuscitation known as the Shaefer method. Harrison stood by in wonder observing every move. At length he became discouraged.
"I'm afraid, boys, it's no go," he said. "Hedoesn't seem to be coming around at all. The explosion must have hit him hard."
"He may be a long time coming, but we're going to keep at it in relays until we're all exhausted. He gave himself for us and we're prepared to do the same for him. He's done his good turn today."
"You're right, boys; he certainly has," declared Harrison. "Now, I'm bigger than you lads and if you'll show me how to do the work, I'll help. Maybe I could squeeze more water out of him than you."
Under Harrison's manipulations directed by the boys, Charley presently showed the flicker of an eye. They worked faithfully over him for a considerable time and were at last rewarded by having him on the road to recovery from his enforced bath and attendant experience. He had fallen into the water just as the explosion came.
"Well, Wyckoff won't plant any more dynamite here this evening I hope," declared Frank. "That's the second attempt on the Fortuna tonight and I'm going to take the first watch. We'll see if he does any more while I'm on guard. I'm tired of this."
"It must be getting on into the shank of theevening--I see the moon. What is the hour?" asked Jack from the forward deck.
As if in answer to his query the marine clock chimed two bells.
"Two bells," called Harry. "Nine o'clock for landsmen."
"We'd better be getting over to the fort if we're going," urged Arnold. "We should not wait around here all night."
"Wait a minute," advised Jack. "I think we'd better deliver to Mr. Harrison the bundle of dynamite we found aboard the Fortuna at Pascagoula. We don't want it aboard here and we have no safe place to put it. He'll know what to do with it, won't you, Mr. Harrison? You understand these things better than we."
"If I had my way, I'd touch it off in the bay here so it would be out of harm's way," declared Harrison stoutly.
"But we have no fuse," objected Jack. "If we just drop it overboard the stuff may cause damage later on. I don't know what to do."
"Let's get a fuse and cap somewhere and take the stuff over to the fort," suggested Harry. "We can find this place shown on the map where the treasure lies and dig a ways into the sand, plant the 'soup' and blow a hole big enough totake out a wagon load of treasure. That's the best way to get rid of it."
"Let's put it to a vote," suggested Jack. "All in favor say--"
A chorus of "ayes" carried the point. The boys were in favor of anything that savored of excitement. Their experience with the outlaws for the past few days had so nerved them up that any adventure would have been welcomed. The prospect of finding the treasure lent added zeal to the proposed journey across the bay.
"We'll need a shovel or two anyway," said Frank as the boys hastened to make ready for the trip. "Where can we get the tools?"
"Sure enough," cried Tom. "I hadn't thought of that before. I would have been just foolish enough to go on over there and not take a shovel with me at all. There's an exhibition of brains for you."
"I guess you were no worse off than any of the others," Harry declared. "We were all in a hurry to get started."
"Will Doright and Carlos go with us?" inquired Tom.
"We may need them," Jack replied. "Do you want to go, Carlos?"
"Maybe I wouldn't be of any help," Carlosventured hesitatingly. It was evident that he felt timid about joining with the others.
"You'd be the best kind of help," stoutly asserted Arnold, pushing Rowdy towards the negro. "Take him, Rowdy," he added with a laugh.
"Ah is not in trouble wid mah feet," protested Doright. "If youall wants valuable help, jes' call on me. Mah name's Doright."
"And we'll leave Rowdy here to guard the boat so Wyckoff and his gang don't get aboard," suggested Harry, drawing on his jacket.
"You will not," cried Arnold. "Rowdy goes with the crowd."
"We can't all get into the boat," protested Jack. "How shall we manage that? Counting Mr. Harrison and Rowdy and Doright and Carlos and Charley and Frank and Arnold and Tom and Harry and myself, there's ten of us. That's four more than the boat will carry."
"I think I can fix you out in good shape," suggested Harrison, now becoming thoroughly interested. "I saw several of those big flat bottomed oyster boats a ways back as I came to your vessel some time ago. I believe with a little persuasion I could get one."
"Will it take us all?" inquired Harry anxiously.
"I believe it will and more, too, if necessary."
"Then let's get it and be away. I'm gettingnervous about the delay. I can understand why Wyckoff gets excited at strangers."
Accordingly Harrison departed in quest of the large boat he had seen. In a short time the boys heard the sound of oars and discovered him rowing the skiff towards the Fortuna.
"I have the boat all right," he cried as he approached the vessel, "but there is no painter. We haven't a thing to make fast with."
"We've got plenty of line," asserted Jack. "Tom, suppose you hand up a length of that half inch stuff in the lazarette."
"Here's a long piece coiled up. Will that do?" asked Tom.
"Sure," asserted Harrison. "Anything that's long enough. If it's too long we'll let the end drag," he added with a laugh.
"Now the shovels and we'll be all right," cried Arnold.
"The man who had charge of the boats has gone after a couple of shovels," replied Harrison. "By the time we're aboard, he should be here. He hasn't far to go. Are all of you ready?"
"All ready," declared Jack. "The doors are locked, the kitten out, the clock wound and everything is snug and comfy."
"He knows how to close up shop," assertedHarry. "Go a voyage with him and see if I'm not right! I've sailed with him."
"And the cap and fuse for the dynamite?" asked Frank.
"Here in my pocket," replied Harrison. "I got it from the watchman. He wasn't inclined to let me have it as first, though."
"Gee," said Harry. "I'd like to be a United States Marshal."
"It is not altogether a pleasant business," smiled Harrison. "There are times when we have disagreeable tasks like the one I had this evening. Then there are other tasks that are pleasant like another one I anticipate I may have later on this evening."
"Are you after someone else, too?" queried Arnold.
"Well, yes," admitted Harrison. "But I don't know whether or not I will be able to locate them. That will, of course, be seen."
"If we can be of any help to you, just let us know and we'll be ready to render any assistance possible," offered Jack.
"Thank you, boys; I appreciate your kind offer, and you may be able to help me if my suspicions are correct."
"Why, what has Wyckoff been doing?" inquired Tom.
"Who said it was Wyckoff?" laughingly replied Harrison.
"Well, it seems to be mighty plain that it is he."
"Possibly it is he," admitted the Marshal. "There have been some shady deals carried through down here lately. Some smuggling and a bad wreck and one or two other things that the United States Government feels should be explained. Someone must explain."
"Well, we'll help you all we can when the time comes," cried Tom heartily. "I'm sure we'll do that."
"Here comes somebody on the wharf," declared Arnold with a hand on Rowdy's collar. "Wonder who it is now?"
"That's the watchman," said Harrison. "He's got the shovels."
As the watchman delivered the implements to the Marshal he was requested to keep an eye on the Fortuna. This he promised to do.
"I have an idea," explained Harrison in parting, "that the parties I am expecting to call will be across the bay, but in case they should come, hold them even if you have to resort to violence."
"A few more and we'd have a load," remarked Jack as the skiff with its unusual cargo pulledaway from the Fortuna. I'm glad there are enough boys to go around so we can have one to each oar."
"We have got a crowd, sure enough," admitted Frank. "Did you bring a gun with you in case something might turn up?"
"Indeed I have," replied Jack. "I am pretty sure the others have theirs, too," he added. A vote of the crowd showed he was right. Every member of the Fortuna's regular crew had an automatic.
A short time only was required for the passage across the bay, between the supports of the railroad bridge and around the point to a spot as near the fort as Harrison deemed best to approach.
"Hello," cried Tom shaking out the line he had brought for a painter, "there are two pieces here. One is short and the other a long one. I may as well use only the short one."
"Better take the other with you," suggested Jack. "Someone may pass while we're away and think they could use it."
"Good idea," assented Tom. "I'll keep it with me."
Not far from where the boys landed they discovered the time-worn earthworks of what had once been the old fort. Trees nearly a foot indiameter were seen growing on the former breastworks. Everywhere one could see that the fort had been long unoccupied.
Harry immediately proceeded to search for the trees that had been used as ranges when the map had been made. He was not long in finding what he sought. His feet were almost in the waters of the rising tide when the spot where the treasure was supposed to be was located. All were visibly excited. The prospect was alluring.
"Shall we start to dig a hole here?" asked Tom, shovel in hand.
"Make a little hole and we'll touch off the dynamite."
A short time sufficed to bury the explosive in a good location.
"Let's all stand back now and see what happens," cried Tom.
"Mr. Harrison, show Harry how to light it," requested Jack.
"Stand back; here come Wyckoff and Lopez."