In spite of my desperate struggles, a cord was wound tightly round my ankles, and my arms were bound behind my back. This done, a thick piece of canvas took the place of the hand across my mouth, so that I could scarce breathe, much less utter a sound; and a bandage was tied across my eyes.
Then I felt myself being set upon my feet, a rope was passed round my waist, and I was suspended over the edge of the cliff, as helpless as a trussed fowl.
"Stand by!" I heard a gruff voice exclaim, and the next instant I was lowered into space, where I hung, turning slowly at the rope's end, with the dull murmur of the waves at the base of the cliff some fifty feet below to add to the terror of my situation.
By the number of successive short jerks I knew that I had not been lowered more than ten feet when I was seized by rough hands and dragged in towards the cliff. The rope by which I had been lowered was cast off, and, lifted in a horizontal position, I was borne away.
The sudden change from the scorching rays of the sun to a chilly atmosphere, and the echoing footsteps of my captors, told me that I was being carried along a tunnel in the rocks. I distinctly counted four-and-forty footfalls ere the men set me down upon a stone floor; then the bandage was whipped off my eyes, and I found myself blinking in the subdued daylight.
Surrounding me I recognized Ned Slater and the five others who had slipped away on our retreat through the forest.
"Now, youngster," began the villainous rascal, whom I now knew to be guilty of my father's murder and the theft of the chart, to say nothing of his other crimes, "no beating about the bush, or 'twill be the worse for you. Where lieth the treasure?"
"I know not. You have the chart."
"Aye," he replied, with a hideous oath, "and little good it is to us. It is marked 'Much treasure here'--here, on or near this spot; but that is false. I know it, and you know it. Now, where does the treasure lie--somewhere inland? or was that part of old Miles's plan to mislead us? Come now, answer."
"I cannot say, nor would not if I could."
"You lie, you young rascal. But I'll find a way to make you use your tongue, though you may shout till you're black in the face, for no one will hear you. Search him first."
Two of the rogues emptied my pockets and relieved me of my knife.
"Ho, ho! What have we here?" exclaimed Slater, examining the blade carefully. "'Tis an old acquaintance. Nay, I go farther--'tis my property."
"Considering you sheathed it in my father's body," I replied boldly, "'tis not to be wondered at, you double-dyed murderer."
"All is fair in love and war," he replied. "If your father barred my way, what was to be done? But take heed, lest I plunge it into your body. Now, once again, where does the treasure lie hidden?"
I did not reply, for I was hard at work trying to devise some plan of thwarting him and at the same time of effecting my escape.
Finding that I remained obstinate, they left me lying bound and helpless, with a pannikin of water within a foot of my face, having previously moistened my lips with salt water.
I was indeed in a very tight fix. The cave was about ten feet in height, but owing to a sharp bend I was unable to see how long it was, or in what direction it dived into the rock. Unless one knew of its existence, he might search the ledge above for hours without being aware that its mouth yawned ten feet beneath. No doubt when I was missed a search would be made for me, with the result that it would be supposed that I had fallen over the edge into the sea.
As I lay unable to stir hand or foot, my thirst grew intolerable, my tongue was parched, and my throat burned like a lime-kiln. Yet within a foot stood a vessel of water which, for the good it did me, might have been better out of my sight.
Away in the recesses of the cave I could hear my captors talking in eager tones, doubtless highly excited at their success, for 'twas certain that they thought I held the prized secret.
"Get it from him at all costs, then do as you say," I heard one remark.
"Hush! not so loud," replied another.
"Yet it must be done."
"I know; I'm not saying anything against that, so----"
Here their voices became inaudible, but in those few words I gathered the full signification of their intentions. When they had finished with me they meant to finish me in a very complete sense.
Plan after plan flashed across my mind, only to be dismissed as impracticable, till, with the faintest ray of hope, I lighted on a scheme that might serve my purpose.
At length Ned Slater returned, humming a rollicking air, and with a hideous grin on his face. Stooping down, he raised the pannikin of water to his lips and took a draught with the utmost ostentation.
This done, he motioned as if to give me what remained in the vessel, but when 'twas within a few inches of my mouth he slowly and deliberately withdrew it. Twice did he offer the water, then with a steady hand he poured it on the floor, so that the liquid splashed over my bound hands.
"A curse on my clumsiness!" said he. "I must needs fill the pannikin again."
I heard the hollow sound of his footsteps retreating down the passage, but presently he returned, with the pannikin filled to the brim. Setting it down where it formerly stood, he said:
"Help yourself, you young rascal; there's plenty to spare."
Had the water been a thousand leagues off, I could not have helped myself any the less, and the villain knew it.
"Now, concerning the plan," he began, pointing to the chart which he held in his hand. "Art still of the same mind?"
"I'll tell you," I replied hoarsely; then, feigning with little effort, I began to cough and gulp as if unable to continue.
"Water!" I gasped, after a while.
He raised the pannikin and allowed a thin stream to trickle on to my face, and as I swallowed the cold liquid it seemed to instil new life into my tortured body.
"That chart is not correct," I began.
"I knew it," he replied, in a tone of triumphant expectancy; "but I'll lay hands on the treasure."
"And when you do, can you remove it from the island?"
"I'll find away," he replied, with a leer. "Dost think I have no friends aboard the ships?"
"Cast my hand loose, and I'll trace a plan of the island," I continued, pretending to ignore the latter part of his remark.
"Very well, then; but no trickery, or----" and he touched the hilt of my knife, which he was wearing in his belt.
"Do I look as if I could trick you?" I asked wearily. "A lad with his feet bound could not hope to get the better of you."
Without another word he cut the rope that encircled my arms, then, stepping back a pace, he drew the knife and held it in a menacing position.
I gave a short glance at the rope that bound my feet. It was thin cord, commonly known as half-inch line.
"Let this represent the coast," I began, tracing an irregular line in the dust that covered the floor of the cave. "Here is the cliff, and here the place where theMadrefirst struck. The first hiding-place of the treasure was here, I take it."
"'Tis more to the east, if yon point marks the cliff. Thus says the chart."
"Does it?" I asked, with feigned surprise. "Art sure?"
"Look for yourself," said he, holding the parchment close to my face.
"The light is bad," I replied, peering at the crabbed writing. "Turn it this way, so that it shows to the best advantage. 'Tis as I said; the place lies to the west of the cliff, just here----"
The villain's face was within arm's length, for in his eagerness he had drawn closer to hear my explanation. My fist shot out with a swift upward movement, and, taking him fairly on the point of his chin, sent him staggering against the opposite wall, whence he fell senseless to the ground.
In two bounds I was at his side, and seizing the knife, I severed the rope that fastened my ankles.
"At least," thought I, as I made ready to strike home, "if I am to die, you'll not live to see my death."
But ere I could achieve my aim, one of the rogues appeared, and, raising his arm, discharged a pistol at me.
The bullet ploughed through my hair, but without a moment's hesitation I flung myself straight at the man. Down he went, screaming with pain, with my knife betwixt his ribs.
Now or never I must gain the mouth of the cave, so, dashing forward, I ran along the tunnel towards the place where I knew the rest of the villains to be, for I heard them shouting in alarm as they hastened to their comrade's aid.
Just then I noticed that the passage, or tunnel, turned sharply to the left, and was quite dark when compared with the subdued light of that portion of the cave in which I had been kept a prisoner.
Down I lay full length on the floor, resting on my left side, and as the four men rushed blindly onward the first tripped over my prostrate body. The second I caught by the ankle, and he also fell, while the remaining two were brought up by a barrier of sprawling legs.
Ere they could realize who I was, I regained my feet, darted betwixt them and the wall of the cavern, and headed straight for the entrance.
Nor did I stop to think, but, gathering speed as I ran, I boldly leapt into space, still grasping the fatal knife in my hand.
Even as I felt myself hurtling through those fifty feet, however, I wondered whether, in my impetuous leap, I would strike the sea or solid rock, for I had not even stopped to see whether the cliff there fell sheer into the water or not.
Fortunately the precipice sloped inwards, so that I escaped being dashed to pieces. Keeping in an upright position, I struck the water feet first with tremendous force, and plunged beneath the surface to a considerable depth.
A few lusty strokes sufficed to bring me to the surface, however, and shaking my hair from my face, I struck out for the shelter of the overhanging cliff, so that I should be unperceived by the rogues in the cave.
It being close on low tide, the rise and fall in those parts being but five feet at most, there was nothing that would afford a foothold; the rocks were as smooth as a plank, and covered with a thick, dark curtain of seaweed.
Owing to the slight swell, the backwash of the waves made swimming a matter of difficulty, as I was continually in peril of being thrown against the cliff; and realizing that the sooner I found a landing-place the better, I again struck out, swimming along the face of the cliff and about ten feet from it, keeping a sharp look-out both for a possible refuge and for the swell, of which every seventh wave was more dangerous than the rest.
Having struck a current or eddy that ran close inshore, I made rapid progress, and in less than a quarter of an hour rounded a spur or headland that I knew was within a few hundred yards of the mouth of the harbour where theGolden Hopelay at anchor.
But here I found, to my peril, that the eddy was no longer in my favour. On the contrary, before I was aware of it I was being rapidly carried out to sea by a current that ran at a rate of over three knots an hour.
Once I realized the impossibility of making headway, I turned on my back and paddled easily. The sea was warm, and unless unforeseen circumstances arose, I could keep afloat for an hour or more with little effort. Ere then I hoped to be seen by the searchers on the cliff, or that the current would have changed in my favour. So, buoyed up by hope, I allowed myself to drift with the tide.
Soon I saw that I was nearly abreast that part of the cliff from which I had leapt, yet at a distance of nearly half a mile from it. I could discern the sloping part of the ledge where I had been surprised, and the dark, yawning mouth of the cavern, though I could see nothing of the rogues who dwelt there. There was some consolation in the fact that neither could they see me, nor was I within musket range; but against that there was the growing prospect of being swept far out to sea, to perish slowly in a vast waste of water.
At length I noticed that the sea, which all around was calm save for a gentle swell, was at a short distance ahead beginning to change in appearance. Short-crested waves were breaking over a shoal. That I knew by experience, but whether 'twas but a "tide rip", or really shallow water, I knew not.
The set of the tide carried me right towards the centre of this extent of agitated water, and to my relief I was soon standing on rocky ground, with the sea barely above my knees.
I was still in a position of great peril, for the rocks were slippery with kelp, while the current was strong enough to threaten to sweep me off my feet. Even though the tide might fall a few inches, I knew full well that ere long the flood would set in, and thus before high water the depth would be too great for me to retain a foothold.
Looking landwards, I saw by the agitation of the waves that the shoal extended well towards the shore, the distance between being but a few hundred yards. At this my hopes recovered, for could I walk or wade in that direction and await the change of tide, the same current that had carried me seawards would render me a good service in bearing me back towards the harbour.
I had not proceeded far, for wading was a matter of extreme difficulty, when a whip-like object seized my leg like a vice. The sensation was paralysing, for it seemed as if I was being burnt in a score of places at once. Like a flash I realized my danger. I was in the grip of an octopus!
Before I could take any steps to free myself from the loathsome embraces of the octopus, another tentacle fastened itself round my leg, while others writhed menacingly in an attempt to seize their prey. The creature's body seemed but about the size of a sheep's head, while each of the arms or tentacles was less than a yard in length.
Retaining its hold on the rocks with a pair of its arms, the hideous brute began to increase its grasp on my leg, while at the union of the slimy tentacles I could distinguish a pair of small, protruding eyes and a formidable beak. That beak was slowly approaching my naked flesh, to rend it asunder.
Being without shoes, for I had kicked them off when I began swimming, I was unable to stamp on the creature with my yet free foot, though any attempt to do so might have led to my undoing, as I had all my work cut out to prevent myself from being capsized. Once prone on those slippery rocks, my fate was sealed.
Then I bethought me of my knife, which I had thrust into my belt. Gripping it dagger-wise, I braced myself to overcome a sickening sensation of fear, and plunged it to the hilt betwixt the eyes of the hideous creature.
'Twas only to be likened to cutting a leather bag filled with jelly--once the steel had ripped through the outer skin there seemed no resistance to the blade; yet, though a quantity of watery blood, mingled with a blackish froth, came from the wound, the octopus apparently lost none of its vitality. Its rage, if I may so term it, seemed to increase, for, quitting its hold on the rocks, it fastened upon me with all its tentacles. I felt its snake-like embrace encircle my legs, while two of its members seized my left arm. Though I struck madly at its head to ward off the terrible, beak-like mouth, my efforts seemed unavailing. The pain of the hundreds of suckers was intense, and I felt my legs giving way under the loathsome contraction of the creature's tentacles.
Suddenly the pressure seemed to relax, and redoubling my efforts, I severed three of the arms with as many sweeps of my knife. Thus I freed the upper part of my body; after that it was a comparatively easy matter to cut off the other tentacles, though the remaining parts still clung to my legs like a hundred leeches.
Shudderingly I made my way towards a portion of the reef that now lay exposed, keeping a wary eye on the seaweed lest another octopus should be lurking in the rocky crevices.
Having completely emerged from the water, I cut off the adhering tentacles with my knife, for they would not become detached by other means. Wherever the suckers had touched my flesh a small red wound remained, so that my legs were one mass of livid spots, showing vividly against the white skin, my prolonged stay in the water having well-nigh stopped the flow of my blood.
I rubbed my limbs vigorously, and began to consider how I should reach the shore, for the current had now ceased to ebb, as I could tell by the absence of ripples over the submerged portion of the shoal.
Fearing a similar encounter with an octopus, I hesitated to wade over the seaweed-covered rocks, till, realizing that the longer I waited the more exhausted I should become, and that I had traversed a considerable distance ere I was attacked, I took heart, and walked as rapidly as I could towards the landward edge of the shoal.
I noticed that from this part of the reef the blackened wreck of the pirate vessel was immediately in line with the south-eastern end of the island, so that by taking advantage of the flood stream I should be carried on to the ledge of rocks that extended betwixt the shore and the wreck, whence up to half tide I could walk ashore.
But just as I was about to commit myself to the waves, I saw a black, triangular object cutting through the water between me and the higher portion of the shoal I had just left. It was the fin of a shark!
This ravenous monster had evidently got out of its bearings, for, though shark's often frequent shoal water in search of their prey, in this case there was barely sufficient depth for it to swim in.
Nevertheless, the shark had seen me, and was making straight for the place where I stood. There was no help for it but to retrace my steps to the now fast disappearing rocks, where I would have to make a desperate stand until there was enough water for the brute to come to close quarters. And then--I shuddered at the thought of it.
I managed to evade the monster, for it floundered heavily in the shallows, lashing out with its tail, the noise of the blows sounding like the report of a musket.
The water was now up to my ankles on the highest part of the reef. Often would I imagine that my foot touched the slimy tentacles of an octopus, as the now increasing current caused the long tendrils of seaweed to sweep against my legs; while many crabs of small size would dart swiftly in a sidelong motion over my toes.
All the while the shark, having found a pool of deeper water, was swimming lazily to and fro, turning occasionally on its back. I could then see its small, evil-looking eyes, as it marked its anticipated prey.
In vain I sought for some stones to hurl at the monster--the face of the rock beneath the kelp was firm and solid.
Although the sun's rays had long since dried my scanty clothing, I shivered with numbness, aye, and with fear. Bitterly did I regret my rashness in descending to that fatal ledge without my companion, yet vain were my regrets.
More than once I resolved to cast myself into the sea and, knife in hand, to do battle with the ferocious monster that awaited me. 'Twould be victory or death, and even in the latter case it would the sooner end my prolonged torments. Yet, as I looked at the glistening white monster, with its huge mouth armed with serrated rows of sharp teeth, I could not force myself to take the desperate step.
"Ahoy!"
Surely my ears deceived me, or did I hear the faint sound of a hail? Looking round I saw, to my inexpressible joy and relief, a boat making towards the shoal. It was the same craft that I had seen taking soundings in the channel that morning.
Under the powerful strokes of the rowers the boat dashed to my rescue, the foam hissing at her bows as her sharp stem cleft the water.
Then everything began to grow dim; I heard the report of a musket, and was barely conscious of the shark quivering on the surface of the water, with shattered jaws. Strong arms bore me to the boat, and directly I felt myself placed on the bottom boards a white mist swam before my eyes, and I lost consciousness.
* * * * *
When I came to myself I was lying on my bunk in the cabin of theGolden Hope. Captain Jeremy, his head swathed in bandages, was sitting an a chair, with a chart spread out on the table in front of him. This surprised me not a little, for when I had last seen him he was lying weak and helpless.
I tried to raise myself on my elbow, but the task was beyond my power. Seeing this, Captain Jeremy got up and, coming over to my bed, gave me something to drink.
"That's better," he exclaimed encouragingly. "Now try to rest awhile."
"But, sir," said I, so feebly that I could scarce realize 'twas my own voice, "how do I come to be here? Ah! I remember," and I shuddered at the thought of my harrowing adventures.
"Not another word," he said imperatively, and as obediently as a child I fell asleep.
A few days later I was able to sit up, and then I learnt that I had been unconscious for sixteen days, while anxiety for my condition had been largely responsible for Captain Jeremy's rapid recovery.
I knew the kindly Captain was burning with impatience to hear the story of my misadventures, but he refrained from questioning me for quite another week.
"Are you really sure you're not dreaming?" he asked, when, in the course of my narrative, I related how I had found my captors to be Ned Slater and the five other deserters.
"I would I had been," I replied. "Yet now I know, on the rogue's own statement, that he it was who slew my father."
"If I had only given heed to your suspicions!" returned Captain Jeremy grimly. "No matter, I'll lay them by the heels yet;" and at the conclusion of my story, to which both he and Captain 'Enery listened with the greatest interest, he expressed his intention of going ashore and making a descent upon the villains' retreat.
This he accordingly did, but, though the cave was discovered and a careful search made in and around the place, the rogues had vanished. I had often wondered how they managed to climb up from the mouth of the cavern to the top of the cliff. This Captain Jeremy explained. In the tunnel the searchers came across the trunk of a small tree which had apparently been thrust out a little way, so that by standing on it a man could climb up the perpendicular face of the precipice by means of a series of notches cut in the rock. This done, he fastened a stout rope round a projecting ledge, so that his companions could follow with ease. Beyond this the villains had left no trace save, on careful examination, a dark stain that was found on the dusty floor, thus bearing out my statement that I had accounted for one of them at least.
I progressed slowly yet surely, and meanwhile Captain Jeremy recovered his accustomed strength and health. At length, to the unbounded satisfaction of all hands, it was announced that, all preparations being completed, an expedition into the interior of the island would be made early in the following week.
Since the return of the master gunner and his party from their successful chase of the buccaneers, the crew of theNeptunehad been increased, though not up to full strength. It was Captain Jeremy's intention to keep a large garrison in the stockade, under Captain 'Enery, while the master gunner resumed his duties on board theGolden Hope. Joe Clemens, by virtue of his having been mate on a trading vessel, was appointed to the charge of theNeptunetill such time as Captain 'Enery could resume his command.
This was, in a measure, somewhat tactless, for Clemens, not being one of the original crew of theGolden Hope, was looked upon by some of the men as an outsider who had risen over their heads.
But Joe Clemens, cheerful and easy-going Cornishman that he was, treated this matter lightly, though he was fully aware of it. On being told of the feeling amongst certain of the crew of theNeptune, he merely remarked that they would soon get used to it, and that he was quite big and strong enough to look after both Captain Jeremy's interests and his own.
It happened, however, that one day, while Captain Jeremy, the master gunner, and I were in the cabin, a seaman knocked softly and, without waiting to be bidden to enter, came in and closed the door behind him.
He was one of the original band of Lymington men, yet Captain Jeremy, ever a strict disciplinarian, liked not the manner of his entry.
"How now, Cherry?" he asked sternly. "Is this the way--bursting in upon your officers without so much as 'by your leave'?"
"What I have to say must be said quietly, sir," replied the man resolutely.
"Say on."
"There's underhand work aboard theNeptune, sir," continued the man. "There's a dozen of 'em in touch with that rascal Slater."
Instinctively I recalled Slater's words: "Dost think I have no friends aboard the ships?"
"How d'ye know this?" demanded Captain Jeremy coolly.
"I heard 'em talking in the fo'c'sle last night, while I was lying down on the cathead for a spell. They'll try to seize the stuff when we get it aboard."
"Will they?" said the Captain grimly. "And who may the rascals be?"
Cherry gave the names of about a dozen, all of whom had, like Slater and his companions, joined theGolden Hopefrom a Chatham brig. "They mean to mutiny, lay hands on the treasure, and place it in the sloop," he continued. "They can scarce hope to take theGolden Hope."
Now, the sloop was a small, half-decked vessel, of about ten tons burthen, one of the craft that Touchstone had found hard by the place where he had ambushed the buccaneers. These boats had been brought round while I had been ill, and now lay close inshore, and almost abreast of the stockade.
"Why not send an armed force aboard theNeptuneand secure them?" asked Touchstone. "They'll lie safely in the bilboes, even if we do not run them up to the yard-arm."
"Nay, I'll play with them awhile," said Captain Jeremy. "Yet I'll take no risks in the matter. For aught I care, they are right welcome to the sloop. And now, Cherry, I thank you for your warning, and rest assured that I'll not forget to recompense you for it."
The sailor withdrew, and long and anxiously the two officers conferred as to their plan of action.
"'Twill be one way out of the difficulty," concluded Captain Jeremy, slapping his thigh as he was wont to do when in high good humour. "Sink me! we'll begin our preparations to-morrow."
Accordingly, soon after breakfast on the morrow he was rowed aboard theNeptune, and having assembled the crew, true men and false alike, he addressed them.
"My lads," said he, "in the course of a few days I hope to have the long-sought-for treasure in our possession. Now, since no one can deny that I am a just man, I'll speak plainly on what I propose to do. Those of you who left England in the Golden Hope will receive a share in theMadretreasure, while all hands are entitled to the spoils we recovered from the wreck of the pirate ship. Now, to prevent mistakes, I propose to separate the two; and since theNeptuneis of the lighter build, and sails a full knot faster than theGolden Hope, I'll stow the whole of theMadretreasure in the hold of theNeptune. Thus, should we be attacked while homeward bound, theGolden Hopecan ward off our foes while theNeptuneshows a clean pair of heels. Then, should Providence guide us safely into port, a fair and just distribution will be made ere we warp alongside Poole Quay."
Three cheers greeted this announcement, though I felt certain that there were a dozen rogues at least who were laughing in their sleeves at Captain Jeremy for being a fool.
Ere noon arrived the whole of the treasure that we had recovered from the buccaneering craft was safely stowed away in the strong room of theGolden Hope; while, acting under instructions, Joe Clemens and several of the proved members of theNeptune'screw removed their personal effects to the parent ship.
Meanwhile, the men who garrisoned the stockade had not been idle. They had thoroughly explored the cliff path that led to the now deserted buccaneering settlement, and also the road that traversed the island from north to south, the same one that we had struck on our first expedition into the interior. The cliff route was found to be far more practicable than the direct one through the forest, though 'twas considerably longer.
Captain 'Enery had constructed several large wheelbarrows so that, with the assistance of a couple of men pulling ahead, the treasure could be conveyed to the shore with comparative ease; and Captain Jeremy gave orders for several large boxes, or chests, to be made of strong wood, each numbered on the lid. These boxes, he announced, would hold the treasure safely during the passage home, till the time came for it to be duly apportioned.
While this was being done Captain Jeremy sent a party of six trusty men to proceed along the east coast of the island in a southerly direction till they came to a clump of three small palm trees standing far apart from the rest of the vegetation and close to the water's edge. These the men were to cut down, move a hundred yards in a southerly direction, and set up again as well as they were able. The seamen did this faithfully and well, whereat Captain Jeremy again slapped his thigh in evident satisfaction.
That the rascals on board theNeptunewere in constant communication with Slater and his fellows we had no doubt, for twice we perceived two men swimming off to the ship by night. Yet all this Captain Jeremy purposely winked at, being of a mind to let the villains work their own destruction.
On the morning of the day before we purposed to set out to secure the treasure, two of the rascals rowed alongside the Golden Hole and asked permission to water their ship, as the tanks were well-nigh empty. To this request Captain Jeremy readily gave permission, and by the ill-concealed grin on the faces of the rogues when they heard him agree, I knew that they were setting in a store to last them on a voyage.
Every preparation having been completed, our Captain recalled 'Enery to take charge of theGolden Hopeduring his absence, while Touchstone was again to be in command of the stockade.
"There's mischief brewing," said he to Captain 'Enery. "But, mark my words, they'll lie quiet enough till the treasure is safely aboard theNeptune. Nevertheless, I know I can rely upon you to take every precaution to safeguard the ship; but do nothing to arouse suspicion. Let the men have shore leave if they ask for it; do nothing beyond the daily routine, for should those rascals smell a rat, all our preparations would count for naught."
At daybreak the force picked out for the expedition paraded outside the stockade. There were forty-five all told, composed of fifteen of the original crew of theGolden Hopeon whom we could thoroughly rely and thirty of the peasants whom we had rescued from theNeptune.
All were armed with muskets and cutlasses, while in the barrows were piled hatchets, spades, and mattocks, together with a goodly supply of provisions.
Amid the cheers of those who were left behind, for all, whether true or false, wished us success, the expedition set out, Captain Jeremy and I walking at the head of the column.
Unless untoward events prevented it, another thirty-six hours would see the treasure of theMadre de Dioswithin our grasp.
Having gained the crest of the hill that terminated in the headland where I had met with my adventures in the cave, we descended by a gradually sloping path that followed closely to the coast. On our left the ground rose in uneven terraces, covered with thick, tropical vegetation; while on the right I could see the shoals whither I had been carried by the ebb tide.
At a distance of about six miles from the stockade we reached the north-eastern extremity of the island, where, owing to the hilly nature of the ground, we had to follow a course that resembled three sides of a square. Thence, proceeding due west, and still following the coast line, we arrived at the place where the master gunner had successfully ambushed the retreating buccaneers.
Here we found the termination of a well-defined path that had been made by the rascally pirates during their occupation of the island. This path, we now knew, made a junction with another track from the buccaneers' settlement, and, proceeding in an almost southerly direction, led to a small cove on the south side of the island.
The character of the scenery changed at this place, for the path plunged into a defile, the side of which showed traces of volcanic agency. Yet, though it was uphill for nearly four miles, the gradients of the road offered no great difficulty.
We harnessed four men to the traces of the wheelbarrows, but our rate of progress was so slow that 'twas close on sunset ere we arrived at the clearing where the path through the forest cut across the path we were pursuing. Here Captain Jeremy decided to pitch a camp, so as to be fresh for the next day's work.
Accordingly, the men cut down bushes to form a shelter from the night dews, and a huge bonfire was lighted, for the air during the hours of darkness was decidedly cool. Then, after we had partaken of supper, we turned in and slept, save those who were set on guard.
The night passed without interruption, as Captain Jeremy had expected, since, even had Slater and his villainous crew been anywhere near, 'tis unlikely that they would have made any attempt to molest us ere we had found the treasure.
"My lads," exclaimed Captain Jeremy, as we prepared to resume our march, the barrows being left in reserve at the place where we had camped, "for the next two miles we will have to cut our way, taking our direction by the compass. Now, lest you think that our first attempt was an utter failure, let me say that I took that opportunity of verifying my bearings, having made allowance for the difference and variation 'twixt the present time and when last I made the journey to where the treasure lies. If in six miles I have hit my former track, shall we miss in two miles more? I think not; so take heart, men, and may success reward our efforts!"
Having carefully indicated the required direction by placing two stakes in a line with the magnetic bearing, Captain Jeremy gave the word for the men to proceed, and, wielding their hatchets with a will, they began to cut the path that was to extend two miles in a straight line; for the track cut by Captain Jeremy years ago was now almost totally obliterated, though we had found traces of it in the swamps.
The ground, hitherto swampy in the direct route 'twixt us and the stockade (for which reason we had made a wide detour), now became firm, standing high and continually rising towards the dip in the saddle-shaped hill that we had seen on our first approach to the island.
The men, working in relays, were instructed to hew a path wide enough for two people to walk abreast, and, keeping in a straight line with the portion they had already cut, our rate of progression was about a furlong an hour.
For two hours not a sound was heard save the dull swish of the axes as they sheared through the sap-laden canes and brushwood.
Suddenly one of the men gave an exclamation of surprise, and, dropping his axe, seized on a strange object and with a heave wrenched it from the ground. It was an arquebus, apparently of sixteenth-century workmanship, its barrel nearly rusted through, and its stock so worm-eaten that it crumbled in his grasp.
This was the first token we had seen which related to our quest, and with renewed efforts our men again attacked the impeding mass of vegetation.
When at length the path had been constructed to a distance of about two miles, our hopes and fears increased. How could the exact spot be fixed in that wilderness? Had Captain Jeremy some particular clue, the result of which he kept locked in his breast till the fateful moment? A glance at our leader's resolute face was sufficient. He, at all events, was satisfied with the progress made.
"A man with a mattock!" he exclaimed; and as a seaman ran forward with the required article, he gave the order, "Dig here".
A few heavy strokes, and the implement struck a blackish stratum of soil. Picking up a handful, Captain Jeremy sniffed at it; but even where I was standing I recognized the odour. It smelt of pitch.
"We are hard on the place," the Captain exclaimed; "another twenty yards, lads!"
At length, with an exclamation of triumph, one of the men pushed aside the reeds, and disclosed a scene the like of which I had never seen before. For a space of nearly a hundred yards across, the ground was destitute of verdure, being composed of a bituminous soil. On all sides, save the one by which we had approached, were lofty black rocks, grotesquely shaped as if carved by the hand of man; while facing us was a pinnacle that resembled a human face in profile, about thirty feet in height. A more repulsive caricature could not be imagined. The thick, protruding upper lip, the overhanging eyebrows, and the diabolical grin--'twas the very image in stone of the villainous Ned Slater.
"Where--where?" exclaimed Captain Jeremy, gripping his pistols, for I had unconsciously uttered the miscreant's name.
"Nay," I replied, "not Ned Slater in the flesh, but his features carved in stone. Look at yon rock!"
"Sink me!" muttered the astonished Captain. "Oft have I seen this rock, but never till now have I noticed this resemblance, yet 'tis passing strange."
"Is this the work of man?" I asked of him, as the seamen crowded into the open space and gazed amazedly at the hideous shape.
"'Tis hard to believe it is the hand of Nature," replied Captain Jeremy. "I have seen the like in the temples of the ancient Mexicans, save that here are no traces of the sculptor's tools. I believe 'tis a strange freak of fire, for all around can be seen distinct evidences of volcanic action. This floor is formed of dried pitch, of a like nature to the lake of pitch in the Isle of Trinidad. But we are not here for the purpose of debating upon the origin of these rocks."
So saying, he strode forward across the open space, and we followed in a body, our boots ringing on the hard surface 'neath our feet. Then I saw that the image of the man's head was on one side of the rock only; on the other the outlines were roughly continued in horizontal lines along the face of a cliff, till the continuity was broken by a projecting rock that resembled the gargoyles one sees on the towers of cathedrals and churches in England.
Having stopped at the spot where the chin of the human-like profile touched the ground, Captain Jeremy measured off seven paces along the base of the cliff. Here, as far as one could judge, the rock presented an unbroken wall, so our amazement was unbounded when the seamen were ordered to attack the cliff with their mattocks.
Almost at the first blow there was a sudden fall of stones, and when the dust had cleared away a dark, yawning cavity was disclosed, while 'twas now evident that a wall had been built up and carefully concealed with a kind of dark plaster, so that it resembled the rest of the rock.
"Steady, men!" warned the Captain, as several of the seamen prepared to scramble over the rubbish into the sombre cavity, "the air may be poisonous."
Directing a number of the men to cut down some pine saplings, so as to make torches, Captain Jeremy called for flint and steel.
"Be careful of the tow," he cautioned. "A chance spark in this pitch-steeped place might be the death of all of us. Once within the cave, there will be no further danger from fire. Stand by, some of you, with a barrico, and douche every spark that falls."
One of the improvised torches was quickly in a blaze, and, describing a graceful curve as it was hurled into the cavern, it struck the floor, sending out a shower of sparks on the impact.
For a full minute the flame burnt steadily. The air was free from noxious gases.
"Five men will be sufficient at first," exclaimed Captain Jeremy. "You, too, Master Clifford. Follow me."
And stepping over the dislodged rubble, he entered the cave.
By the glare of the smoking torches I saw that we were in a vast cavern, the walls of which were smooth and fairly regular on both sides, although the extent of the place was hidden by a darkness which the flaring lights failed to penetrate. In the distance I heard the splashing of a torrent of water, but as the floor of the cave was covered to a depth of about six inches with dry dust, the stream must have found an outlet at a lower level.
Led by Captain Jeremy, who strode along rapidly, with the confidence of a man who was well acquainted with the place, we traversed some fifty yards of gradually shelving floor, till the torchlight flickered on several ghastly objects that were lying about in various positions. There were rusty steel morions, breast-plates, and buff leather coats, each complete suit containing a grisly skeleton; while scattered around were arquebuses, muskets, pikes, swords, and pistols.
"Good heavens!" exclaimed one of our men in an awestruck tone. "Starved to death!"
"Nay," replied Captain Jeremy, "they fought among themselves. These were the survivors of the wreck of theMadre de Dios. Consumed with the lust for gold, they exterminated each other, or, at least, if any escaped the combat they never left the island."
A few steps farther, and we beheld a pile of casks standing breast high. Plunging his hand into the nearest, Captain Jeremy drew out a brick-shaped object, and, knocking it against the side of the cask to remove a thick deposit of dust, revealed a piece of dull-coloured metal. It was gold!
Regardless of their gruesome surroundings, the men burst into a continuous roar of cheering, and like delighted children flung themselves upon the casks.
Vessels, plate, bars of gold, and coins were disclosed to our view, till the floor was littered with dull red metal, mingled with tarnished silver.
'Twas the much-sought-for treasure of theMadre de Dios.
"Pass the word for more torches," exclaimed Captain Jeremy, who alone seemed unmoved by this vast display of wealth, "and bid the men bring with them the canvas sacks. Hasten, for we must needs get clear of this place ere night." When at length some semblance of order was restored, the work of loading the treasure was begun and carried on till, staggering under the weight of seventeen heavy sacks, the seamen gained the open air.
"Shall we do anything with these, sir?" asked one of the men, pointing to the skeletons of the ill-fated members of the crew of theMadre.
"Nay; they have guarded the treasure so far, let them sleep on in peace," replied Captain Jeremy softly, as, stooping down, he picked up a rapier of exquisite workmanship.
I did likewise, wondering at the contrast betwixt the bright steel blades and the rusty armour.
"Their mail was tarnished by exposure ere they died," replied Captain Jeremy, in answer to my question. "The air is so dry within the cave that rust is almost impossible. Were it not for the treasure having been submerged in the sea, we would have been well-nigh blinded by its glister."
Meanwhile the seamen were busily employed in cutting stout poles of about six feet in length. Over these the sacks were slung, each pole resting on the shoulders of two men.
Captain Miles gave the order to march, and within a couple of hours from the time of our arrival the whole of theMadretreasure was on its way to the ship.
Yet, so heavy were the burdens and so difficult the path, it was nearly sunset ere we reached the place where we had camped the previous night.
Here we found the barrows quite undisturbed, so with feelings of relief the elated men prepared to spend another night in the open.
The treasure was stacked in the centre of a ring of sleeping men, while double guards were set, Captain Jeremy himself keeping watch throughout the long night. Hunger and sleeplessness seemed strangers to him, yet it was anxiety, not highness of spirits, that kept him awake.
"Are you not glad that the treasure is found, sir?" I asked.
"Glad, aye, that I am; but I'll not feel satisfied till I have the stuff safe and sound in Poole Harbour. Mark my words, the most anxious time is yet to come."
Shortly after midnight the camp was aroused by a musket shot, and all hands, standing to their arms, prepared to resist an attack, though by whom we knew not. But it turned out to be a false alarm, for one of the seamen, being overexcited with the events of the day, had unwittingly fingered the trigger of his piece.
Nevertheless, few of us had much sleep that night, and with the first sight of dawn the march was resumed.
The greater part of the path now being downhill, we made far more rapid progress than on the outward journey, in spite of the load of treasure; and late in the afternoon we reached the brow of the hill overlooking the harbour where theGolden Hopeand her consort lay.
Captain Jeremy thereupon ordered three musket shots to be fired in the air--the pre-arranged signal of success. Instantly a crowd of men issued from the stockade, and with shouts and much waving of arms rushed to meet us. The ships, too, hoisted their colours to the mastheads, while theGolden Hopefired seven guns by way of a salute.
Willing hands seized the heavily laden barrows, and with a rush they were run down the hill, across the flat plain, and into the stockade, while Captain 'Enery and our leader exchanged congratulations and eager questions.
"Any news?" asked Captain Jeremy anxiously.
"None; all is quiet on both vessels."
Having entered the stockade, Captain Jeremy immediately gave orders for the spoil to be carried into the storehouse, and, having picked out four tried men, he set them, under the superintendence of Captain 'Enery, to load up the stout chests that had previously been prepared.
"Men," he exclaimed to the rest of the crews, "the treasure is, as you know, found." Here the bursts of cheering interrupted further speech for a space of nearly two minutes, but when order was at length restored Captain Jeremy continued: "Ere night I hope to have the whole of these chests safely aboard theNeptune. It will mean much labour, but I know you'll work with a will. This done, I want all hands, save a sufficient guard on both brigs, to repair to the stockade, and we'll have a right good carouse on the strength of our success. There are several casks of spirits aboard theGolden Hope, and sink me if I be niggardly in this matter."
Renewed cheering greeted this announcement, though, knowing that Captain Jeremy was not a man to encourage a carouse, I wondered at his action, especially at such a time, when there was danger from a known mutinous party in our midst.
"Number one ready, sir," announced one of the men from the door of the storehouse.