THE TREASURE OF 
 
 COCOS ISLAND 
 
 A STORY OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 
 
 »Mmil«T W HWJft WSimiCTlOIV 
 
 IS 
 
 Author of "A Runav^ay Brig," "The Search for the Silver 
 City," "Jack the Hunchback," etc., etc. 
 
 f 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY J. WATSON DAVIS 
 
 A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, 
 
 52-58 DuAN^E Street, New York. 
 
PRESERVATION 
 COPY ADDED 
 ORIGINAL TO BE 
 RETAINED 
 
 OCT 1 ^ W92 
 
 ( 
 
 Copyright, 1902. By A. L. Burt. 
 
 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 By James Otis. 
 
NOTES 
 
 iSl 
 
 *The Quichua and Aymara, or the Inca Indians, 
 have no relations or sympathies with the Indians of 
 the plains, who in their turn hold the civilized 
 Indians in great contempt. These descendants of 
 the Peruvians under the empire of the Incas are still 
 numerous, notwithstanding the many causes which 
 have tended to diminish their numbers, and form a 
 distinct race, preserving the language and manners 
 of their ancestors, their habits having been only 
 somewhat modified by the circumstances in which 
 they have been placed since they came under the do- 
 minion of the Spaniards. The Quichuas are mild in 
 character, apparently subdued and apathetic — quali- 
 ties which are but the natural result of the state of 
 subjection and debasement in which they were long 
 held by their conquerors. They are, however, robust 
 and muscular, and capable of great endurance, though 
 little inclined to labor. Their customs are rude and 
 simple, their mode of living poor in the extreme. 
 The Aymaras are perhaps more mobile in character, 
 but in other respects similar." (Encyclopcedia Bri- 
 tannica, Vol. IV, pp. 14, 15.) 
 
 r>2t>5 
 
4 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. i 
 
 ^'Keeling Islands, or Cocos Islands, also called by 
 Horsburgh the Borneo Coral Islands, a group in the 
 Indian Ocean, about six hundred miles south of the 
 coast of Sumatra, in 12° 5' S. lat. and 90° 55' E. 
 long., well known as having furnished Mr. Darwin 
 with the typical example of an atoll or lagoon island. 
 There are altogether twenty-three small islands, nine 
 and a half miles being the greatest width of the 
 whole atoll. The lagoon is very shallow, and the 
 passages between many of the islands of such trifling 
 depth that it is possible to 'walk at low tide with 
 some slight wading all the way from Direction Isl- 
 and to West Island.' An opening on the northern 
 side of the reef permits the entrance of vessels into 
 the northern part of the lagoon, which forms a good 
 harbor known as Port Refuge, or Port Albion. . . . 
 The climate is temperate and extremely healthy. 
 Terrific storms sometimes break over the islands, 
 and it has been more than once visited by earth- 
 quakes. 
 
 "The Keeling Islands were discovered in 1609 by 
 William Keeling on his way home from the Moluc- 
 cas. In 1823 Alexander Hare, an English adven- 
 turer, settled on the southmost island with a number 
 of slaves. Some two or three years after, a Scotch- 
 man, J. Ross, who had commanded a brig during the 
 English occupation of Java, settled with his family 
 
NOTES. 6 
 
 on Direction Island, and his little colony was soon 
 strengthened by Hare's runaway slaves. The Dutch 
 Government had in an informal way claimed posses- 
 sion of the islands since 1829; but they refused to 
 allow Ross to hoist the Dutch flag, and accordingly 
 the place was taken under British protection in 1856. 
 In 1878 it was attached to the government of 
 Ceylon." 
 
THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 OLD Manuel's story. 
 
 "We buried gold and silver, coined and in shape 
 of ornaments and vessels, to such value that even a 
 king might envy the possessor of the hoard, and 
 there it is to-day on a lonely island in the Indian 
 Ocean. What is more likely, there it will remain 
 until some shipwrecked sailor comes upon it by 
 chance, for but few of us live who outwitted Spain 
 in '21." 
 
 It was old Manuel Telceda who made this start- 
 ling assertion on a certain evening in early spring 
 of the year 1880 to the only resident of Fairhaven 
 who visited his lonely dwelling amid the sand-dunes. 
 
 This visitor was a boy, just turned fifteen years of 
 age, by name Winslow Burbridge, better known 
 among his friends and acquaintances as "Winn." 
 
 During six years or more old Manuel, as the vil- 
 lage people called him, had resided in this dwelling 
 erected by himself, which was hardly more than a 
 
 7 
 
8 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 shanty, where he could look out over the broad 
 Atlantic, and this last appeared to be his only occu- 
 pation. 
 
 The "foreigner," as he was at first designated, 
 had suddenly made his appearance in the village, 
 coming from no one knew where and giving no ex- 
 planation as to the purpose of his visit. 
 
 During forty-eight hours he remained a guest at 
 the Fairhaven Inn and then disappeared for a time — 
 left the town, so the gossips said — until a few days 
 later, when it was learned that he had built this 
 shanty from the wreckage cast up by the sea. 
 
 Here he lived alone, fishing during seasonable 
 weather, but never attempting to dispose of the re- 
 sults of his labor, save when he presented his first 
 and only acquaintance in Fairhaven, Winn Bur- 
 bridge, with an exceptionally fine cod-fish or half a 
 dozen mackerel. 
 
 After a time Winn was invited to accompany the 
 old man on his fishing trips, and the acquaintance 
 between the two rapidly ripened into friendship. 
 But it was not until on the evening mentioned that 
 Telceda had given any hint as to his past life. 
 
 A northeast gale was driving the ocean surge high 
 up on the beach with thunderous roar ; the rain was 
 beating against the frail dwelling as if to demolish 
 it, and the burning wood in the spacious fireplace of 
 
OLD MANUEL'S STORY. 9 
 
 rough stone and clay was sending forth a cheery 
 blaze. 
 
 It was such an evening as invited confidences. 
 Winn had come down to the shanty during the fore- 
 noon, when the storm had but just begun, intending 
 to return shortly to the only place in all the world he 
 could call home — the poor-farm. But, as the gale 
 increased, his host insisted that it would be folly to 
 attempt to make his way over the two miles of marsh 
 and scrub oak which lay between the coast and Fair- 
 haven's home for paupers. 
 
 During the earlier days of their acquaintance the 
 old man had learned the boy's sad history by dint of 
 much questioning, and it was not a long task, owing 
 to the poverty of detail. 
 
 Winn's parents died before he was old enough to 
 realize that he owned in this world even an exist- 
 ence, and his first and only recollections were re- 
 garding life in the Fairhaven poor-farm. He had 
 always been required to perform such labor as was 
 within his power, and only during stormy weather, 
 when out-of-door work was impossible, or in the 
 winter months after his in-door tasks had been per- 
 formed, did he have an opportunity of visiting the 
 one person whom he could call a friend. 
 1/ The gossips of Fairhaven said many harsh things 
 concerning old Manuel. Some insisted that he had 
 
10 THE TREASURE OE COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 been a pirate, even though the time was long since 
 passed when such a career of crime could be pursued. 
 Others professed to believe him a fugitive from jus- 
 tice, although he made no effort at concealment, and 
 all united by saying, if not believing, that the ''for- 
 eigner" was "no better than he should be." 
 
 During his early acquaintance with Telceda such 
 gossip — and he heard it even at the poor-farm — had 
 annoyed Winn Burbridge, causing him to stand up 
 manfully for his only friend; but older grown, he 
 treated the calumnies with silent contempt, believing 
 firmly in the integrity of the man who received him 
 as a companion. So perfect was this faith that 
 Winn never so much as asked a question concerning 
 his host's life, and Manuel had not volunteered any 
 information until on this stormy evening, when, sup- 
 per having been eaten, both were seated before the 
 fire, the old man smoking in apparent content, and 
 the boy from the poor-farm building air-castles by 
 aid of the glowing embers. 
 
 Then it was that Manuel said : 
 
 ''We buried gold and silver, coined and in shape 
 of ornaments and vessels, to such value that even a 
 king might envy the possessor of the hoard, and 
 there it is to-day on a lonely island in the Indian 
 Ocean. What is more likely, there it will remain 
 until some shipwrecked sailor comes upon it by 
 
OLD MANUEL'S STORY. 11 
 
 chance, for there are but few of us alive to-day who 
 outwitted Spain in '21." 
 
 Winn looked up in startled surprise as he ex- 
 claimed : 
 
 *'You buried gold and silver?'' 
 
 *'Aye, lad, to the value of more millions of dollars 
 than you could count on the fingers of one hand." 
 
 "If I had even so much as two dollars, it would 
 stay in my pocket instead of being buried." 
 
 "I doubt you not, lad, and why? If you had so 
 small a sum it might safely remain in your pocket ; 
 but this of which I speak was the treasure of my 
 people, and when, during the War for Independence, 
 it seemed certain Spain would be victorious, we had 
 but one choice if we would save our wealth. Had 
 we not buried it on that lonely island, the oppressors 
 might have taken it and demanded indemnity be- 
 sides." 
 
 ''But the war begun in '61, not '21." 
 
 "And do you think, lad, that the wars in this coun- 
 try are the only ones in the world? From 18 10 
 until 1823 the people of Venezuela fought to free 
 themselves from the grasp of the oppressors, as your 
 people did in '76." 
 
 "Was you alive in 1821 ?" 
 
 "Aye, lad, very much so. A boy ten years old 
 generally has a good idea of whether he is alive or 
 
1^ THE TKEASURE OP, COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 not, and that was my age when the Aymara treasure 
 was buried. It is now April of 1880, and I have 
 lived in this world sixty-nine years. Something of 
 a sailor I was, even though so young, and allowed to 
 join those who buried the treasure because, while 
 acting as cabin-boy, I could come nigh to doing a 
 seaman's duty. We dreamed of a new home some- 
 where in the Pacific Ocean, where we, the Aymaras, 
 descendants of the Incas, might live free and inde- 
 pendent as had our ancestors. The search which we 
 made was a long one, if I remember rightly, and I 
 took but little heed of time in those days. It was 
 nearly three years from the day we left our native 
 land until the leaders of the party decided upon a 
 hiding-place for the treasure, and during all those 
 months we were afloat. There are many islands in 
 the Pacific Ocean, as mayhap you know, but no one 
 pleased us, and only when the brig was well down in 
 the Indian Ocean did we hit upon that spot of land 
 which seemed to serve our purpose. 
 
 "On Cocos, one of the Keeling Islands, we 
 buried that which we could not keep, intending to 
 return with our people and there found a colony. 
 Twenty days later — it may have been more and it 
 may have been less, but certain it was thereabouts — 
 the brig was wrecked, and of the thirty-four to 
 whom the Aymara treasure was entrusted only six 
 
OLD MANUEUS STORY. 13 
 
 remained alive, and I, the most helpless of them all, 
 among the number. 
 
 'There is no profit either to you or me, lad, in 
 going over the story of what we suffered in an open 
 boat for so long a time, that we ceased to note when 
 one day was ended and a new one began; but as 
 many years elapsed before I saw my home again, as 
 were spent in searching for an abiding-place, and 
 then all whom I knew and loved were dead, killed 
 with arms in their hands, or starved into subjection, 
 which is but another name for death." 
 
 The old man fell silent until Winn, eager to hear 
 more of this treasure, asked excitedly : 
 
 "Did you leave the money there, Manuel, and 
 never try to get any part of it?'* 
 
 "Aye, that I did, lad, and from good cause. Sup- 
 pose I were to give you the exact location of that 
 treasure, and say you had only to land on the island 
 in order to gain possession of it, how might it be 
 done?" 
 
 "By me, do you mean ?" 
 
 "Aye, lad, by you. Knowing as much as I, how 
 might you get at the wealth ?" 
 
 "I couldn't without a vessel and men to sail 
 her." 
 
 "No more can I, and here I remain stranded on 
 this shore with mayhap the few dollars in my pocket 
 
14 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 which will serve to buy what little I need while life 
 remains." 
 
 ''But there are plenty of people who would will- 
 ingly fit out a vessel, if so much was to be gained." 
 
 ''I doubt it not, my boy; but who shall tell these 
 men ?" 
 
 "You, of course." 
 
 "And thus aid in robbing my people?" 
 
 "How can they be robbed when they are dead? 
 You said only six came out alive from the wreck?" 
 
 "Yes, lad; yet it may be that more than I have 
 reckoned are yet in this world, although it is fair 
 that a, being the youngest, should live the longest. 
 The Aymara treasure belongs to the descendants of 
 the Incas, and it is not for me to rob them." 
 
 "But if they are all dead?" Winn persisted. 
 
 "If they are, even then the treasure is not mine to 
 give away." 
 
 "And when you die no one will know of it?" 
 
 "Of that I am not so certain, my boy. Since it 
 has come to be my belief that here on the sand-dunes 
 of Fairhaven I shall lay my old bones, there has been 
 the thought that you might become the heir of the 
 Aymara treasure." 
 
 "Me !" Winn cried, starting to his feet in surprise 
 and excitement. 
 
 Old Manuel's pipe wa^rW - K<e empty, and be- 
 
OLD MANUEL'S STORY. 15 
 
 fore replying to this explanation he filled the bowl 
 with due deliberation; then lighted the particles of 
 tobacco and puffed vigorously until the spark was 
 fanned into a glowing coal, when he said gravely : 
 
 "I have turned it over many and many a night, 
 lad, until this has come into my mind: When the 
 time arrives that you have made your way into the 
 world, and earned so much of money as will give 
 you the opportunity of doing what I ask, it shall be 
 your business to visit Cuman, on the coast of Venez- 
 uela, to learn of my people. That having been 
 done, and you satisfied they are the rightful owners, 
 you may enlist their aid to recover the Aymara 
 treasure, taking for such service one-fifth part of all 
 that may be found. Lad, that same share will give 
 to you such wealth that if it was in your mind to buy 
 this village of Fairhaven for a toy, you might well 
 indulge the whim." 
 
 The poor-house boy was on his feet in a fever of 
 excitement. 
 
 The fact that this treasure of which the old man 
 spoke was on a lonely island in the Indian Ocean had 
 no place in his thoughts. He only realized that he 
 might be the heir of the Aymara hoard, and it was as 
 if nothing remained save to stretch out his hand and 
 grasp it. 
 
 Both the occui u cabin had been so deeply 
 
16 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 interested in the conversation that they failed to hear 
 a certain noise from the outside which was not 
 caused by the storm, and therefore were so thor- 
 oughly surprised as to be almost frightened when the 
 door was suddenly flung open and two men entered. 
 
 Winn recognized in the first Captain James Robin- 
 son, master and owner of the schooner "Flying 
 Scud," and in the second Bartholomew Gerry, a resi- 
 dent of Fairhaven, who was not particularly noted 
 for any of the virtues which go toward making up a 
 good citizen. 
 
 Captain Jim, as the boys called him, would to 
 Winn have been a welcome visitor at almost any 
 other time, for more than once had the lad from the 
 poor-farm been allowed to make short fishing-cruises 
 on the schooner through the kindness of her master ; 
 but in Gerry, Winn fancied he saw an enemy, as did 
 every boy in the town of Fairhaven, because of the 
 fact that he appeared to be ever ready to inflict pain 
 and never willing to favor the younger portion of 
 the population. 
 
 It was Gerry who opened the conversation by say- 
 ing, as he seated himself in front of the fire without 
 awaiting an invitation from the master of the house : 
 
 "That wasn't half a bad story you told, Manuel. 
 The captain and I might have knocked until dooms- 
 day before you would have heard us, while your 
 
OLD MANUEL'S STORY. 17 
 
 mind was on that subject. How much of the yarn 
 is true?" 
 
 "Since it wasn't told for your benefit, there is no 
 necessity for me to explain whether any of it be 
 fact." 
 
 "But it so chances we heard all, and are of a mind 
 to know more," Gerry said in a threatening tone, 
 which caused a deep flush to overspread the old 
 man's face, seeing which Captain Jim hastened to 
 say sharply: 
 
 "Why is it, Bart, "that you can't act the gentleman 
 once in a while ? It ain't from lack of bringing up, 
 that I know." 
 
 "Perhaps it's because soft speeches don't come as 
 natural to me as to some others." 
 
 "I reckon there's more truth than poetry in that," 
 Captain Jim replied grimly, and dismissed the sub- 
 ject by turning toward Manuel as he said, "Yes, we 
 heard the story you told the boy, an' perhaps in the 
 hearing of it did what wasn't just square ; but I allow 
 there'll be no great harm, an' some considerable good 
 done, seein's how we're ready to help along in your 
 scheme for makin' Winn a rich man." 
 
 "If you were willing to hear what wasn't meant 
 for your ears, you are not the kind of men who could 
 be trusted to aid the boy," Manuel said quickly, evi- 
 dently striving to keep his temper within bounds. 
 
18 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ' Gerry appeared to be on the point of making a 
 sharp reply, but Captain Jim checked him as he said, 
 soothingly : 
 
 *lt wasn't with the idea of worming the secret out 
 of you that we came here to-night, Manuel, for I 
 didn't know you had one. I counted on being able 
 to hire you in the job of beaching the 'Flying Scud,' 
 and on the way met Gerry. It was all an accident, 
 an' seein's how we heard quite a bit of what you 
 said, there has come into my mind the idea that I 
 might do a good turn for myself, at the same time I 
 did one for you." 
 
 "I haven't asked a favor of you as yet," old 
 Manuel said, turning toward the fire with an air of 
 irritation. 
 
 "I'll admit all that, an' yet you may be willin' to 
 give me a share in this business. There hasn't been 
 time for me to think it all out; but seein's how I'm 
 the owner of the 'Flying Scud,' an' the fishing busi- 
 ness has been dull for the year past, I'd like to take a 
 hand in 'most any kind of a venture, an' Bart has got 
 cash enough to put the thing through. You jest the 
 same as said you counted on givin' this secret away 
 to Winn, allowin' him a fifth part of what might be 
 found." 
 
 "The treasure, if there is any, belongs to my peo- 
 ple," Manuel replied, doggedly. 
 
OLD MANUEL'S STORY. 19 
 
 ^'That's the way I understood it from the first, and 
 I'm allowin' they shall get it, excepting of course, 
 such part as ought to be paid for the findin' of the 
 stuff. Now, if Bart agrees, Td say we'd take you 
 an' Winn aboard, run down the Venezuelan coast to 
 wherever Cuman may be ; find out how many of your 
 folks are still alive, and then go into a regular trade 
 for getting the treasure. If all you say be true, a 
 small percentage of it ought to pay us handsomely 
 for the venture. Here's a chance such as I allow, 
 from what you've told the boy, you've been waitin' 
 to find, an' it comes right to your door.'' 
 
 The look of anger faded from old Manuel's face, 
 and he turned toward his uninvited guests with an 
 air of friendliness. 
 
 ''Allowing that half the yarn is a fact, I'll put in 
 the cash to fit the 'Flying Scud' out for the voyage 
 to the Keeling Islands," Bart Gerry said promptly. 
 "I ain't what you might call a rich man, but have got 
 enough to make a venture like that, if it so be I see 
 my way clear." 
 
 "What I told the boy was no more nor less than 
 the truth," old Manuel said, speaking slowly, as if 
 giving due weight to every word. "It may be that 
 some of my countrymen have already removed the 
 treasure ; therefore, should you make a bargain with 
 me, such a chance must be well considered." 
 
20 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "How much in' value did you bury?" Gerry 
 asked. 
 
 "What would amount to more than five million 
 dollars in your money." 
 
 "Do you know whether any of your countrymen 
 have made an attempt to regain the treasure?" 
 
 "Three years ago I was certain nothing had been 
 done." 
 
 "And then how many wxre living of the boat's 
 crew that escaped from the wreck of the brig?" 
 
 "One other beside myself.*' 
 
 "Where is he now ?" 
 
 "I don't know." 
 
 "What is his name?" 
 
 "Petro Garcia." 
 
 "Where was he when you saw him last?" 
 
 "In this hut." 
 
 "Had he ever made any attempt to go to this isl- 
 and of which you have been telling?" Captain Jim 
 asked. 
 
 "He, like me, was too poor to make the venture; 
 but he had tried, as we both have, many times." 
 
 "He must be an old man, if you were the only 
 boy." 
 
 "If alive, he is seventy-three years old." 
 
 "Well, the chances are he has pegged out long 
 before this," Gerry added with a laugh, which caused 
 
OLD MANUEL'S STORY. 21 
 
 a frown to gather once more on Manuel's face, but 
 the old man made no reply. 
 
 He turned toward the fire again, as if the conver- 
 sation was ended so far as he was concerned, but 
 Captain Jim was not minded to drop the subject he 
 found so deeply interesting. 
 
 ''Of course you know exactly where all the money 
 was buried?" 
 
 Old Manuel nodded. 
 
 ''You have counted all along on makin' a trade 
 with somebody for getting it?" 
 
 Again Manuel nodded. 
 
 "Well, why not make the deal with me? The 
 people of Fairhaven will tell you I am on the square, 
 and, what is more, I'm willin' to take you an' any 
 other three you may choose, in case we find more of 
 your people alive. There can't be much danger of 
 my breaking any agreement we hit upon. Accordin' 
 to your own story, you have given up every hope of 
 getting it, and here is a chance you have looked for 
 all your life in vain. We'll take the risk of starting 
 on the voyage so far as going to Venezuela is con- 
 cerned, and then if nothing is learned to show that 
 the money has been dug up, we'll keep on, Bart an' I, 
 takin' such a percentage as shall be agreed upon be- 
 tween you an' your countrymen." 
 
 "I'll think it over," the old man said, studying the 
 
22 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 coals in the fire-place as if believing there he could 
 read the proper answer to the proposal. 
 
 "I can't see that there is need of any great study 
 over the matter. You've got nothing to lose and 
 everything to gain. We're the ones who take all the 
 risk." 
 
 "I'll think it over," Manuel said, impatiently, and 
 Captain Jim checked the hasty words which it was 
 evident Bart Gerry was about to utter, by saying : 
 
 "Of course, it is your right to run the thing after 
 your own fashion. When will you give us an 
 answer?" 
 
 "To-morrow morning.^' 
 
 "We'll be here before the tide turns, an' if it so be 
 you're wise enough to take advantage of our offer, 
 we'll beach the schooner at high water. Bart will 
 see to getting the stores; I'll make arrangements 
 with the selectmen to get Winn out of the poor- 
 house, and in less than a week you can be afloat, 
 bound for Venezuela." 
 
 "I'll think it over." 
 
 Captain Jim was a wise man after his own fash- 
 ion, and instead of urging old Manuel further he 
 literally forced Bart Gerry to follow him out of the 
 hut. 
 
CHAPTER 11. 
 
 A BARGAIN. 
 
 After Captain Jim and Bart Gerry had left the 
 hut on the sand-dunes Winn turned eagerly toward 
 the old man, believing he was to hear more about the 
 wonderful treasure ; but in this he was mistaken. 
 
 Manuel sat staring into the fire, the unlighted pipe 
 in his mouth, as if he was the only occupant of the 
 building, and fully half an hour passed in silence, 
 save for the roaring of the wind and beating of the 
 heavy surf outside. 
 
 The boy from the poor-farm asked no questions, 
 but waited patiently until it should be Manuel's 
 pleasure to address him, and perhaps it was this 
 habit of his which had first won the old man's 
 friendship, for the guardian of the Aymara treasure 
 often indulged in silence even while Winn was his 
 guest. 
 
 When he did finally speak, however, it was on that 
 subject which occupied the boy's mind to the exclu- 
 sion of everything else. 
 
 "The captain of the Tlying Scud' made a fair 
 offer." 
 
 23 
 
24 THE TKEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ''He's a square man, so 'Squire Kelly says, an' 
 there's nobody in Fairhaven who can put a finger on 
 anything he's ever done that isn't straight," Winn 
 replied stoutly, more than willing to speak a good 
 word for the man who had ever treated him less 
 harshly than did the majority of the citizens of the 
 town. 
 
 "I'm not taken with Bart Gerry," old Manuel con- 
 tinued musingly. 
 
 "Folks 'round here don't like him over an' above 
 well ; but they say he's got quite a pile of money, an' 
 Captain Jim ain't any too well fixed. I s'pose it 
 would cost mighty heavy to send a vessel from here 
 to that island you told about?" 
 
 "Indeed it would, lad. It means a two years' 
 cruise for a schooner like the 'Flying Scud,' and 
 stores must be bought for the entire voyage, no mat- 
 ter how much treasure may be taken on board once 
 we are there." 
 
 "If you can't do the thing yourself, it seems as if 
 Captain Jim's offer was a good one," Winn sug- 
 gested, after a brief pause, during which old Manuel 
 gazed at him searchingly, as if trying to read his 
 thoughts. 
 
 "So it is, lad, if he can be depended upon. I've 
 never had one-half as much encouragement before, 
 for whenever I have hinted at such an amount of 
 
A BARGAIN. 25 
 
 treasure people have laughed at me, even though it 
 is a matter of history that the Aymaras did carry all 
 their wealth to a distant shore." 
 
 "U Captain Jim takes two of your countrymen 
 and you with him, I don't see why you can't depend 
 upon him." 
 
 'There are many ways by which he could de- 
 prive us of the gold, for at the best we would 
 be but three against a crew of half a dozen or 
 more." 
 
 ''Wouldn't I count for anything?" Winn asked, 
 hesitatingly, blushing as he spoke. "The captain 
 said he'd see to it that I was cleared from the poor- 
 farm." 
 
 "You would count for all that could be expected 
 of an honest lad; but that might be of little avail 
 against such a man as Bart Gerry gives token of 
 being." 
 
 "I don't believe Captain Jim would stand still an' 
 let him do anything wrong, after he'd given his word 
 as he offered to do." 
 
 "Then you believe I should accept the offer?" old 
 Manuel asked, almost eagerly, as if disposed to 
 throw the weight of the decision upon this boy, who 
 was ignorant of all the world save that portion con- 
 tained within the limits of Fairhaven. 
 
 "Of course I don't know much about what's to be 
 
26 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 done ; but Vm certain Captain Jim will live up to his 
 word/' 
 
 'Then it's a bargain/' and Manuel relighted his 
 pipe with the air of one who is relieved by having 
 settled a vexed question. *'If your captain is will- 
 ing to bind himself, he shall have a twentieth part of 
 all that may be found. Should we meet any 
 Aymaras who were alive in 1821, then you and I will 
 take the same share, and the remainder shall be 
 delivered to the rightful owners. In case we fail 
 
 in the search for my people, the shares shall be 
 
 There is no reason why that question should come 
 up now ; it will be time enough to decide it after vis- 
 iting Venezuela." 
 
 Winn was nearly breathless with excitement as he 
 asked : 
 
 ''Do you think it will be possible for Captain Jim 
 to get me free from the poor- farm?" 
 
 "That part of the business shouldn't be hard, my 
 lad, and if fhe officers of this town make any objec- 
 tions to your going, I will take it upon myself to see 
 that you are one of the party, for I am determined 
 not to set sail without you." 
 
 Winn would have given words to his gratitude 
 but that old Manuel prevented him by describing the 
 place where the Aymara treasure had remained hid- 
 den so many years. 
 
A BARGAIN. 27 
 
 "It is on Cocos Island, the smallest of the Keeling 
 group, that we'll visit, my lad, if the captain holds 
 to his offer, an' that lays in latitude 12° 5' south, 
 longitude 90° 55' east." 
 
 Winn looked puzzled, as well he might, for this 
 was the first time he had ever heard a location de- 
 scribed by such a method. 
 
 ''I reckon you don't know much about navigation 
 as yet, but it'll soon come into your head after we're 
 at sea. The next time you get hold of an atlas look 
 in the Indian Ocean for the Keeling group. You'll 
 find that one is called Horsburgh, another Keeling, a 
 third Direction, and the others won't be set down as 
 having any names. I can see them in my mind, 
 though, and could almost go blindfolded to the spot 
 where we buried the treasure. At the time the 
 older men of the party made a chart, so there'd be no 
 trouble in finding the hoard when those who had the 
 right should need it ; but neither Petro nor I bothered 
 our young heads then very much about such a mat- 
 ter. When he came here two years ago we knew 
 that there were not many days remaining to us in 
 this world, and together drew a map which should 
 guide any one to the place. That I will give to Cap- 
 tain Robinson, after visiting Cuman; but you shall 
 take a copy in case I am not alive when the 'Flying 
 Scud' arrives at Cocos Island." 
 
28 THE TKEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Then the old man began to discuss the possibiH- 
 ties of the voyage which it was proposed should be 
 made, growing each moment more excited over the 
 prospect of restoring to his people the wealth which 
 their ancestors had saved from the clutches of the 
 enemy, until both he and Winn were heedless of the 
 passage of time. 
 
 The rising sun saw them yet seated before the 
 smouldering embers of the fire speculating upon the 
 future, which to them at that moment was by no 
 means a riddle, and here Captain Jim and Bart Gerry 
 found them. 
 
 As if it had been previously agreed upon, Gerry 
 did not offer to take any part in the conversation 
 which ensued ; but simply made a suggestion here or 
 there when some important detail seemed to have 
 been forgotten. 
 
 The tide was nearly at its height when the bargain 
 was finally made and a rough agreement signed by 
 the three men and Winn, old Manuel insisting that 
 the boy should appear as one of the principals in the 
 transaction, although Gerry at first objected to such 
 a course, asking impatiently : 
 
 "What is the sense of draggin' a kid into the 
 trade ? It's enough if we agree that you an' he take 
 the same amount we do." 
 
 "He is to share with me," Manuel said, sharply. 
 
A BARGAIN. 29 
 
 ''Well, that's understood." 
 
 "In case anything happens to me during the voy- 
 age he will stand in my place, therefore his name 
 must appear here as one of the two who have power 
 to make such a bargain as we have just agreed 
 upon." 
 
 ''But he hasn't that power, as we well know." 
 
 "I say he has, for I have given it to him by telling 
 him everything I know concerning the hoard." 
 
 "But we must share the secret also," and Bart 
 started to his feet, as if afraid he was to be de- 
 frauded in some unexplainable manner. 
 
 "You will know all that is necessary to enable us 
 to find the spot where my people hid the treasure; 
 but he shall be told what will serve him after I die, 
 if it should so chance you would break the bargain 
 we have made." 
 
 "Why do you quibble about nothing, Bart?" Cap- 
 tain Jim said soothingly, as he gently pushed his 
 friend into the chair. "Manuel will tell all we need 
 about the treasure, an' if Winn knows of other mat- 
 ters it's no concern of ours." 
 
 After this controversy Gerry made no further ob- 
 jections against the boy's name appearing on the 
 contract, and once this had been signed the captain 
 said with an air of business : 
 
 "It is time to attend to the schooner. We'll 
 
30 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 beach her, an' after nightfall, when it is not possible 
 to push ahead with the work, we can hear Manuel's 
 story which is to set us on the track of the Aymara 
 treasure." 
 
 ''Why don't we get the particulars now?" Gerry 
 asked, in a not very amiable tone. 
 
 "Because we can't afford to idle away so much as 
 a day. To-morrow I hope we'll be getting the 
 stores on board, and within two weeks I count on 
 setting sail." 
 
 It could plainly be seen that Gerry did not approve 
 of waiting even an hour before hearing the secret; 
 but Captain Jim was determined, and the four set 
 out to aid in hauling the "Flying Scud" up on the 
 beach, for Fairhaven did not boast of a dry-dock. 
 Therefore it was necessary to make all repairs on a 
 craft when she was lying heeled over on the sands. 
 
 It was Winn's duty to return to the poor-farm, 
 for his leave of absence had expired; but when he 
 suggested as much Captain Jim said decidedly : 
 
 "That part of it is the same as settled, lad. I 
 talked with 'Squire Kelly last night, offering to take 
 you with me as cook, an' he agreed to fix the busi- 
 ness with the other selectmen; consequently you're 
 one of my crew, with no other concern about the 
 poor-farm than to go there for what little dunnage 
 you may call your own." 
 
A BARGAIISr. 31 
 
 "And he will live with me until we sail," old 
 Manuel added. 
 
 ''You can settle that part of it to suit yourselves. 
 I made out that I wanted the boy as cook, for Bart 
 an' I've agreed to keep secret the object of our voy- 
 age, or even the port we're bound for, else we'd have 
 the whole country 'round our ears, every fool doin' 
 his best to get ahead of us." 
 
 Thus it was that Winn Burbridge was released 
 from the poor-farm when he least expected to be 
 free, and thus also did he tacitly agree to act as cook 
 during a voyage to the Indian Ocean, although it is 
 doubtful if he had ever assisted in boiling so much 
 as a potato. 
 
 ''All hands would starve to death if they counted 
 on me to get the meals," he said to old Manuel at the 
 first opportunity, and the latter reassured him by 
 replying : 
 
 "You shall figure as cook, and I'll do the work, 
 for it's somewhat in my line. Captain Robinson has 
 done us a favor by making such an arrangement, 
 otherwise you would be called upon to perform a 
 sailor's duty." 
 
 "Which I could do in fairly good style." 
 
 "It is much better as the captain has said, and you 
 will so learn before we have been at sea twenty- four 
 hours." 
 
S2 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Quite naturally, Winn was in a high state of 
 mental excitement during the ten days which fol- 
 lowed the signing of the agreement, for he had 
 never been outside the limits of the town of Fair- 
 haven, and this voyage to the Indian Ocean in search 
 of buried treasure was such an adventure as would 
 have aroused even the most experienced traveler. 
 
 The boys of his acquaintance congratulated him 
 warmly on leaving the poor- farm for a berth on 
 board the "Flying Scud" ; but he would have been 
 envied by all had the whole truth been known. 
 
 The four who had signed the agreement for the 
 removal of the Aymara treasure kept their secret 
 well, despite the curiosity aroused by the unusual 
 amount of stores put on board the schooner, and the 
 fact that Bart Gerry "had gone into partnership with 
 Captain Jim." 
 
 Agreeably to his promise, old Manuel had told his 
 new partners nearly all he knew concerning the gold 
 they hoped to find, even confiding to them a copy of 
 the chart of the island which he and Petro Garcia 
 had made. 
 
 Only on certain matters between himself and this 
 same Petro did he remain silent to all save Winn, 
 who now shared fully in everything connected with 
 the treasure. 
 
 "I may not live to see the island again," the old 
 
A BARGAIN. 33 
 
 man would repeat when the boy insisted that there 
 was no reason why he should be given so many ap- 
 parently unimportant details, "and it is necessary 
 you know all that I am able to tell." 
 
 So often was the remark made that Winn became 
 almost convinced his old friend would soon depart 
 this life, and such conviction went far toward check- 
 ing his joy at the prospect of going forth into the 
 world. 
 
 No fault could have been found with Bart Gerry 
 in the way of making provision for the voyage. He 
 purchased ample supplies of the best quality, en- 
 gaged able seamen, and in every possible manner 
 took precautions against accidents of whatsoever 
 nature. 
 
 It was to Winn as if these days in which the prep- 
 arations were being made consisted of but half the 
 usual number of hours, so rapidly did they pass, and 
 when it seemed to him as if they had but just begun 
 to make ready, the hour for departure had arrived. 
 
 There was no more jaunty craft of two hundred 
 and fifty tons burden to be found on the Atlantic 
 coast than the "Flying Scud" after she was trimmed 
 according to the command of her master and owner, 
 and nearly every man, woman and child living in 
 Fairhaven was on the pier when the voyagers left 
 port. 
 
34 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Not until the anchor was inboard and the sails 
 rounded by the north wind into ivory spheres as the 
 schooner rose and fell on the ocean swell, did Winn 
 fully realize that he was to share in an adventure 
 such as seldom falls to the lot of any boy. But, de- 
 spite all this — despite the fact that he was leaving 
 the poor- farm forever to fight the battle of life, there 
 was a decidedly uncomfortable lump in his throat 
 when the town slowly faded from view. 
 
 There was little fear the amateur cook might 
 suffer from seasickness ; he had made so many fish- 
 ing voyages as to be well seasoned, and would prob- 
 ably be able to keep his feet as long as the oldest 
 shell-back among them, therefore Manuel knew he 
 was not suffering the usual penalty paid by the fresh- 
 water sailor when he found the lad leaning against a 
 corner of the galley, looking unusually grave. 
 
 "Are you homesick before we have lost sight of 
 land ?" he asked, with a smile. 
 
 "If I had a home and a father or mother, as other 
 boys have, I might believe that is what ails me ; but 
 it doesn't seem possible that a fellow who is leaving 
 the poor-farm can be sorry because of going." 
 
 "Fairhaven is the only place you can as yet call 
 home, and it is not strange you should be sad at leav- 
 ing it, even though your life there was not the most 
 pleasant. I remember well the day I left Cuman on 
 
A BARGAIN. 35 
 
 board a craft hardly half as large as this to aid in 
 burying the treasure. It seemed as if my heart 
 would break." 
 
 ''But you were leaving your parents." 
 
 "True, yet I believed that in less than a twelve- 
 month I should be with them again, and to a boy of 
 your age a year is as nothing when spent in what 
 promises to be pleasure. Now my face is set to- 
 ward the treasure again, and as then, I am empty- 
 handed — a lifetime of hard work finds me no better 
 off than when I first left home." 
 
 "Haven't you any money ?" 
 
 "There may be a few dollars in my pockets, but 
 not so many that very much time need be spent in 
 counting them. ^What I bought as an outfit for us 
 both, and the old dory which Captain Robinson ob- 
 jected to taking because of the space on deck she 
 would occupy, makes up a list of my wealth ; but yet 
 we shall come back richer than any man in Fair- 
 haven." 
 
 "Why did you take the dory? There are two 
 good boats belonging to the schooner, and it doesn't 
 seem as if we should need her." 
 
 "Most likely we won't ; yet it was a whim of mine 
 to carry the old craft, and she may be of some little 
 service before this voyage comes to an end. But 
 we have work to do, instead of standing here idle, 
 
36 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 lad. The men will be looking for dinner in less than 
 two hours, so take your last look at Fairhaven, for a 
 couple of years at the least, and well see how skill- 
 ful is the cook of the 'Flying Scud.' " 
 
 "It won't take long to find out that, if you call me 
 the cook," Winn replied, with a hearty laugh which 
 banished the faint homesickness that had assailed 
 him, and a few moments later he was taking his first 
 lesson in the art of preparing food on ship-board. 
 
 Had Winn been alone it is quite certain the crew 
 of the schooner would have insisted on making an 
 immediate change of galley captains; but, thanks 
 to Manuel, their first meal was so satisfactory that 
 one of the oldest among the crew was heard to say 
 to a mate that this was the ''first time he'd ever seen 
 a kid who could make salt boss taste like real beef." 
 
 Before night came the boy from the Fairhaven 
 poor- farm was feeling perfectly at home in the galley 
 of the "Flying Scud," and for the first time in his 
 life could say with perfect truth that the future 
 looked bright to him. 
 
 There was no thought in his mind that this adven- 
 ture, which promised so much in the way of enjoy- 
 ment, could be other than thoroughly pleasurable, 
 and, fortunately for himself, there was no "shadow 
 of coming events" to mar his present happiness. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 A STARTLING DISCLOSURE. 
 
 Winn was an apt pupil, and by the time the "Fly- 
 ing Scud" had made Cape Hatteras he could cook in 
 such a manner as met with the approbation of the 
 occupants of- the forecastle. 
 
 The meals for the cabin were prepared by old 
 Manuel himself, and when they were served the four 
 partners partook of them in company, even though 
 two members of the firm did not occupy such a posi- 
 tion on ship-board as would ordinarily warrant their 
 dining with the captain and mate. 
 
 As a matter of course the owner of the vessel 
 acted as master, and Bart Gerry filled the berth of 
 mate, although he was not a seaman. 
 
 It had been decided when the arrangements for 
 the voyage were made, that, so far as possible, the 
 command of the vessel should remain entirely among 
 those most deeply interested in the success of the 
 voyage; therefore it was that Bart, Manuel and 
 Winn, although each filled a stated position on 
 board, all turned their hands to whatsoever duty 
 was most pressing. . 
 
 37 
 
38 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 The little cabin had no other occupant than the 
 partners. 
 
 In any voyage by sea, however brief, much of 
 interest transpires, and this cruise down to the 
 Venezuelan coast was no exception to the general 
 rule; but the details are of so little importance in 
 comparison with the grand purpose of the adventure 
 that it seems best to omit them, however entertain- 
 ing they might appear when set down in words. 
 
 'Therefore it is that no mention will be made of 
 what occurred on board the "Flying Scud" from the 
 time she left Fairhaven until anchor was dropped 
 off the coast of Venezuela, within two marine miles 
 of the port of Cuman. 
 
 It was in this vicinity that old Manuel hoped to 
 find the survivors of his people, and the schooner 
 had been brought to an anchor in accordance with 
 his directions, which last occasioned Winn so much 
 surprise that, at the risk of being impertinent, he 
 asked for an explanation while the two were alone in 
 the galley. 
 
 'Why is it that we have come to anchor here on 
 the open coast rather than go into the port of 
 Cuman ? I expected to see all the towns and cities 
 on our way, and yet at the first place we stop orders 
 are given that no one is to go ashore ?" 
 
 ''You will visit so many strange lands, lad, before 
 
A STARTLING DISCLOSURE. 39 
 
 we return, if it so be we live to return, that the little 
 port of Cuman will have no interest for you a year 
 or more from now, and it was necessary for my pur- 
 pose that we stop here." 
 
 ''But your people live in this town." 
 
 ''Not so, lad. I but mentioned the port in order 
 to describe the general location of the Aymaras. 
 We are of a race proscribed, and have been since the 
 dark days of '21. Those who call themselves Incas 
 do not proclaim it aloud ; it is only in the forest that 
 we say, 'We are of the Aymaras.' " 
 
 "But why is all that necessary? Surely those 
 who are alive to-day cannot be punished for what 
 others did fifty-nine years ago." 
 
 "They may not be punished for that, lad; but the 
 story of the Aymara treasure is as well known to 
 those who rule in Venezuela to-day as to you, save 
 so far as its whereabouts is concerned, and more 
 than one of my race have been cruelly tortured in 
 the hope of making them divulge a secret they did 
 not possess. Therefore it is that we deny our own 
 blood." 
 
 "How do you expect to find these people? It 
 must have been a long while since you were 
 here?" 
 
 "Since I was here? Yes. Petro, who visited 
 me, came directly from this spot to the United 
 
40 THE TKEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 States, and from what he told I hope my search will 
 not be in vain." 
 
 "When will you go ashore?" 
 
 ''Within an hour." 
 
 "Will any of the crew be permitted to land?" 
 
 "Not if my wishes are consulted. Captain Robin- 
 son has promised that during thirty-six hours every 
 man shall remain on board." 
 
 "And at the end of that time?" 
 
 "I shall have succeeded or failed, and in the last 
 event there will be a new compact between us who 
 have set out to find the Aymara treasure." 
 
 "Why may that be necessary?" 
 
 "As the compact now stands we recognize my 
 people as the rightful owners of the hoard. If they 
 no longer have an existence, or have been so con- 
 taminated by the blood of those who now rule this 
 land as to cease to be true Aymaras, I shall consider 
 that Petro Garcia and myself have the first claim 
 upon the treasure." 
 
 The coming of Captain Jim put an end to this 
 conversation, and half an hour later old Manuel was 
 rowed ashore by two of the sailors. 
 
 The young cook went about his duties unaided; 
 the captain and acting mate lounged in the cabin; 
 the sailors spent their time on deck under impromptu 
 awnings in idleness. 
 
A STARTLING DISCLOSURE. 41 
 
 When night came old Manuel was still absent, but 
 this occasioned his partners no surprise, for it was 
 hardly to be supposed he could have transacted the 
 desired business in so short a space of time, and 
 there was no reason why any uneasiness should be 
 felt concerning him, yet Winn was far from being 
 comfortable in mind. 
 
 During the afternoon hie observed more than once 
 the captain and his mate in close conversation, and 
 it seemed to him as if the latter was trying to per- 
 suade the master of the 'Tlying Scud" into some 
 course of action which did not meet with the for- 
 mer's approval. 
 
 Even if this was true, Winn had sufficient com- 
 mon-sense to understand that it might not concern 
 either himself or Manuel — that Bart Gerry might 
 be arguing upon some subject remote from the pur- 
 pose of the voyage; but yet he believed, without 
 knowing why he did so, that this long conversation 
 and oftentimes angry discussion had reference to 
 the compact which was signed by those who had 
 agreed to unearth the Aymara treasure. 
 
 Although brought up in a home for paupers, the 
 boy had certain ideas of his own as to what might 
 constitute honorable dealings, and eavesdropping 
 w^as to his mind something to which an honest man 
 would not stoop. 
 
43 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 More than once before he "turned in" for the 
 night was Winn strongly tempted to make an effort 
 at discovering what subject Captain Jim and Bart 
 were discussing, but he resisted such inclination, and 
 laid himself down in his narrow bunk more dis- 
 turbed in mind than he ever remembered of being 
 before. 
 
 Mental troubles do not ordinarily banish sleep 
 from the eyes of a fifteen-year-old boy, and the cook 
 of the "Flying Scud" did not long remain awake 
 after once having composed himself for slumber. 
 
 When he was aroused next morning by Captain 
 Jim, and ordered to "bear a hand with breakfast," 
 the forebodings of the night were almost forgotten, 
 and he set about his duties as heartily as if nothing 
 had occurred to disturb him. 
 
 Old Manuel, the friend whom he could trust im- 
 plicitly, would soon be on board again, and if any 
 mischief was being brewed, he was the one above all 
 others capable of discovering it. 
 
 After breakfast had been served both in the fore- 
 castle and the cabin, it was necessary the boy should 
 begin his preparations for dinner, and therefore he 
 had little time for thought of anything save his 
 regular duties until the noonday meal was at an end, 
 when the prolonged absence of the descendant of the 
 Incas began to cause him anxiety. 
 
A STARTLING DISCLOSURE. 43 
 
 Manuel had said that if he was not successful in 
 finding some trace of his people in thirty-six hours 
 the voyage should not longer be delayed. There 
 now remained but ten hours more in which the 
 search could be prosecuted, and his delay seemed to 
 betoken failure. 
 
 Seated on the rail aft Winn watched intently for 
 his friend, and while* he was thus engaged Captain 
 Jim came out of the cabin and said, after looking 
 around to make certain none of the crew were 
 within ear-shot : 
 
 ''Well, lad, it begins to look as if the old man was 
 making a failure of his business, and I heartily hope 
 it may be so." 
 
 "Hope he will fail?" Winn asked in surprise. 
 
 ''Of course, and so ought you, for in that case we 
 four could look upon ourselves as heirs of the Ay- 
 mara treasure. It will make a big difference in our 
 pockets whether we have a twentieth or a quarter of 
 the whole amount." 
 
 "Do you believe Manuel would agree to our taking 
 the whole?" Winn asked, thoroughly surprised by 
 the captain's remark. 
 
 "As I look at the matter he won't have any 
 choice, if we're of a mind to hold out for our rights. 
 In case those who buried the treasure cannot be 
 found, to whom does it belong if not to us ?" 
 
44 THE TKEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "But Manuel is certain Petro Garcia still lives, 
 and surely the money belongs to those two rather 
 than us, except so much as we were to receive for 
 the finding of it." 
 
 Winn spoke all the more earnestly because it so 
 chanced that just at the moment his mind was on the 
 same subject. 
 
 For an instant it seemed as if Captain Jim was 
 about to make some reply, and then with an effort 
 he checked himself as he said laughingly : 
 
 "I don't reckon you and I could settle that matter, 
 my boy, if we wanted to. It isn't yet certain Manuel 
 hasn't found his people, and we can have no idea 
 as to what will be his proposition in case he fails." 
 
 Winn fancied that the captain had not spoken all 
 which was in his mind as the latter lounged care- 
 lessly forward, and now his forebodings of the pre- 
 vious night came back with redoubled force. 
 
 An hour after sunset it became necessary for the 
 cook to go into the galley, and while there engaged 
 old Manuel suddenly appeared in the doorway. 
 
 "How did you get here?" Winn asked in sur- 
 prise. "I didn't hear the men lower the boat." 
 
 "I was brought on board by a friend." 
 
 "Then you found your people?" 
 w'"No, and yet yes." 
 
 Winn looked puzzled, and the old man added : 
 
A STAKTLING DISCLOSURE. 45 
 
 **0f those who have the right to call themselves 
 Aymaras but four remain alive, saving Petro and 
 myself. It is as if one said, 'The Aymara race no 
 longer exists.' If Petro Garcia still lives we count 
 ourselves as six, all old men, whose time for remain- 
 ing in this world is well-nigh at an end, and my 
 heart is sore, lad." 
 
 Manuel leaned heavily against the casing of the 
 door, and Winn fancied he had aged many years 
 during the thirty hours of his absence. He wished 
 most earnestly he could say something soothing ; but 
 the words would not come at his command, and he 
 perforce remained silent while one might have 
 counted twenty, when Manuel said with a show of 
 animation : 
 
 *'It is better with those who have gone before 
 than for us who remain, and I should not sorrow; 
 but I have the feeling within me stronger than when 
 I left Fairhaven, that I shall not see the end of this 
 voyage, and between now and the time of my depar- 
 ture some plan must be decided upon whereby you 
 will be acknowledged by our partners in this adven- 
 ture as my heir." 
 
 Winn tried his best to dispel the gloomy thoughts 
 in the old man's mind, but with no avail. 
 
 "I have consulted those of my blood, and we shall 
 make a new compact this night regarding the Ay- 
 
46 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 mara treasure. Do not allow me to cause you sad- 
 ness, lad, for when my days draw near to a close the 
 end will be as a relief and a pleasure." 
 
 By this time Captain Jim and Bart Gerry came 
 forward, having learned that Manuel had returned, 
 and there was no further opportunity for a private 
 conversation between the old man and the boy he 
 would make his heir, until after certain business had 
 been settled in the cabin. 
 
 That evening the four partners assembled aft in 
 obedience to Manuel's request, and when it had been 
 ascertained that the crew were not where they could 
 overhear the conversation, Telceda related the re- 
 sult of his search, saying in conclusion : 
 
 "I have talked with my people about that which 
 you agree to do, and it is decided between us that I 
 shall make this proposal in the stead of the one we 
 drew up before leaving Fairhaven : The Aymara 
 treasure will be divided into nine parts, one for each 
 of you three, and the remaining six for those of our 
 race who are yet alive. Should it be that when we 
 return some of those whom I have seen this day are 
 no longer living, their shares shall be divided equally 
 among us four. Therefore it is I say to you, in- 
 stead of one-twentieth part for recovering the 
 wealth, you are to receive one-ninth, and if death has 
 visited our number, a yet larger amount. There 
 
A STARTLING DISCLOSURE. 47 
 
 can be no reason why you should object to changing 
 the compact." 
 
 ''I should say not," Bart Gerry replied glibly. 
 ''You needn't have hesitated, Manuel, about making 
 any proposition which would increase our portion of 
 the treasure. I'll draw up a new contract between 
 now and this time to-morrow, so that it can be 
 signed, and considering the length of the voyage 
 before us, I should say there was no reason why we 
 remain here at anchor any longer." 
 
 "The wind will probably spring up 'twixt now an' 
 morning; but until then the schooner is bound to 
 stay where she is," Captain Jim replied. 
 
 'There is one matter I want settled more defi- 
 nitely than it has been," Manuel said, heeding not 
 the interruption to the conversation. "In event of 
 my death, either before the treasure has been un- 
 earthed, or after, this boy, Winn Burbridge, shall 
 be held/ by you to be my heir, and that share which 
 would have come to me shall go to him in addition 
 to his own." 
 
 "That part of it will be fixed all right," Bart 
 replied carelessly. "You have repeated the same 
 thing half a dozen times since we started, Manuel, 
 and it is well understood." 
 
 "But I want it written down, and your signatures 
 attached, in as nearly a legal manner as may be, so 
 
48 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 that should either of you attempt to break the prom- 
 ises made, you can be forced by law to live up to the 
 agreement." 
 
 "I'll fix it all right; don't you worry, old man/' 
 Bart replied with a laugh. 
 
 "I shall not worry, for I intend the business be 
 done properly, and will see that it is in due form." 
 
 "So you shall, and considering that we may be 
 obliged to get under way before sunrise, I should say 
 the wisest thing for all hands was to turn in. I 
 for one count on getting a little sleep before we 
 begin the voyage which is likely to run well into a 
 year." 
 
 Manuel went on deck at once, and when Winn 
 followed him, said to the boy : 
 
 "You are to go to sleep, lad, for slumber comes 
 readily to the eyes of the young, and is needed. It 
 is well I should be alone with the memories which 
 will not be banished, and by to-morrow I shall have 
 forced them down, when you can no longer have 
 reason to complain because I seem to shun compan- 
 ionship." 
 
 Winn understood that it was not well to make any 
 reply, and turning quickly on his heel went to the 
 berth assigned him in the cabin, fully intending to 
 get so much of a night's rest as might be possible 
 before the "Flying Scud" was gotten -under way. 
 
A STAETLING DISCLOSUEE. 49 
 
 It appeared to the boy as if he was more entirely- 
 alone than ever, because the one person whom he 
 claimed as friend denied him the privilege of shar- 
 ing his sorrow, and perhaps it was this which served 
 to keep slumber from his eyelids. Instead of imme- 
 diately crossing over into dreamland after having 
 retired, he tossed and tumbled about in the narrow 
 bunk until so thoroughly wide awake that it seemed 
 impossible slumber would ever come to his relief, 
 and thinking half an hour spent in pacing the deck 
 might give him the desired heaviness of eyelids, he 
 stole softly out, closing his cabin door quietly lest he 
 disturb the repose of the captain and the mate. 
 
 His room was at the further end of the small 
 saloon, and to gain the companion-way it was neces- 
 sary that he pass near the door of the captain's cabin. 
 
 When he crept silently aft there was no thought in 
 his mind of anything save to avoid disturbing those 
 who might be sleeping, but that which was heard as 
 he passed Captain Jim's room caused him to come 
 to a sudden halt, and for the time being he did not 
 realize he was playing the eavesdropper, so great was 
 the fear which came upon him. 
 
 "I tell you, Jim, there's no reason why we should 
 let this old Spaniard or Indian, or whichever he may 
 be, dictate to us as if we were children," he heard 
 Bart say in an angry tone. "I'm ready to draw up 
 
50 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 and sign any kind of an agreement he wants ; but as 
 for keeping it, that's another matter." 
 
 It was as if Winn's heart stood still for an in- 
 stant, and like a flash came to him the thought that 
 this was but a continuation of the discussion which 
 had aroused his forebodings while old Manuel was 
 ashorky^ 
 
 He was literally incapable of movement ; but stood 
 in front of the door in an attentive attitude, even 
 while unconscious that he was listening, and thus 
 heard Captain Jim's reply : 
 
 "A square man would live up to his promise, 
 an* I allow that the agreement we made with old 
 Manuel the first night in Fairhaven is binding 
 upon us." 
 
 "Now, look here, Jim, don't make a fool of your- 
 self when it's likely to cost so much money. Al- 
 lowing the Aymara treasure to be where Manuel says 
 it is ; allowing that we find it without difficulty, an' 
 get it aboard this craft, are you such an idiot as to 
 take one-ninth when we can have the whole ?" 
 
 "I never have done that which any man could say 
 was crooked." 
 
 "You never had a chance such as this. Your hon- 
 est dealings have been matters of a few dollars, and 
 this means millions, Jim. The treasure must be 
 ours, and as for the pauper kid an' old Manuel, it 
 
A STAETLING DISCLOSUEE. 51 
 
 wouldn't be any hard job to leave them on Cocos 
 Island." 
 
 "For the sake of millions you would commit 
 murder?" 
 
 "To maroon a couple like them can't be called 
 murder, however much you may stretch it, for if 
 what Manuel says regarding the island be true, it's 
 their own fault if they don't live as long as the Lord 
 allows. I tell you, Jim, if the treasure ever comes 
 on board the 'Flying Scud' it must be divided 
 according to our notions, if it is divided at all. I 
 don't say I wouldn't give up a few thousand dollars, 
 but as for throwing away eight-ninths, it's out of 
 the question, and that I hold to, whether you are 
 with me or not." 
 
 Winn heard a slight noise as if the speaker, hav- 
 ing thus announced his intentions, had risen, and 
 dimly understanding it was absolutely necessary for 
 the safety of himself and Manuel that it should not 
 be suspected he had overheard the conversation, he 
 crept swiftly and noiselessly up the companion-way 
 stairs, running forward in a fever of excitement, 
 trembling violently. 
 
 Halting near the forecastle-hatch, he looked 
 around after old Manuel, the one thought in his 
 mind being that his friend must know at the earliest 
 possible moment of Bart Gerry's avowed treachery. 
 
52 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 No one could be seen save the man on watch, who 
 was leaning over the starboard rail as if half asleep. 
 
 As Winn glanced aft he saw a form emerge from 
 the cabin, and believed the mate of the "Flying 
 Scud" had come on deck. 
 
 ''Where is Manuel?" 
 
 He asked the question of the silent figure at the 
 rail, and received for reply : 
 
 "Hob-nobbing out there in what the Injuns 'round 
 this 'ere country call a bungo," the man replied, 
 pointing in the gloom toward a dark smudge on the 
 water so far away that it could hardly be distin- 
 guished. 
 
 "Did some one come for him ?" 
 
 "Yes, that 'ere craft has got four guys on board 
 of her, an' you might say any one of 'em was 
 Manuel himself without knowing the difference. 
 They're as like as peas in a pod. Accordin' to my 
 way of thinkin' he was expectin' 'em, for when the 
 craft come alongside he dropped over the rail, and 
 there wasn't so much as a yip from the crowd. If 
 it wasn't that we knowed the old man was all right, 
 I'd say there was some mischief brewin', but of 
 course there's no chance of that." 
 
 "Of course not," Winn replied indignantly. 
 "Everybody in Fairhaven knows Manuel Telceda to 
 be an honest man, an' that's more than " 
 
A STAETLING DISCLOSURE. 53 
 
 Winn checked himself, and it was high time, for 
 in another moment the thoughts which were in his 
 mind would have been shaped into words. 
 
 Then came a hail from Bart Gerry. 
 
 "Who's that forward?" 
 
 "Nobody but Joe Savage and the cook," the sailor 
 replied. 
 
 "I thought you turned in hours ago, Winn?" and 
 Gerry came forward. 
 
 "I went below, but couldn't sleep, and so came on 
 deck," the boy said hesitatingly. 
 
 "How long ago?" 
 
 "Can't say, sir; but it seems as though I hadn't 
 been in my room but a little while." 
 
 "Where's Manuel?" 
 
 Winn repeated what the sailor had told him, and 
 turning on his heel the mate of the "Flying Scud" 
 went aft again, much to the relief of the boy from 
 the Fairhaven poor-farm. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 MANUEL^S DEATH. 
 
 Winn remained on deck an hour longer, and at 
 the end of that time neither had Manuel returned, 
 nor the wind freshened sufficiently to admit of the 
 "Flying Scud's" departure. 
 
 Excited though he was by the knowledge of what 
 Bart Gerry was willing to do, his eyes were heavy 
 with slumber, and there seemed no good reason why 
 he should not indulge in the desire for sleep. 
 
 Many months must necessarily elapse before the 
 schooner could arrive at the island where the 
 Aymara treasure had been hidden, and it seemed at 
 the moment to be of but little importance whether 
 the old man was made acquainted with the proposed 
 treachery of the mate then or a week later. 
 
 "A new agreement can't be drawn till to-morrow, 
 and I'll have a chance to speak with Manuel the first 
 thing in the morning," he said to himself as he went 
 below. 
 
 No sound could be heard as he made his way 
 through the cabin, save the heavy breathing of the 
 
 54 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 55 
 
 captain and mate, and he understood that Bart's 
 plottings were at an end, for this night at least. 
 
 His eyes closed almost immediately after he was 
 stretched at full length in his bunk, and he was con- 
 scious of nothing more until the violent lurching of 
 the schooner threw him against the bulkhead. 
 
 This decidedly rude awakening- was sufficient evi- 
 dence that the 'Tlying Scud" was at last under way 
 on a voyage which, barring accidents, would not 
 come to an end until she had ploughed through the 
 world of waters that lay between the Caribbean Sea 
 and the Indian Ocean. ^ 
 
 It was daylight and high time the cook should be 
 in the galley. 
 
 Thanks to his experience as a fisherman, Winn 
 found his sea-legs very speedily, even though the 
 schooner was making decidedly heavy weather of it, 
 and, contrary to his expectations, he did not meet 
 Manuel in the galley. 
 
 Every morning since they left Fairhaven the old 
 man had been first at Winn's post of duty; but there 
 seemed to be good and sufficient reason for his ab- 
 sence at this time. 
 
 "He was up all night with his people, most likely, 
 for I don't reckon he came on board till just before 
 we got under way," the boy said to himself as he set 
 about the work of the day, and not until the crew 
 
56 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 had been served with breakfast did he realize that 
 there was something odd, to say the least, in old 
 Manuel's tardiness. 
 
 Then a sudden fear seized upon him. Remember- 
 ing the threatening words he had heard from the 
 captain's cabin, the thought flashed into his mind 
 that possibly Bart Gerry had been more than willing 
 to leave the old man behind in order to possess him- 
 self of all the treasure. 
 
 That the acting mate of the "Flying Scud" would 
 commit a deadly crime in order to enrich himself, 
 Winn did not really believe, even though he had 
 good reason for knowing the man to be unscrupu- 
 lous to the last degree. 
 
 Before doing more toward preparing the breakfast 
 to be served in the cabin than the making of coffee, 
 Winn went to old Manuel's cabin, knocked gently at 
 the door, and experienced the deepest sense of relief 
 when he heard the summons to enter. 
 
 An instant later that relief was changed to alarm, 
 for a single glance at the old man's face as he lay in 
 the bunk told of sudden and severe illness. 
 
 "Are you sick?" Winn cried nervously, and the 
 reply was not reassuring. 
 
 "I fear that that which I anticipated has come 
 even sooner than I thought probable." 
 
 "What do you mean?" And kneeling by the side 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 57 
 
 of the bunk that he might the better steady himself 
 against the violent motions of the schooner, Winn 
 clasped the old man's hands. 
 
 "I am sick, lad, sick unto death, and it is well the 
 details of the business should be settled with the cap- 
 tain and mate at once." 
 
 "But surely you cannot be in any danger of death 
 so suddenly. What happened before you came on 
 board? Joe Savage told me your friends put out 
 from the shore in some kind of a craft and showed 
 me what he said was the boat." 
 
 "Yes, I saw them again after speaking with you, 
 and perhaps the meeting with them, the knowledge 
 that I am almost the last of my race, and the parting, 
 adds to the illness which has overtaken me. I am 
 an old man, lad, older in body than in years. All 
 those whom I have loved have long since gone be- 
 fore, and with this business brought to a proper end- 
 ing, I can but rejoice that the time has come for me 
 to join my friends. Robinson and Gerry must give 
 you such a writing as will prove your claim to a cer- 
 tain portion of the treasure, and then I may go out 
 of the world knowing that by having lived in it I 
 have made at least one person happier." 
 
 As the old man spoke he seemed to grow brighter, 
 and Winn, eager to catch at any ray of hope how- 
 ever small, began to fancy Manuel had exaggerated 
 
58 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 his illness — that all which he had passed through 
 since the schooner came to anchor off the Venez- 
 uelan coast had so worked upon his mind that he 
 fancied death to be near at hand, while it was yet far 
 in the future. 
 
 Therefore it was he refrained from telling that 
 which he had heard Bart Gerry say to the captain. 
 
 Surely at such a time it would not be well to dis- 
 turb old Manuel's mind more than it had already 
 been, and no real good could result from repeating 
 the threats. 
 
 "Call Captain Robinson, lad. Even though I be 
 not as ill as now seems positive, it is well we have 
 the business matters settled — well for me and neces- 
 sary for your interest." 
 
 Winn obeyed at once by going on deck, where he 
 knew Captain Jim to be, and there said hurriedly : 
 
 "Manuel is sick, sir — believes himself to be dying, 
 and insists that the agreement in regard to the 
 Aymara treasure shall be made at once." 
 
 "Sick, eh?" And Captain Jim looked so thor- 
 oughly disturbed that Winn felt positive he had not 
 agreed to the base proposal of the unscrupulous 
 mate. 
 
 "He is lying in his bunk, sir, an' can't seem 19 
 get up." 
 
 "I'll come down at once, and in the meantime, if it 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 59 
 
 will do the old man any good to have the writings 
 made, tell Mr. Gerry that he is wanted." 
 
 Winn went to the mate's room and there repeated 
 what he had said to the captain, adding to it the 
 message he had been instructed to deliver. 
 
 "I don't reckon he's very sick," the mate grum- 
 bled, impatient because his slumbers were thus dis- 
 turbed. "He's a reg'lar old maid, an' likely to be- 
 lieve himself dyin' when another man would be 
 hustlin' 'round at work. Out too late last night, an' 
 serves him right if he's got cramps this morning." 
 
 "The captain told me to say that you were to write 
 the agreement at once." C^ 
 
 "It's a waste of time, an' can't do the old fellow 
 any good; but if Captain Jim insists on it, I s'pose 
 we may as well go through the form. What is it he 
 wants ?" 
 
 "Will you go an' ask him, sir?" 
 
 "No ; find out what he wants me to write, an' I'll 
 do it. There's no reason why I should be disturbed 
 while it's my watch below." 
 
 Winn returned to Manuel's room, almost fearing 
 lest he should find the old man unable to speak ; but 
 to his great relief there had been no apparent 
 change, and again hope sprang up in his heart. Per- 
 haps Bart Gerry was right ; perhaps this supposedly 
 serious sickness was but a slight indisposition which 
 
60 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 would speedily wear away, and there was a cheery 
 ring in the boy's tone as he said : 
 
 "The captain will come right down to see you, an' 
 the mate is goin' to make out the agreement after 
 you tell me what he shall write. I'll bring a cup of 
 coffee, an' perhaps you will feel better after drinkin' 
 it." 
 
 "You may do so if you choose, lad ; but first go to 
 Gerry and tell him to set down that which I said yes- 
 terday, stating also in the same document that you 
 are to be considered by him and the captain as my 
 heir, and both of them are to agree — solemnly agree 
 — to protect your rights in event of my death before 
 the voyage is ended." 
 
 "Is that all?" 
 
 "Yes, lad, all until this business has been settled, 
 and then you are to come to me when we can be 
 alone." 
 
 "Of course I shall stay with you every moment I 
 can." 
 
 "It is not necessary you should remain here while 
 needed in the galley, lad ; but I must speak with you 
 after the writings have been signed, because through 
 you alone I trust that their portion of the Aymara 
 treasure will be delivered to those of my people who 
 yet remain alive. Go now, my boy, for there must 
 be no delay." 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 61 
 
 The command was obeyed, and on passing 
 through the saloon it could be seen that the mate had 
 already begun work on the document Manuel be- 
 lieved to be so important, but which Winn felt posi- 
 tive would be of no avail if it should be possible for 
 Bart Gerry to break it. 
 
 "You had better serve breakfast here as soon as 
 you can," the mate said when the cook entered the 
 saloon. "It will take me a couple of hours to write 
 out all the old fool seems to think is necessary should 
 be set down, therefore the signin' of this very 
 precious document won't take place till near noon, 
 ' an' in the meantime the work on board must be done 
 just the same as if he had not gotten this ridiculous 
 fancy into his head." 
 
 Before obeying this command Winn made a cup 
 of coffee for the sick man and carried it below. 
 
 To his great satisfaction Manuel drank it almost 
 eagerly, and the boy asked if the captain had paid 
 the promised visit. 
 
 "He came just after you left, lad, and seemed 
 very kind. If Gerry was the same sort of man I 
 should have less fear as to what might be done after 
 I have gone. Be on your guard against the mate, 
 who will defraud you, as well as my people, if he 
 can. Although I shall not be there when you land 
 on Cocos Island, I hope that by following my in- 
 
62 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 structions you may be able to hold him to his written 
 word. When the document has been signed, you 
 are to take possession of it, and be certain, lad, that 
 you do not let it out of your keeping. Unless Petro 
 has been to Cocos within the past two years, the 
 Aymara treasure will be found as we left it. If it is 
 taken on board this vessel, and the amount set down 
 in the agreement is delivered to my people and your- 
 self, all will be well. In case Gerry should break his 
 solemn word and attempt to deprive you and the 
 descendants of the Incas of your lawful rights, seek 
 out Petro Garcia. He knows that you are the only 
 person in Fairhaven whom I looked upon as a 
 friend, and will believe all you say." 
 
 ''But if Gerry should succeed in takin' possession 
 of all the gold, an' I do not see how I could prevent 
 him if he was so disposed, what might this Petro do 
 to oppose it?" 
 
 "Although my people are few in numbers, yet are 
 they strong after a certain fashion which you may 
 not understand now, and should this man Gerry 
 prove false to the word which he is to pledge in the 
 presence of a dying man, his punishment will be as 
 certain as it will be great." 
 
 Never before had Winn heard the old man speak 
 in such a tone, and he was awed, although it would 
 have been difficult for him to explain exactly why. 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 
 
 63 
 
 
 {f%/^r^^^' 
 
 ^S/ir'^^^ 
 
 ."/>. 
 
 
64 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Manuel took from beneath the mattress of the 
 bunk a folded document, 
 
 ''Here is the chart which Petro and I made/* 
 Manuel continued, speaking in his usual manner. 
 "It was a copy of this which I gave Captain Robin- 
 son. If Petro should doubt that you have full power 
 to represent me in the matter of the Aymara treasure 
 after my death, the paper will convince him of the 
 truth of your statement." 
 
 Gerry's voice from the cabin summoned Winn, 
 and as he answered the call the mate said impa- 
 tiently : 
 
 "There's no reason why you should fool away 
 your time when there's work to be done. Get the 
 cabin breakfast ready in short order, or you'll have 
 trouble with me." 
 
 The threatening tone surprised the boy, for until 
 this moment Bart Gerry had treated him as an equal 
 — almost a friend, and as he went hurriedly toward 
 the galley in obedience to the command he began to 
 realize what would probably be his position on board 
 the "Flying Scud" if Manuel should be summoned 
 to his fathers. 
 
 Half an hour later breakfast was served, but the 
 cook had no desire to partake of the meal. 
 
 Instead of remaining at the table he went into 
 Manuel's room, and there stayed, although it was not 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 65 
 
 possible for him to be of any assistance to the sick 
 man, until the captain and mate entered with the 
 document in question. 
 
 "I don't allow there's any reason why this thing 
 had to be made up to-day," Gerry said in a tone of 
 irritation ; "but here it is, an' Captain Jim an' myself 
 have both written our names at the bottom, so I take 
 it for granted the business is settled." 
 
 ''Read it to me," and Manuel raised himself on his 
 elbow. 
 
 ''You've got lots of time to do that for yourself. 
 What's the sense of my bothering?" 
 
 "Because both the boy and I must hear from your 
 own mouth that which you promised." 
 
 Gerry would have refused ; in fact, he turned as if 
 to leave the cabin, but Captain Jim stopped him by 
 saying : 
 
 "It's no more than right, Bart, you should do as 
 he asks. The bargain is a fair one between us four, 
 and if all old Manuel has told us be true, we shall be 
 made rich through him. Read your paper like a 
 man." 
 
 Those who knew Captain Jim Robinson as did 
 Bart, understood when he spoke in such a tone that 
 he would be obeyed, and, although the mate was 
 under his command only in name, he did not deem it 
 advisable to refuse. 
 
GQ THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 With a decided show of ill-temper he stood near 
 the bull's-eye as if the light was too dim to admit of 
 his deciphering the written words readily, and old 
 Manuel said sharply : 
 
 "Look over his shoulder, lad, as he reads. I want 
 to make certain every word which he utters is set 
 down on the paper." 
 
 ''You must think I'm a chump if I'd attempt to 
 read a word that isn't down here !" Bart cried, and 
 giving no heed to the mate's angry reply, Winn did 
 as he was directed. 
 
 Then Bartholomew Gerry read with unnecessary 
 emphasis the following : 
 
 "We, the undersigned, hereby covenant and agree 
 with Manuel Telceda, late of Fairhaven, in the State 
 of New Jersey and the United States of America, 
 that we will fit out with all necessary stores, provide 
 with a competent crew, and navigate to the Island of 
 Cocos, in latitude 12° 5' S., longitude 90° 55' E., the 
 schooner 'Flying Scud,' and there dig in the earth, 
 according to his instructions and with due reference 
 to the chart which he has this day given us, for the 
 purpose of unearthing the so-called Aymara treasure. 
 
 "We further agree and solemnly bind ourselves 
 that, in event of our discovering said treasure on the 
 said island of Cocos, we will deliver to him or his 
 
MANUEL'S DEATH. 67 
 
 heirs one-ninth of all the treasure so unearthed by us, 
 and to Winslow Burbridge we will deliver one-ninth 
 of the said treasure, and to Petro Garcia we will de- 
 liver one-ninth of the said treasure, and to each of 
 four other persons whom Petro Garcia shall desig- 
 nate we will deliver one-ninth. 
 
 "And it is also mutually agreed and understood 
 that we, the undersigned, shall hold for ourselves, to 
 repay us for the money which we have expended and 
 for the use of the said schooner 'Flying Scud,' two- 
 ninths of the said treasure, if found in accordance with 
 the information given us by the said Manuel Telceda. 
 
 "In order that this agreement may be more plain, 
 it is here repeated that if we, the undersigned, find 
 the said treasure in accordance with the information 
 given by the said Manuel Telceda, it shall be equally 
 and fairly divided into nine portions, two portions 
 of which we retain for our own purposes and the re- 
 maining seven portions to be delivered as hereinbe- 
 fore stated. 
 
 "Signed on board the schooner Tlying Scud' this 
 seventh day of June, 1880. 
 
 "James Robinson, 
 "Bartholomew Gerry.^'' 
 
 "Is that what you want?" the mate asked petu- 
 lantly as he ceased reading. 
 
68 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "So far as it goes, yes," Manuel replied. "You 
 have not set down that, in event of my death, the 
 portion which should come to me shall be given to 
 the boy, and that he be considered my heir, you pro- 
 tecting him so far as may be in your power in the 
 holding of whatever money or property would be 
 mine were I alive." 
 
 "Well, now you're getting a little beyond me. I 
 reckon you'd better repeat what you want, an' I'll 
 write it down an' sign it over again. Anything to 
 please you, an' while you're about it, you ought to 
 name the others to whom the four portions are to be 
 given, else how shall we find 'em ? We can anchor 
 off the coast of Venezuela an' pick up a lot of natives 
 who don't dare show themselves in daylight." 
 
 "I have written down for the boy the names of 
 my people, with full directions how to find them 
 after I am dead ; therefore you need give yourself no 
 uneasiness on that score. Now write." 
 
 It was necessary the mate should first bring into 
 the cabin pens and ink. After this was done he sat 
 down and at old Manuel's dictation wrote the fol- 
 lowing addendum to the agreement : 
 
 "We, James Robinson and Bartholomew Gerry, of 
 Fairhaven, in the State of New Jersey and United 
 States of America, do hereby solemnly bind our- 
 
MANUEKS DEATH. 69 
 
 selves to protect in every possible way the boy, Winn 
 Burbridge, now acting as cook on board the schooner 
 'Flying Scud/ both in his own rights and as the 
 heir of Manuel Telceda, late of Fairhaven, in the 
 said State of New Jersey, and we also solemnly bind 
 ourselves to obey his instructions in the disposal of 
 the Aymara treasure as we would obey the instruc- 
 tions of the said Manuel Telceda were he alive." 
 
 "Now both of you sign that and the business will 
 have been finished,/' the old man said as he sank back 
 on the pillow with a sigh of relief. 
 
 Gerry wrote his name hurriedly, and passing the 
 pen to the captain, went out of the cabin, muttering 
 as he did so : 
 
 ^,'*If we are to take part in such flummery as this 
 every time the old man has an attack of indigestion 
 we may as well give up trying to attend to the 
 schooner and devote our time to him." 
 
 Captain Jim signed his name more deliberately 
 and then handed the document to Winn. 
 
 "Perhaps you'd better take care of it, lad, until the 
 old man's feelin' better. I don't reckon he's any- 
 where near his death, an' hope most sincerely he 
 isn't. Make some kind of broth for him, an' he'll 
 be more chipper by noon." 
 
 Then he in turn went out, and Manuel drew from 
 
70 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 beneath the bed coverings several pages of paper 
 closely covered with writing. 
 
 •'Take these, my boy, an' put them with the paper 
 the captain and the mate have signed. After I am 
 dead you can read it. Perhaps it would be well to 
 make me some broth." 
 
 Winn put the document in his pocket carelessly 
 and would have left the room at once but that the 
 old man said : 
 
 "Look well to those papers, lad, and before doing 
 anything else, see that they are put where it will be 
 impossible for Bart Gerry to find them." 
 
 "I reckon I know of a place in the galley where 
 he won't be likely to stick his nose," Winn replied, 
 cheerily, and immediately went on deck to prepare 
 the broth as had been suggested. 
 
 Half an hour later he returned, bearing a bowl of 
 steaming liquid, which he hoped would prove pala- 
 table to the sick man ; but it dropped from his hands 
 as he entered the cabin, while a cry of pain and sor- 
 row escaped his lips. 
 
 Manuel Telceda had embarked on his last jour- 
 ney, across the dark river on the other side of which 
 awaited his fathers, and to them he could say that 
 he had, while on this earth, done his best to restore 
 to its rightful owners the treasure of the Aymaras. 
 
*' Look well to those papers, lad," said Manuel, "and see that they are put 
 where Bart (Jerry cau^t find them.""— Page 70. 
 
 The Treasure of Cocoa Island. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE mate's tyranny. 
 
 Winn was hardly conscious of what occurred dur- 
 ing several days following Manuel Telceda's death. 
 
 He had never before been brought into close con- 
 tact with death, and that his only friend should have 
 been stricken down filled him with a horror from 
 which he could not escape, try as he might. 
 
 During twenty-four hours even Bart Gerry was 
 subdued. He went about his duties quietly, ceased 
 to bully the men and shunned the cabin. 
 
 Some one of the crew, Winn never knew who, 
 took his place in the galley until after that most im- 
 pressive of all services — a burial at sea — and when 
 the body had been consigned to the deep the boy 
 secluded himself in his own room, as if he no longer 
 had any purpose in life. 
 
 Once, while his grief was keenest, Bart opened the 
 cabin door and asked sharply ''if he counted on 
 shirking his work" ; but before Winn had time to re- 
 ply Captain Jim cried from the companion-way : 
 
 "Leave the boy alone, Bart ! I reckon we can get 
 on without him for a spell yet, an' it is only natural 
 he should want to be by himself." 
 
 71 
 
72 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 One or another of the sailors brought food to the 
 grief-stricken lad, and finally the captain visited him, 
 saying in a kindly tone as he shook Winn with a cer- 
 tain rough tenderness : 
 
 ''See here, lad, this moping is doing you more 
 harm than good. I allow the sudden death was 
 enough to give you a bad turn, as it did all of us ; but 
 such things must happen sooner or later, and those 
 left behind are bound, for their own sakes, to brace 
 up. Get on deck now an' go to work. It's time you 
 looked after the cookin', for we've been on mighty 
 short rations since all hands have had a turn at it." 
 
 Then Captain Jim led the boy to the companion- 
 way, and as the latter ascended the stairs Bart Gerry 
 met him. 
 
 "So you condescended to show yourself, eh? If 
 you'd stayed below much longer I'd had you out, no 
 matter what Jim Robinson might say. Now get 
 into the galley, and if there's any sojerin' after this 
 you'll have an account to settle with me." 
 
 Perhaps Winn needed something of this kind to 
 arouse him to a sense of his duty, for certain it is 
 that the mate's brutal threats did more toward en- 
 abling the boy to "pull himself together" than had 
 the captain's kindly words. 
 
 There certainly was plenty of work for the cap- 
 tain of the galley. 
 
THE MATE'S TYEANNY. - 73 
 
 The cook's quarters were in a fine state of con- 
 fusion, as might have been expected when one sailor 
 after another had ''taken his trick" at preparing the 
 food. .The cooking utensils had been thrown in the 
 most convenient places, without regard to cleanli- 
 ness or order, and more than a single day would be 
 necessary in order to set the galley to rights. 
 
 At first it seemed impossible that Winn could even 
 so much as remain in a place where everything re- 
 minded him of the man who had gone ; but he forced 
 himself to the work, and from that time forth during 
 the long voyage both the occupants of the cabin and 
 of the forecastle were served with due regularity. 
 
 During a week or ten days after Manuel's death 
 Bart Gerry contented himself with strictly demand- 
 ing such work as would have fallen to the lot of a 
 professional cook, but when such time had expired 
 it seemed as if his one delight was in trying to over- 
 task both the strength and the temper of old 
 Manuel's heir. 
 
 For a while he was careful not to bully the lad 
 when Captain Jim could overhear him, but as time 
 wore on it apparently made no difference whether 
 the master of the 'Tlying Scud" approved or dis- 
 approved of his methods. 
 
 There was hardly an hour in the day when he did 
 not come to the galley to threaten the direst punish- 
 
74 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ment if the meal in hand was not served promptly or 
 the food not prepared in a more appetizing manner. 
 
 That he had no right, in his position as mate of 
 the vessel, to so bully and abuse, Winn und*erstood 
 perfectly well, and therefore the boy could assign but 
 one reason for such brutal behavior. 
 
 This was partially guessed by Joe Savage, who 
 said one morning as he was lounging near the 
 galley : 
 
 *! can't make out, lad, why the mate bears down 
 on you so hard. It is agin all rhyme and reason for 
 the first officer of a craft to meddle with the cook, 
 unless there's serious cause for complaint. Me an' 
 my mates are allowin' that he's tryin' to drive you 
 into what he can call mutiny, though why he should 
 want to do that is more than I'm able to figger." 
 
 "So long as he uses no more than his tongue, I 
 suppose I can stand it," Winn replied, his face flush- 
 ing as he remembered the words of abuse which had 
 that very morning been heaped upon him ; "but if he 
 should attempt to beat me, as he has threatened, I'm 
 afraid I couldn't keep my temper." 
 
 "It would never do to raise your hand agin him, 
 lad. No matter how much a sailor is cuffed an' 
 kicked 'round, jest as soon as he shows he's got the 
 spirit of a man he's set down for a mutinous villain, 
 an' any judge on shore would send him to jail for so 
 
 / 
 
THE MATE'S TYKANNY. 75 
 
 much as raisin' a hand. Did you ever have any 
 trouble with Gerry before you shipped ?'' 
 
 ''Although we both belonged in Fairhaven, I 
 hardly knew him. He is a man who never had 
 much to say to the boys, and took no notice of me 
 who lived at the poor-farm." 
 
 'Then why does he jump down on you so hard?" 
 Joe asked, as if to himself. "I can't see but that 
 you're doin' your duty as well as any cook I ever 
 saw, except it may be in the matter of plum-duff, an' 
 there you're a little off, as might be expected. Me 
 an' my mates have made up our minds that he's 
 tryin' to drive you into what he'll call mutiny, 
 though why we can't say." 
 
 Several times since Manuel's death had Winn be- 
 lieved he could answer such a question. Now that 
 he owned, in accordance with the agreement signed 
 by the captain and the mate, two full shares of the 
 treasure if it should be found, it was quite reasonable 
 to suppose Gerry hoped to goad him into some overt 
 act, whereby he could be set ashore at the most con- 
 venient port, charged with mutinous conduct. 
 
 By so doing the treasure-seekers would rid them- 
 selves of a partner who could be of little real service 
 in the venture, and no one left to raise his voice 
 against any disposal of the wealth which might be 
 made. 
 
76 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 But, even after having made this explanation to 
 himself, Winn was not satisfied with it, for he knew 
 full well that such a man as Gerry would pay no heed 
 to anything he might say, and if it was in his mind 
 to hold all the treasure in case it was discovered, the 
 boy's presence on the scene would not deter him. 
 
 As a matter of course neither Joe Savage nor his 
 mates could argue the case from such a standpoint, 
 because as yet the crew were wholly ignorant as to 
 the purpose of the voyage. They had been told that 
 the "Flying Scud" was bound for certain islands in 
 the Indian Ocean on a trading venture, and this 
 seemed reasonable in view of the large amount of 
 goods which had been put on board. 
 
 Barrels of flour, biscuit, and cases of canned meats 
 were inscribed with the names of various goods such 
 as would be used on a trading-voyage, solely with 
 the purpose of deceiving the gossips of Fairhaven, 
 who would have wondered greatly had they sup- 
 posed the entire cargo of the schooner was composed 
 of stores for the crew. 
 
 Therefore, as has been stated, the sailors believed 
 they had shipped simply for an ordinary venture, 
 and if such was the case they could form no idea as 
 to why the mate should wish to be rid of a cook who 
 thus far had given almost perfect satisfaction. 
 
 Since the death of old Manuel, Winn had reflected 
 
THE MATE'S TYRANNY. 77 
 
 long and deeply upon his position on board the 'Tly- 
 ing Scud," and had said to himself again and again 
 that he would not allow himself to show signs of in- 
 subordination, save, perhaps, in case of absolute and 
 excessive cruelty. 
 
 He firmly believed in the existence of the Aymara 
 treasure as described by the descendant of the Incas, 
 and held it as a solemn duty he owed to the dead 
 man to retain his place among the partners in the 
 venture, that Manuel's people might receive a due 
 share of the money hidden by their ancestors. 
 
 On this day when Joe Savage spoke to Winn in 
 regard to the mate's treatment, Gerry had been more 
 than usually abusive, and after dinner was brought 
 into the cabin pretended that the meat was not 
 cooked properly. 
 
 Using this as a pretext, he berated the cook in 
 vilest language, and concluded by striking Winn 
 such a blow full in the face as sent him headlong to 
 the deck. 
 
 "Don't you do that again!" Winn cried as he 
 leaped nimbly to his feet, taking good care to retreat 
 to a safe distance, prepared to defend himself. "You 
 know why I shipped, and you've got no right to treat 
 me as you have been doing since Manuel died. I 
 don't count on letting you drive me into what sailors 
 call mutiny, as I believe you are trying to do, but 
 
78 THE TKEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 shall stand up for my rights as I would if Fd been 
 really hired as cook on board this schooner." 
 
 "How dare you make talk to me ?" And the mate 
 advanced upon the boy in a fury. 
 
 "I haven't done so before, Bart Gerry; but we are 
 alone now, and it is time we came to an understand- 
 ing," Winn replied as he assumed a position of de- 
 fense. ''Since Manuel Telceda died you've abused 
 me without cause every time you came near the gal- 
 ley, and have even walked from the wheel to do so 
 when you have had nothing better on hand. If you 
 keep on at this rate, instead of raising a mutiny I'll 
 tell the crew the whole story, show the agreement 
 signed by you and Captain Jim, and ask that they 
 help me get fair treatment." 
 
 "You mutinous scoundrel, I'll break every bone in 
 your body !" 
 
 "You'll answer for it to the law, if you do. I 
 don't question but that you are willing to commit 
 murder for the sake of getting rid of me ; but in the 
 meanwhile I am going to take precious good care of 
 myself. So far, the work in the galley has been 
 done as well as any ordinary cook could do it, and 
 you have had no reason to find fault with me. Al- 
 ready the men are beginning to ask themselves why 
 it is you bear down on me so hard, and I've got 
 enough in my possession to prove the reason. 
 
"You mutinous scoundrel," said the mate to Winn, "I'll break every bono 
 in your body."— Page 78. The Treasure of Cocos Island. 
 
THE MATE'S TYRANNY. 79 
 
 What's more, I intend to produce it, when it seems 
 necessary, in order to save my life." 
 
 Gerry had advanced a few paces, with hand up- 
 raised, when the boy began to speak; but before 
 Winn concluded he stood motionless before the lad 
 as the true position of affairs began to dawn upon 
 him. 
 
 This boy from the Fairhaven poor-house intended 
 to do battle in his own defense, and an appeal to the 
 crew might, and very likely would, result in a failure 
 of the venture. 
 
 Gerry had sufficient common sense to understand 
 that if the men, who had been shipped simply for a 
 trading voyage, agreed to continue on what many 
 would unquestionably believe a wild-goose chase, 
 they might demand a certain share of the hoard if it 
 was found, and thus he and the captain be forced to 
 receive a smaller share than Manuel Telceda had 
 agreed upon. 
 
 For the time being Winn was the victor, and, un- 
 derstanding this, the boy had sufficient good sense to 
 go about his work at once, for additional words at 
 such a time would not only be useless, but might 
 weaken the effect of what he had already said. 
 
 When his labors in the galley were concluded, 
 however, he set about making ready for that which 
 he had threatened, by taking the agreement and old 
 
§0 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAKD. 
 
 Manuel's last instructions from their hiding-place 
 and fastening them around his body underneath his 
 clothing, from whence they could be produced at any 
 moment it might be necessary, while at the same time 
 they would be concealed from view. Then he went 
 into his cabin with no other idea than that of being 
 alone for a short time, in order to calmly consider 
 the situation of affairs. 
 
 Gerry was in his own room when Winn went 
 below, and, consequently, had no knowledge as to 
 the whereabouts of the cook. 
 
 Therefore it was that when the mate came out 
 into the saloon, meeting there Captain Jim who had 
 left the deck for a few moments, he naturally sup- 
 posed they were the only occupants of that portion 
 of the schooner. 
 
 Hence he did not lower his voice while repeating 
 to the captain the scene between himself and Winn, 
 and the latter could not avoid overhearing the con- 
 versation. 
 
 "The cub is beginning to understand what Vm 
 about, an' may be dangerous if we don't take steps 
 to choke him off," Bart said as he concluded the 
 story. "Once let the crew know the purpose of this 
 voyage, and we are undone, so far as getting the 
 biggest part of that treasure is concerned." 
 
 "Why don't you treat him decently an' live up to 
 
THE MATE'S TYEANNY. 81 
 
 our agreement? There's plenty of money in it for 
 us as old Telceda arranged the matter — more than 
 you and I could spend during the remainder of our 
 lives. He's a partner, an' but for him we might not 
 have been in the scheme. Therefore I say we should 
 act honestly by the boy." 
 
 ^*And I say you are a fool, Jim Robinson, if you 
 are willing to give up millions for the sake of curry- 
 ing favor with a pauper." 
 
 *T am not currying favor, Bart Gerry ; but simply 
 treating the boy as I would like to be treated." 
 
 'Tt's too late for all that namby-pamby talk. You 
 agreed with me that if Telceda died we should get 
 rid of the cub, providin' I would do the dirty work." 
 
 "Yes, I agreed, Bart Gerry, because you had me 
 foul by threatening to turn back if I didn't fall in 
 with your views. The stores are yours, and failing 
 in them we couldn't continue the voyage; but the 
 schooner is mine, and without her you can't step foot 
 on Cocos Island." 
 
 "That's where you're makin' a big mistake, an' 
 don't you forget it ! There are plenty of schooners 
 in this world, or brigs, or ships, for that matter, 
 which can be chartered, and you know it as well as I 
 do. Land me and my stores at the nearest port, if 
 you are so honest that you are willing Ito give away 
 two or three million dollars, and before you have 
 
82 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 gotten back to Fairhaven I'll be on board another 
 craft bound for Cocos Island, with the right to take 
 every piece of gold in that hoard for my own. It'll 
 be a good trade for me, too, and I don't care how 
 soon you turn rusty." 
 
 "It might be possible I could find others who 
 would invest a few dollars in the venture, if I showed 
 them a chart of the island." 
 
 "Have you got it?" 
 
 "Old Manuefgave it to us both." 
 
 "So he did ; but it is in my possession, and while 
 you are hunting for another partner I'll be unearth- 
 ing the treasure. Now you can have your choice, 
 Jim Robinson; run this venture to suit me, or back 
 down, I don't care which." 
 
 "When it comes to talk like that I'm beaten, of 
 course, and am just so much of a cur that rather than 
 give up my chance of what may be on Cocos Island, 
 I'll stand by and see you try to drive an innocent, 
 honest lad iiito defending himself, until you can law- 
 fully put him under arrest at the nearest port." 
 
 "It matters little to me what you call yourself, so 
 that you do as I say. There is this, however, for 
 you to consider and figure as to what measures can 
 be taken toward preventing it. In the first place, 
 the boy is to be sent ashore charged with mutiny, 
 and there must be such evidence as will convict him 
 
THE MATE'S TYEANNY. 83 
 
 by the testimony of the crew themselves. That is 
 decided upon. Now, he threatens to make the men 
 acquainted with the facts of the case, and if he does 
 that, we can say good-by to the Aymara treasure." 
 
 *'This devil's broth is of your own brewing, and 
 you shall finish it without any of my help." 
 
 "I don't think I shall. To protect even the ninth 
 portion which Telceda agreed should be yours, 
 you've got to do what you can to prevent this boy 
 from carrying out his threats, so try to think of 
 some plan between now and morning. During that 
 length of time, at least, I'll guarantee he don't make 
 mischief for us aboard this schooner." 
 
 ''Look here, Bart, just stop for a minute and think 
 how much easier and more satisfactory it would be 
 in every way if, instead of trying to get a few more 
 dollars for ourselves, we played fair with Winn. 
 There is no reason why everything shouldn't move 
 along smoothly ; nothing to prevent our going ahead 
 as we agreed upon before leaving Fairhaven, pro- 
 viding we'll do what we've promised over our sig- 
 natures." 
 
 "There's the biggest kind of a reason why it can't 
 be done, for I won't have it. You are in a position 
 where you're bound to help i e through, unless we 
 put into the nearest port, break partnership between 
 us, and you give up all hope of the treasure." 
 
8J: THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 As may be supposed, Winn had listened intently 
 during this conversation, which was carried on in 
 such loud tones that he could distinctly hear every 
 word spoken. 
 
 From the silence which followed he understood 
 that Captain Jim had no reply to make to this last 
 remark, and after a brief pause he heard the mate 
 walk out of the saloon. 
 
 The banging of the captain's door told that he had 
 gone into his own room, and the cook knew it was 
 absolutely necessary for his own safety that he 
 should gain the galley without Bart Gerry's suspect- 
 ing he might have been where he could play the part 
 of eavesdropper. 
 
 This was not a simple matter, for it was necessary 
 he should ascend the after companion-way stairs in 
 order to gain the deck. 
 
 It was better to start at once than wait until Cap- 
 tain Robinson had followed the mate, and by a rare 
 good fortune Gerry was forward inspecting some 
 work on the forecastle-deck. 
 
 Joe Savage stood at the wheel, and to him Winn 
 whispered : 
 
 ''Don't let on that I've been down here, Joe." 
 
 "I reckon you heard what the captain and mate 
 were talkin' about, eh?" 
 
 "Did vou?" Winn asked in surprise. 
 
THE MATERS TYRANNY. 85 
 
 **I couldn't very well help it unless Fd been stone 
 deaf. Say, lad, what kind of a voyage is this 'ere 
 we've shipped for ?" 
 
 "I can't stop to speak with you now, Joe, or the 
 mate will see me and know where I've been. Don't 
 say anything to the others about what you've heard, 
 and if we get a chance this evening I'll tell you some- 
 thing." 
 
 *'It's high time you did, lad, for you're needin' a 
 friend on this 'ere schooner mighty bad, accordin' to 
 my way of thinkin'. An older head than yours, or 
 perhaps mine, is needed to get you out of the snarl 
 you've dropped into, an' I ain't certain but that all 
 hands of us are in an uncomfortable kind of a fix." 
 
 ^'Keep quiet about what you've heard until you 
 see me again," Winn whispered, and then, the mate's 
 back being turned for an instant, he ran swiftly for- 
 ward to the galley. 
 
CHAPTER VL 
 
 AN ALLIANCE. 
 
 Although Winn had spoken stoutly to the mate, 
 he was far from feeling as brave as his words im- 
 plied. 
 
 Once alone in the galley, he had ample time for 
 reflection, if it had been needed. It was not neces- 
 sary he should study the situation very intently be- 
 fore realizing the dangers which beset him. 
 
 Now that Bart Gerry was determined to rid him- 
 self of the young partner, there were many ways by 
 which the matter could be accomplished and against 
 which Winn could make but feeble resistance. Even 
 though it should so chance that the mate failed to 
 arouse his victim to such a pitch that the show of 
 mutiny would be made — if Winn could keep his tem- 
 per down while suffering most cruel and abusive 
 treatment, it would not be difficult for Bart Gerry 
 to quietly dispose of the boy without exciting sus- 
 picion. 
 
 It would be a comparatively simple matter to push 
 the lad overboard on some dark night while he was 
 
AN ALLIANCE. 87 
 
 making'his way from the galley to the cabin, without 
 being seen by the man at the wheel or the crew who 
 kept watch iorw^d, and this fact Winn did not fully 
 realize until he was alone in the galley. 
 
 Then the thought came suddenly, causing the live- 
 liest fears. 
 
 "Bart Gerry would kill me for the sake of getting 
 my share of the treasure as readily as he would a kit- 
 ten, and I have made a big mistake in threatening to 
 tell the crew," Winn said to himself as this phase of 
 the case presented itself. "Both he and the captain 
 are bound to have their eyes on me from now out, 
 and my situation is ten times worse than it was an 
 hour ago." 
 
 Words seem poor and cold in describing Winn's 
 position on board the "Flying Scud" after he had 
 openly defied Bart Gerry. 
 
 There was little question in the boy's mind but 
 that the mate would commit murder without com- 
 punction, if there was no other means by which the 
 desired end could be obtained, and it was almost ab- 
 solutely certain he would do so rather than allow the 
 crew to be made acquainted with the purpose of the 
 voyage. 
 
 Winn knew all too well that Captain Jim believed 
 himself powerless to oppose the mate's plans, there- 
 fore Manuel Telceda's heir stood alone, facing a 
 
88 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 deadly enemy, unless it should be possible to enlist 
 the sympathies of one or more of the crew. 
 
 Joe Savage had been exceedingly friendly since 
 the day the "Flying Scud" left the home port, and, 
 having overheard the conversation between the mate 
 and the captain, had such an inkling of the situation 
 that he would readily believe the boy's story. 
 
 "I must tell him just how I'm fixed, and whatever 
 he advises I'll do, even if he should propose that I 
 desert the schooner at the first opportunity," the boy 
 said to himself, and an instant later he realized that 
 it might not be possible to hold a private conversa- 
 tion with the sailor, after having been so rash as to 
 warn the mate of his intention. 
 
 "I'll do my best between now an' night," he 
 thought. "By speaking a few words each time Joe 
 passes the galley I should be able to give him a good 
 idea of affairs without seeming to be telling any 
 secrets." 
 
 He was interrupted in these painful musings as 
 Gerry, coming from the forecastle-deck, halted at 
 the galley door. 
 
 "Where were you when I went forward?" 
 
 "I must have been here." 
 
 "This galley was empty when I passed." 
 
 "I might have been in the forecastle or half a 
 dozen other places, makin' ready to cook supper." 
 
AN ALLIANCE. 89 
 
 Fortunately for the boy, there was a quantity of 
 stores on one of the lockers as if recently placed 
 there, and the mate must have believed that the cook 
 had been attending to his duties, for he did not con- 
 tinue the questions, but said with a bullying air : 
 
 "You are to walk a chalk-mark from this on, 
 young fellow. If I see you so much as speak to one 
 of the crew. Til beat your brains out with a belay- 
 ing-pin and take my chances afterward. It was all 
 very well for you to threaten ; I'm obliged to you for 
 doing it, because it has put me on my guard, and 
 now I know what to expect. When I'm off duty, 
 the captain will have his eye on you. There is to be 
 no more loafing forward after your work is done. 
 The moment you are through with supper, go into 
 your cabin and stay there. Do you hear ?" 
 
 'T hear what you say," Winn replied, taking good 
 care not to speak defiantly. 
 
 "Then see that you obey orders an' keep your 
 tongue between your teeth. That is your only 
 chance of ever seeing Cocos Island." 
 
 With this threat Mr. Bartholomew Gerry walked 
 aft, and the watch below was summoned to take 
 their trick on deck. 
 
 Joe Savage, being relieved from the wheel, came 
 directly toward the galley, and, looking out, Winn 
 saw that the mate was following him closely. 
 
90 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Pretending to be deeply engaged in his culinary 
 operations, the boy kept his head bent, lest Joe, igno- 
 rant of Gerry's proximity, should say something 
 which might betray the fact of their having spoken 
 together regarding the conversation in the cabin, and 
 the sailor was quick to take the hint. 
 
 Without so much as turning his head, he con- 
 tinued on past the galley, crying as he went toward 
 the forecastle : 
 
 "I want a pannikin of tea, cookie, and see that you 
 have it ready !'' 
 
 This apparently disarmed Mr. Gerry's suspicions, 
 for he returned aft in time to meet Captain Jim, who, 
 in the absence of another mate, was standing watch 
 and watch with his partner. 
 
 Glancing out the corner of his eye Winn saw the 
 two men engage in conversation, and a few moments 
 later Gerry, after a long, searching look in the direc- 
 tion of the galley, went below. 
 
 There could be no question but that he had in- 
 structed the captain to prevent the cook from talk- 
 ing with the crew, yet Winn believed the time had 
 come when it would be possible to make a confidant 
 of Joe Savage, and knew full well that whatever he 
 did in this direction must be done without delay. 
 
 The boy knew that, after having overheard the 
 conversation between the captain and the mate, Joe 
 
AN ALLIANCE. 91 
 
 Savage would make every effort to have a private 
 conversation with him at the earliest possible mo- 
 ment, and therefore he remained on the alert while 
 attending to his duties. 
 
 Nor was he mistaken. Twenty minutes later the 
 captain went below, although it was his trick on 
 deck. The "Flying Scud" needed but little watch- 
 ing this afternoon, when there was hardly sufficient 
 weight in the wind to keep the canvas full, and no 
 sooner had he disappeared than Joe was at the small 
 window which opened from the forward side of the 
 galley. 
 
 "If you have got anything to say to me, lad, and 
 I reckon you have, it must be done quickly. I heard 
 what the mate said about preventing you from talk- 
 ing with any of the crew, and it looks as if the cap- 
 tain was bent on the same thing, though I allow he 
 ain't willin' to go quite so far as is that bloomin' 
 Gerry." 
 
 "It isn't possible for me to tell the whole story in a 
 few moments, Joe. Wait until night, and perhaps I 
 shall get a chance to crawl into the forecastle." 
 
 "I'll go bail you can't try anything of that sort. 
 If you ain't locked up in your room it will be a sur- 
 prise to me. Where's this 'ere bloomin' schooner 
 bound to, anyway?" 
 
 "An island in the Indian Ocean." 
 
92 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ''An' this talk about a tradin' voyage is all guff, 
 eh?" 
 
 Instead of replying to the question, Winn said 
 gravely : 
 
 'Took here, Joe ; I don't want to make any trouble 
 on board this vessel, and at the same time I must 
 prevent the mate from getting me into hot water. 
 Now I'll tell you all I know about where we're going, 
 if you'll agree to stand by me an' not let on to any of 
 the rest that I've said a word." 
 
 "I'll agree to the first part of it quick enough, but 
 as for the second I ain't so certain. If this 'ere is a 
 thing my mates oughter know about, or if we're 
 runnin' our necks into some kind of a lawyer's noose, 
 why then it wouldn't be fair an' above board for me 
 to hold my tongue." 
 
 "You can't be gettin' into any difficulty with the 
 law." 
 
 "Then I'll agree to keep my tongue between my 
 teeth." 
 
 In the fewest possible words Winn gave the out- 
 lines of the story, beginning from the time when the 
 two men overheard old Manuel's account of the 
 buried treasure, and, as may well be imagined, all 
 the while keeping strict watch lest Captain Jim 
 should come upon him unawares. 
 
 Joe Savage listened in open-mouthed astonish- 
 
AN ALLIANCE. 93 
 
 ment, not interrupting by so much as a long-drawn 
 breath ; but when Winn had concluded he smote his 
 open palm with his fist as he exclaimed : 
 
 "So that's the kind of a tune we're to dance by, is 
 it? Bound on a treasure-huntin' cruise, an' that's 
 something no good ever comes of! Why, I was 
 shipmate once with a maij what set out on the same 
 kind of a voyage, an' every bloomin' one of 'em went 
 to the bottom but him. Why? 'Cause they was 
 huntin' for treasure what wasn't to be dug by livin' 
 man. I sailed in the ship 'Antelope' with two black 
 cats aboard ; but that wasn't a marker alongside of 
 what we're doin' now. Treasure hunting! Why, 
 lad, there ain't a man in the forecastle who'd have 
 signed papers if he'd knowed what I know now." 
 
 "But Joe," Winn interrupted, "don't spend your 
 time talkin' about superstitions, because the captain 
 may come back at any minute. Unless you help me 
 I'm bound to go under in some way or other." 
 
 "I allow that's a fact, lad. Accordin' to the way 
 I look at it you're in a mighty tight hole, an' so are 
 all the rest of us for that matter. See here, I'll just 
 give the word to my mates, an' you can make up 
 your mind this 'ere schooner don't go to any bloom- 
 in' island in the Indian Ocean, not on this voyage." 
 
 "But that wouldn't do at all, Joe. I'm bound by 
 my promises to Manuel, and, besides, suppose the 
 
94 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 men should refuse to continue the voyage, how could 
 they get ashore, or if we put into a port and all 
 hands deserted, what good is done then? Bart 
 Gerry will get rid of me, an' he'll find crew enough 
 to sail this vessel, even if she is bound on a treasure 
 cruise." 
 
 It was impossible for Winn to induce his friend to 
 talk of anything save the "hard luck" which always 
 attended cruises of such a nature. 
 
 Joe Savage could think of nothing but the ill- 
 fortune which was certain to attend them, and in a 
 very short time the boy understood that he would 
 receive no advice from the sailor until after he had 
 recovered in a measure from his fears. 
 
 "It won't do for you to stand here any longer, Joe, 
 because the captain will be on deck mighty soon. 
 Try not to think of all the superstitions you have 
 heard about such voyages, and put your mind right 
 down to helping me. If you don't do it, Bart Gerry 
 will — well, I don't believe he would stop at anything, 
 for he has the same as told me so." 
 
 "I can't think he'd dare to murder you outright, 
 lad, however hard a citizen he is. But, if I was in 
 your shoes, I wouldn't walk too near the rail in 
 heavy weather." 
 
 "Turn it over in your mind, Joe, and remember 
 that I must stay on board as long as possible. There 
 
AlSr ALLIANCE. 95 
 
 isn't a soul among all the crew, but you, whom I can 
 trust Go into the forecastle, and if I don't get a 
 chance to slip out of the room after dark, come to 
 this window to-morrow morning or loaf 'round 
 when breakfast is being served." 
 
 'I'll put my mind right down to it, lad, and keep 
 it there till I've hit upon some kind of a plan, though 
 it ain't anyways easy for one of a crew to fall afoul 
 of the first officer of a vessel. Better let me tell all 
 hands, and " 
 
 *'No, no, Joe. The 'Flying Scud' must not put 
 into port after another crew because you have 
 mutinied, for then I should be alone, indeed. Keep 
 to yourself all I have said, and think it over." 
 
 "It'll be many an hour before I get out of my head 
 the trouble there's bound to come to us. I had a 
 shipmate once what had been shipmates with an old 
 shell-back who had sailed on one of these 'ere cruises, 
 and if you could hear the yarns he spun it would 
 make your hair stick straight up through your cap. 
 Why, he said " 
 
 "There comes Captain Jim, and you must not let 
 him see you here," and Winn busied himself over the 
 stove, making a great clatter of pots and pans, as if 
 to prove that he had no other thoughts than a cook 
 should have within half an hour of the time for 
 supper. 
 
96 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 When the meal was served in the cabin Winn 
 learned that the captain had made up his mind to 
 follow the instructions of the mate implicitly, for he 
 said, much as though ashamed of giving such a com- 
 mand: 
 
 "Mr. Gerry thinks it is best for you to go directly 
 into your room as soon as you have washed the 
 dishes. I don't want to be hard on you, boy; but 
 you made certain threats, and for our own safety we 
 are bound to see that you do not carry them out. 
 Therefore, save during only such time as it is abso- 
 lutely necessary for you to be in the galley, we must 
 see that you keep in your own cabin." 
 
 "But suppose I should promise not to carry out 
 the threat I made after Mr. Gerry knocked me 
 down ? Even a boy is bound to defend himself, and 
 at the time that seemed to be the only way I could 
 prevent him from beating me." 
 
 "Would you keep the promise if you made it ?" 
 
 "I always have stuck to my word, although some 
 folks think boys who live on a poor-farm can't 
 tell the truth same as others who have regular 
 homes." 
 
 "I'm not throwing up that you're a pauper, lad; 
 but you understand as well as I do what mischief 
 would come if you should tell the crew all you 
 know." 
 
AN ALLIANCE. 97 
 
 'I'd never threatened to do so if I'd been treated 
 as I was while Manuel lived." 
 
 *'We won't talk about that part of it," Captain 
 Jim said quickly. "If you are willing to swear that 
 you'll never mention the subject until we give you 
 permission, I'll see what can be done; but till then 
 you must obey orders. It would seem queer to 
 others that I followed the instructions of my mate; 
 but you, who know all the circumstances of the case, 
 can understand that we must stick together in this 
 business or lose everything." 
 
 "I understand, captain, that there wouldn't be any 
 need of such talk as this if you'd had your own way," 
 Winn replied, and then he began clearing the dishes 
 from the table, while the master of the 'Tlying 
 Scud," looking thoroughly ill at ease, went on deck. 
 
 When his work in the galley was finished Winn 
 went below in obedience to orders, and a very un- 
 comfortable night did he spend, for even though he 
 should obey the mate to the letter he knew the latter 
 would find some pretext for accusing him of crimi- 
 nal acts, even if he did not proceed to yet greater 
 extremities. 
 
 When Winn awakened next morning he under- 
 stood from the violent movements of the schooner 
 that she had run into a storm, and however severe it 
 might prove to be, he must be the gainer by it, for 
 
98 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 in heavy weather the mate would Hkely have all he 
 could do to attend to his duties as a seaman, without 
 making wretched the life of one whom he had 
 agreed to protect. 
 
 Until this day the "Flying Scud" had been fa- 
 vored in the w^ay of weather, but now she was beaten 
 and buffeted as if the elements had conspired to pre- 
 vent her from proceeding further in quest of the 
 treasure, and Joe Savage said as he came for his 
 morning's allowance of coffee: 
 
 "This ain't a marker alongside of what we're 
 goin' to catch before we strike the bloomin' island 
 you say we're bound for. That shipmate of mine 
 what was bound on one of these 'ere wild-goose 
 cruises told me they had howling weather from the 
 time they started until the captain was obliged to 
 put back on account of the crawling things that 
 come up out of the sea, an' we're in for the same, 
 lad." 
 
 "Now, don't be foolish, Joe. You can't expect to 
 have a fair wind all the time, and this isn't much of 
 a storm, is it?" 
 
 "Well, it ain't what you might call a livin' gale, 
 but it'll pass for the beginnin' of the bad luck that's 
 comin' to the Tlying Scud' an' them as are on board 
 of her." 
 
 "Did you think of any plan last night?" 
 
AN ALLIANCE. 99 
 
 "I reckon, lad, this 'ere will about suit the case. 
 You're to " 
 
 "What are you loafin' 'round the galley for?" 
 Gerry shouted from the quarter-deck. *'Get for- 
 ward if you've got your allowance, and if not, fall 
 back to let some other take your place. There's to 
 be no yarns with the cook, or I'll iall aboard of you 
 after a fashion that won't be to your liking." 
 
 ''Get forward, Joe," Winn whispered nervously. 
 ''When he goes below you can come to the window 
 again." 
 
 "He don't want to do much buUyin' with me, now 
 I know what kind of a first mate he is," Joe grum- 
 bled ; but at the same time he complied with Winn's 
 request, and during the remainder of this day there 
 was no opportunity for the boy and the sailor whom 
 he had selected as his friend to speak in private, 
 owing to the confusion which reigned. 
 
 The wind increased in force as the day advanced, 
 and by noon the schooner was laboring so heavily 
 that it was impossible for the cook to do more than 
 provide hot tea or coffee for either the occupants of 
 the forecastle or the cabin. 
 
 The "Flying Scud" was making exceedingly 
 heavy weather of it, and understanding that it was 
 useless for him to remain at his post of duty, Winn 
 decided to go aft, if indeed that should be possible, 
 
State of QOifomia, San Ben. . . _y^ 
 
 for there seemed every danger the galley would be 
 carried away. 
 
 Save for the man at the wheel, the lookout for- 
 ward, and the captain, who was partially sheltered 
 by the after companion-way, no person could be seen, 
 and it was a perilous venture for the boy even to at- 
 tempt to make his^^^^^f across the wave-swept decks. 
 
 However, he succeeded after a certain fashion, but 
 at imminent risk of his life, and grateful indeed was 
 the relief of being below, for during the past hour or 
 more he had stood knee-deep in water the greater 
 portion of the time. v^ 
 
 Bart Gerry was seated at the saloon table, evi- 
 dently finding it difficult to remain in the chair, and 
 it seemed to Winn as if the fellow was beset with 
 fear. His face was ashen pale, his lips trembled 
 convulsively, and there was no trace of the bully left 
 in him. 
 
 Winn was on the point of entering his room when 
 he heard the captain shout : 
 
 "All hands on deck r 
 
 In another moment a heavy crash above and the 
 quivering of the schooner, as if she had struck a reef, 
 told that the "Flying Scud" was rapidly being 
 worsted by the elements. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 A DISABLED BULLY. 
 
 The shock which told of disaster to the "Flying 
 Scud" hurled Winn with such violence against the 
 bulkhead as to deprive him momentarily of con- 
 sciousness, and when he finally staggered to his feet 
 only to be thrown headlong again, the change in the 
 motion of the schooner was good proof that she no 
 longer remained under the control of her crew. 
 
 Instead of leaping from one mountainous surge to 
 another, alternately climbing upward and plunging 
 down as if bent on going to the bottom of the sea, 
 she rolled to and fro, her timbers groaning and 
 creaking as if they were about to be wrenched from 
 their fastenings. 
 
 x\lthough having had but little experience as a 
 sailor, Winn understood that some serious mishap 
 had befallen the craft, and there came into his mind 
 the predictions of evil with which Joe Savage re- 
 ceived the information regarding the purpose of the 
 voyage. 
 
 It was impossible to form any idea as to what was 
 being done on deck. 
 
 The pounding of the waves against the sides of 
 
 101 
 
102 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 the helpless craft, and the creaking and protesting of 
 each individual timber, made up such a din as was 
 literally deafening, yet to his mind came a dim idea 
 that he might be needed on deck. 
 
 To walk the length of the saloon was impossible, 
 and on his hands and knees he crawled to the foot of 
 the companion-way again, reaching that point just 
 as the captain and Joe Savage, bearing an ominous 
 looking burden, began to descend. 
 
 "What has happened?" he cried in alarm, and the 
 master of the schooner replied, speaking at the full 
 strength of his lungs in order to make himself heard 
 above the roar of the elements : 
 
 "Open the door of Mr. Gerry's room. He has 
 been disabled by a falling block." 
 
 It seemed the height of irony that the one man on 
 board the schooner who was willing to work mortal 
 injury to the boy should have been stricken down 
 when the first fury of the tempest burst upon them, 
 and Winn could not repress a certain sense of relief 
 at thus learning that his enemy was, for a time at 
 least, powerless for harm. 
 
 To bring the injured man down the companion- 
 way was a task which caused the keenest suffering, 
 as was evinced by the groans to which Gerry gave 
 vent, and so loud and incessant were these that Winn 
 feared lest he might be dying. 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 103 
 
 He did his best to render some assistance, and the 
 captain, eager to be on deck where he was most cer- 
 tainly needed, rehnquished his portion of the burden 
 to the boy. 
 
 Once, twice, three times were Winn and Joe 
 hurled directly across the saloon before an entrance 
 to the mate's cabin could be effected, and on each 
 occasion Gerry gave ample evidence of the pain 
 caused by the rude shocks. 
 
 Then he was finally deposited in the berth, 
 and Winn looked around helplessly, eager to 
 soothe the anguish, but not certain how it might 
 be done. 
 
 Joe Savage was a rough nurse, but one who had 
 had considerable experience in similar accidents, and 
 regardless of the pain inflicted, he set about ascer- 
 taining the extent of the injuries. 
 
 ''I reckon one leg is broken, an' it'll be the biggest 
 kind of luck if the rest of his bones are whole," the 
 sailor said to Winn as if speaking of some inanimate 
 object. 'There's about two chances in a thousand 
 that the block could fall again an' not kill the man 
 who stood where the mate did. I allow there's 
 precious little time for me to stay below, for the 
 'Flying Scud' is the same as dismasted, an' every 
 man must do double duty just now, if we would save 
 her from goin' to the bottom." 
 
104 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "Tell the captain to come down here," Gerry 
 moaned. 
 
 "I allow, if he knows his business, he'll stay on 
 deck," Joe replied. 'This ain't a time when the 
 master of a vessel can coddle up one man who's been 
 hurt. With half the crew below in somethin' the 
 same shape you are, his place is on deck. Do what 
 you can for him, lad, an' when this 'ere blow is spent, 
 somebody will come to relieve you." 
 
 Then, regardless alike of the mate's groans and 
 protests, the sailor hurried on deck, and Winn, who 
 had no experience in nursing, was forced to appeal 
 to the sufferer for advice as to what should be done. 
 
 ''Get my boot off as quick as you can, an' then 
 pull down from the hooks some of those clothes to 
 stuff in behind me, so I shan't be knocked about so 
 badly when the schooner rolls," Gerry replied in a 
 faint tone, which told that his strength was rapidly 
 deserting him. 
 
 The boy did as he was directed, and then would 
 have bathed the injured limb in the hope of afford- 
 ing some slight relief, but that the lightest touch 
 caused the most intense pain, and during the hour 
 which followed he could do no more than remain by 
 the sufferer's side as best he might, while the "Fly- 
 ing Scud" was tossed about so violently on the angry 
 waters. . 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 105 
 
 For a time Gerry alternately raved because the 
 captain failed to come and berated Winn for not 
 knowing what should be done under such circum- 
 stances. 
 
 Then he relapsed into semi-unconsciousness, fre- 
 quently talking at random about the buried treasure 
 or of matters connected with his home life. 
 
 Finally, and when it seemed to Winn as if he had 
 been alone with his enemy a full day, the captain 
 appeared, saying as he entered the cabin : 
 
 ''We've got the schooner under control at last. 
 The backbone of the gale is broken, so I reckon we'll 
 weather it. How are you feeling, Bart?" 
 
 The mate made no coherent reply, and Winn 
 gave the desired information to the best of his 
 ability. 
 
 "]oe: Savage says his leg is broken." 
 
 Only the briefest examination was necessary to 
 enable Captain Jim to understand that this diagnosis 
 of the case was correct, and he said quickly : 
 
 ''Send one of the men down here to help me, lad. 
 We've got to do a bit of rough surgery, and I'm 
 afraid it will be terribly rough, for I never was called 
 upon before to set a broken bone." 
 
 "Who shall I send to you, sir?" 
 
 "Any one who can be spared." 
 
 A man by the name of Bartlett was the first whom 
 
106 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Winn saw when he gained the deck, and to him the 
 message was delivered. 
 
 Then the boy looked about him in surprise, for it 
 appeared to his inexperienced eyes as if the 'Tlying 
 Scud" was a complete wreck. 
 
 Both topmasts were snapped off close to the head, 
 and there was a raffle of spars and cordage amidships 
 which served to make up a scene of disaster appal- 
 ling to a landsman's eyes, when in reality no very 
 serious injury had been sustained by the schooner. 
 
 "What has happened?" he asked of Joe Savage, 
 who was standing near the main rigging clinging to 
 the shrouds to save himself from being washed over- 
 board by the waves which swept fore and aft at 
 every plunge made by the crippled vessel. 
 
 "I reckon you may see that for yourself, lad. But 
 s'pose we go into the galley ? I allow it can be done, 
 an' perhaps the place ain't drowned out so but that 
 we'll be able to start a fire. The crew will be needin' 
 somethin' in the way of grub as soon as it can be 
 made ready." 
 
 During fully ten minutes the two struggled to 
 gain the cook's quarters, and more than once was 
 Winn swept entirely off his feet, saving himself from 
 being washed overboard only by clinging to Joe 
 Savage or some of the wreckage which was being 
 cleared away as rapidly as the men could handle it. 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 107 
 
 The galley had been flooded during the height of 
 the gale, as might be told by a view of the interior, 
 and unaided, Winn could have done but little toward 
 restoring order, because the greater portion of his 
 efforts were necessarily directed toward resisting the 
 mad plunges of the wounded craft; but, thanks to 
 Joe's assistance, the task was finally accomplished, 
 and the two had ample opportunity for conversation 
 meanwhile. 
 
 "How much damage has been done?" was the first 
 question the boy asked. 
 
 "Our top-hamper is gone, and with it such spare 
 spars as were stowed on deck." 
 
 "Shall we have to put into port for repairs?" 
 
 "That I can't say, lad, till I know what we've got 
 below. From the way this 'ere craft has been fitted 
 out, I allow we've got enough on board to put her 
 ship-shape once more." 
 
 "How did the mate get hurt ?" 
 
 "It wasn't owin' to his puttin' himself in the way 
 of danger ; that goes without sayin'. He was holdin' 
 on like grim death to the life-line we'd stretched 
 across the deck, when the main-topmast started, an' 
 a block struck him just below the hip. It came within 
 an inch of his head, an' I'd been well pleased if that 
 bit of distance hadn't been saved, for even though he 
 an' the captain are the only two who understand 
 
108 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 navigation, I reckon we'd been the gainers if Gerry 
 had followed old Manuel. As it is, though, you're 
 better off, for with a broken leg he won't be likely to 
 make much trouble these two months or more. 
 We've pulled through this blow in finer shape than 
 them as starts on a treasure-huntin' cruise have any 
 right to expect. When the wind first broke I al- 
 lowed it was all up with us, an' for no other reason 
 than that we're bent on diggin' for hidden gold." 
 
 "But it's foolish to think the wind blew so hard 
 simply because we're bound for Cocos Island. It 
 would have come the same if we'd been on a tradin' 
 voyage, as the men believe." 
 
 "That may all be, though I misdoubt it. No 
 good ever come of sailormen mixin' up with sich 
 business. I was shipmates once with an old shell- 
 back who " 
 
 "Now don't spend the time spinnin' tough yarns 
 when we've got a chance to talk, for as soon as Mr. 
 Gerry gets over his hurt enough to take notice of 
 what is going on, I'll be kept under his eye." 
 
 "I reckon that's true, lad; but we'll hope he's got 
 what'll send him to Davy Jones's locker before he 
 sets us all by the heels again." 
 
 "Joe Savage, you are actually hopin' the mate will 
 die !" Winn cried in horror. 
 
 "Of course I am, an' it's the best thing that could 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 109 
 
 happen to sich as him. He's the same as said he was 
 wilHn' to .pitch you over the rail for the sake of get- 
 tin' more of the treasure than had been agreed upon 
 as his share, an' men of his kidney better be under 
 the sea than on top of it." 
 
 "It frightens me to hear you talk like that." 
 
 'Then you'd better brace up a good bit, lad, for if 
 you an' our precious mate ever step foot on Cocos 
 Island together, it's my belief there'll be more to 
 make you afraid than honest wishes." 
 
 'There must be some way for me to take care of 
 myself; I hoped you could hit upon a plan." 
 
 ''All I can do when the mate of my vessel seems 
 bent on mischief, is to keep a weather-eye on him, 
 an' even then it's long odds that he'll get the best of 
 me. I was goin' to say yesterday when Gerry 
 yelled to me, that I'd turned the whole thing over 
 in my mind, an' the only way out of the snarl I can 
 see, is for you to talk to the rest of the crew as 
 you've talked to me. There isn't a man among 'em 
 who wouldn't stand stiff against any sich game as is 
 bein' put up on you." 
 
 "If I should do that, Joe, the men would refuse to 
 work the vessel, and then all hands must be taken to 
 the nearest port charged with mutiny. A new crew 
 might be shipped, and I should be in a worse plight 
 than before, because I'm bound by my word to 
 
110 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Manuel to stick to the schooner until the treasure is 
 found." 
 
 "In case that ever happens." 
 
 *'I'm certain it is exactly where he said it was." 
 
 "1 can't say it ain't; but yet my mind don't run 
 that way, owin' to all I've heard about sich business. 
 Howsomever, you're in good trim till the mate gets 
 on his feet agin, an' 'twixt now and then there's no 
 knowin' how matters will turn." 
 
 Joe was not allowed to linger longer in the galley. 
 
 Captain Jim had concluded his labor as amateur 
 surgeon, and all hands were called upon to aid in 
 putting the schooner into proper shape once more. 
 
 Winn was sent below to act as nurse to the in- 
 valid, and for many days he was kept so busy that 
 anything like a lengthy conversation with his friend 
 was out of the question.. 
 
 Bartholomew Gerry was by no means a patient 
 sufferer, and during the first week of confinement to 
 his cabin seemed to expect constant attendance from 
 the boy he had threatened to murder, despite the fact 
 that the regular duties of a cook were also demanded 
 of him. 
 
 Beyond the fact that his leg had been broken, the 
 mate appeared to have received no serious injury, 
 although he complained bitterly of internal pains, 
 but the fractured bones did not knit together as 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. Ill 
 
 rapidly as probably would have been the case had 
 he received the proper surgical attendance. 
 
 Under other circumstances Winn would have real- 
 ized most keenly the discomforts of a voyage around 
 the Horn; but his time was so fully occupied that, 
 save for the intense cold and heavy weather, he 
 knew very little of what was going on around him. 
 
 Never once did Gerry allude to the threats the 
 boy had made ; but Captain Jim kept him under con- 
 stant surveillance during his watch on deck, which 
 told plainly that the matter had not been forgotten. 
 
 Joe Savage was chosen to fill the mate's place, 
 although he lived forward with the rest of the crew, 
 and while the master of the vessel was sleeping there 
 would have been many opportunities for Winn to 
 talk with his friend if he had had any spare time. 
 
 The ''Flying Scud" was in the Pacific Ocean be- 
 fore Bartholomew Gerry was so far recovered as to 
 be able to leave his cabin to sit on deck, and from 
 that moment he kept Winn constantly in view. 
 
 To Captain Jim's mystification, however, the in- 
 valid did not improve in health. 
 
 Even after it was possible for him to move around 
 in fair weather by aid of crutches, he suffered from 
 severe pains in his chest, and the crew decided that 
 he would never again act as mate of the "Flying 
 Scud.'* 
 
11^ THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "1 can generally have some pity for a man who 
 keeps on runnin' down after he oughter pick up," 
 Joe Savage said to Bartlett one day; "but when I 
 see the mate sprawled on the house snarlin' like a 
 bear with a sore head hour in an' hour out, no mat- 
 ter how much time is spent on him, it seems a shame 
 he should be allowed to live." 
 
 And the latter replied : 
 
 "If this 'ere is a tradin' voyage, an' I'm beginnin' 
 to allow all ain't as we shipped for, he'll be of 
 precious little service when we get down to hard 
 work. The cook would be a sight better off if 
 Gerry should kick the bucket some fine night." 
 
 "True for you, Bartlett, an' as I've said many 
 a time, we'll hope he slips his wind before 
 long." 
 
 With the possible exception of the captain, there 
 was not a man on board the "Flying Scud" who did 
 not heartily dislike the sick mate, even though there 
 was no particular cause for complaint before he had 
 been disabled. 
 
 As the schooner neared the equator Gerry was 
 more exacting in his demands upon Winn's time, 
 and on a certain night, after the boy had suffered 
 an unusual amount of abuse, Joe Savage said, as the 
 cook crept on deck shortly before midnight to escape 
 the stifling heat of the cabin : 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 113 
 
 "I reckon you're gettin' a full dose these days, 
 lad." 
 
 "It don't seem possible I can do all the mate ex- 
 pects. I try my best to please him ; but everything T 
 do is wrong, according to his talk." 
 
 "He's startin' in as he began just before the block 
 did you a good turn, an' there's cause for it now." 
 
 "What do you mean, Joe?" 
 
 "We're gettin' mighty nigh that island where you 
 believe the treasure is bi\ried." 
 
 "Getting near it !" Winn repeated in surprise. "I 
 haven't heard the captain say anything of the kind." 
 
 "He don't intend you shall ; but I caught part of 
 a confab 'twixt him an' the mate after the reckonin* 
 was made this noon. He allows we'll come to an- 
 chor in less than forty-eight hours ; but ain't countin' 
 on lettin' the crew know till the last minute." 
 
 "It doesn't seem possible we can have sailed so 
 far!'^ 
 
 "You haven't had much chance to count the days, 
 lad, because they've kept you on the run every min- 
 ute. There's more'n me to see what's goin' on, an' 
 when Bart Gerry begins his game agin you'll have 
 the w^hole crew on your side." 
 
 "I hoped he'd decided to keep the agreement made 
 with Manuel," Winn said half to himself, and Joe 
 added emphatically: 
 
114 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ''Don't let your mind run on any sich chances, 
 lad, for that bully is countin' on gettin' the best of 
 you, same as he was when you tried to stand up for 
 your rights." 
 
 ''But he didn't get a show to send me ashore." 
 .. "That would have happened if he hadn't been 
 knocked out of time ; but from what I've heard lately 
 I reckon he's got some plan in his ugly head that'll 
 come hard on you." 
 
 "He's bound to have his own way unless Captain 
 Jim has made up his mind to help me." 
 
 "I can answer for it that he hasn't, lad. This 
 noon I heard the captain say to Gerry that he'd 
 leave him to carry out the business, an' I allow that 
 means trouble for you." 
 
 "I'm afraid it does," Winn said sadly, and at that 
 moment the voice of the mate was heard calling for 
 the cook. 
 
 Now that he had been warned, Winn could 
 readily understand that the captain and mate were 
 making ready for the final undertaking of the voy- 
 age. 
 
 During the following day the two spent the 
 greater portion of their time in earnest conversation, 
 and once Winn saw in Gerry's hands the chart given 
 him by old Manuel. 
 
 He fancied several times that they talked together 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 115 
 
 concerning him, for one or both looked often in his 
 direction, and the mate emphasized his remarks by 
 threatening or angry gestures. 
 
 During this day the cook was forced to work 
 unusually hard, and at the earliest moment, after 
 supper had been served, the boy went into his cabin 
 so tired that further movement seemed absolutely 
 impossible. 
 
 His bodily weariness was so great that for the 
 time being mental trouble was unheeded, and kindly 
 slumber came to his relief before he had hardly more 
 than lain down in his bunk. 
 
 When he awakened the sun was streaming in 
 through the bull's-eye, and he sprang up in alarm, 
 for never before had he been allowed to sleep so late, 
 and there came instantly into his mind the thought 
 that the time had arrived when Bartholomew Gerry 
 was about to carry into execution some plan whereby 
 he would be deprived of his rights under the agree- 
 ment made in old Manuel's presence. 
 
 He had "turned in all standing," and was harffly 
 out of the bunk before his hand clasped the knob of 
 the door. 
 
 To his surprise the bolt did not yield to his efforts, 
 and he pressed heavily against the barrier, believing 
 the woodwork was swollen, but the door could not 
 be opened. 
 
116 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Again and again he tried to effect his purpose, 
 and then came the knowledge that he was a 
 prisoner. 
 
 The 'Tlying Scud" was nearing the end of her 
 long voyage, and Bart Gerry did not propose that 
 the boy, who was really his partner, should have any 
 part in the search for the Aymara treasure. 
 
 Winn seated himself on the edge of the bunk con- 
 fused and terrified. 
 
 By thus locking him in his room without cause 
 the mate showed that he was ready to employ every 
 means to defraud Manuel Telceda's heir, and Winn 
 had good reason to believe that his life was in grav- 
 est danger. 
 
 "He would have killed me before this if he hadn't 
 been disabled, and now unless Joe Savage can help 
 me, I stand little chance of being able to do as I 
 promised Manuel." 
 
 It did not seem possible Gerry would dare, in the 
 presence of the crew, to make a prisoner of the cook 
 without some plausible pretext, and Winn tried once 
 more to open the door, almost believing he had been 
 mistaken in supposing it was locked. 
 
 After this second attempt there could be no doubt, 
 and in his fear the poor boy beat upon the panels 
 with his fists, shouting loudly for Captain Jim and 
 Joe Savage. 
 
A DISABLED BULLY. 11? 
 
 ''What are you howling about?" the mate cried 
 from the opposite side of the barrier. 
 
 "Vm locked in here, and can't get out." 
 
 ''There's no question about that, and you'll find 
 yourself in irons if this racket is kept up." 
 
 "What right have you to do such a thing? Even 
 if I had been hired as the cook, you have no business 
 to shut me up in here !" 
 
 "I don't allow you ever was anything more than 
 the cook, and precious glad you were to take the 
 berth in order to get out of the poor-house. But 
 we don't let thieves, whether they be paupers or 
 sailors, run at large on this craft." 
 
 "Thieves !" Winn repeated, not understanding for 
 the instant the drift of the mate's remark. 
 
 "That's what I said. If you'd been less of a fool, 
 you'd have understood that it wasn't possible to 
 carry on as you've been doin' without coming to 
 grief." 
 
 "Do you accuse me of being a thief?" the boy 
 cried in a rage. 
 
 "I didn't accuse you ; the crew themselves proved 
 that you were one. All the things Captain Robin- 
 son and I have missed were found in your room last 
 night, when you pretended to be asleep. I never be- 
 lieved you to be an honest lad ; but yet it didn't come 
 into my mind you would steal while on ship-board, 
 
118 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 until some of the sailors insisted your room should 
 be searched. Now I don't propose to waste time on 
 such a worthless scoundrel as you ; make a row, and 
 on go the irons, not to be taken off until the 'Flying 
 Scud' is back at Fairhaven." 
 
 Winn was no longer capable of either action or 
 speech. There could be no question but that Gerry 
 had so laid the plot that at least some of the crew 
 believed him to be a thief, and it surely seemed as if 
 he was wholly at the mercy of his enemy. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 It seemed absolutely impossible for Winn to think 
 over the situation calmly after the sound of Bart 
 Gerry's retreating footsteps told that the mate had 
 gone on deck. 
 
 The one idea uppermost in his mind was that if 
 he had risked all and made the secret known to the 
 crew, it would have been better than thus to be 
 branded a villain. 
 
 He knew full well that having entered upon this 
 plan, neither the mate nor Captain Jim would dare 
 to retreat even so far as to allow him his freedom 
 while on board the schooner, and for their own 
 safety they must bring such proof, when the ''Fly- 
 ing Scud" returned to the United States, as would 
 convict him of the crime. 
 
 Winn was not so dull of wit but that he could 
 understand readily how the plot had been laid, for it 
 was so exceedingly simple that a novice might have 
 arranged at least a portion of it with the certainty 
 of success. 
 
 119 
 
120 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Unquestionably, both the officers had complained 
 of losing articles of value from their rooms; very 
 likely charged certain members of the crew with 
 theft, and it would have been but natural for the 
 men to insist that the cook must be the guilty per- 
 son, since he was the only one who had free access 
 to the cabin. 
 
 Then it simply remained, when the proper time 
 had come, for Gerry or the captain to secrete in 
 Winn's apartment the articles alleged to have been 
 stolen, and while he was below sleeping the sleep of 
 an exhausted boy, so irritated the crew that they de- 
 manded his cabin be searched. 
 
 From what Gerry had said, it was most probable 
 this was done on the previous night, and the goods 
 found exactly where they had been placed by, or 
 under direction of, the mate. 
 
 During all this wretched day Winn had no fear 
 that Joe Savage would believe him guilty; but 
 whether the sailor could convince his mates or not 
 was quite another question, in view of the probable 
 fact that the captain had stated positively that a 
 theft had been committed. 
 
 Believing this to be true, each man would say to 
 himself that the boy was the only one who could 
 have stolen the goods, and on such evidence as they 
 might, and undoubtedly would, give if occasion re- 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 121 
 
 quired, Manuel Telceda's heir must necessarily be 
 found guilty. 
 
 During the greater portion of the forenoon Winn 
 remained motionless in his bunk in a stupor of de- 
 spair, and then he was aroused by the opening of 
 the door. 
 
 A tin dish on which was a small quantity of cold 
 boiled beef and ship's biscuit, together with a can of 
 water, was shoved through the half -opened door, and 
 Winn, believing the captain to be the visitor, leaped 
 quickly from his bunk as he cried imploringly : 
 
 ''Captain Jim! Captain Jim! Do let me speak 
 with you just a minute! You can't think I stole 
 anything!" 
 
 The door was closed and locked quickly, as if the 
 visitor was eager to depart lest he should be forced 
 to hold a conversation with the wronged lad, and 
 from that time until sunset the prisoner heard noth- 
 ing save the gurgle of the waves as the schooner 
 sped on toward Cocos Island. 
 
 The food remained where it had been left. In 
 his anguish of mind Winn had no desire for or 
 thought of it. 
 
 An hour after sunset the prisoner fancied, from 
 the change in the motion of the vessel, that her 
 headway had been checked, and he sprang to the 
 bull's-eye to look out ; but from this point of 
 
122 THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 view nothing could be seen save the waste of 
 waters. 
 
 Then, so suddenly that it caused him to start vio- 
 lently, came to his ears the rattle of the chain as the 
 cable was let go, and he knew that the 'Tlying Scud" 
 had arrived at her destination. 
 
 He pictured to himself the happiness which would 
 have been his at such a moment if Manuel Telceda 
 had lived ; how eagerly he should be looking forward 
 to the morrow when the search for the treasure 
 would begin, and coming from such dreams to the 
 stern reality, his sorrow and despair seemed to be 
 increased tenfold. 
 
 Now and then he heard the footsteps of the men 
 on deck, and later, understood that the captain and 
 mate had gone to their respective rooms. 
 
 Then the silence was profound, and throwing 
 himself again upon the hard bed he gave full sway 
 to his grief born of despair. 
 
 When the violence of this outburst had abated 
 somewhat he fancied he heard his name spoken in a 
 whisper, and started up wondering if he had been 
 asleep. 
 
 Then came what sounded like a gentle tapping 
 upon the bull's-eye, and in an instant he was on his 
 feet looking out into the gloom of night. 
 
 Nothing met his eager gaze, however, and he was 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 123 
 
 on the point of lying down again when the tapping 
 was renewed. 
 
 This time he distinctly saw a human figure, and, 
 opening the bull's-eye, he reached forth his hand. 
 
 It was grasped firmly as he heard a friendly voice 
 whisper : 
 
 "Come closer, lad, for it will, be a serious matter 
 for both of us if I am found here either by the cap- 
 tain or my mates." 
 
 "Are you in a boat alongside?" Winn asked in 
 surprise, trying again, but in vain, to learn how the 
 friendly sailor could maintain his position. 
 
 "No; I'm standing on the main-chains. Have 
 you seen that precious mate since they locked you in 
 here?" 
 
 "He talked with me from the outside, and said I 
 was accused of stealing." 
 
 "Ay, lad, so you are. He played his game right 
 well, an' in such a way that it will be hard for you 
 to prove his hand in it. After you turned in he ac- 
 cused Bartlett hot an' heavy of bein' a thief, and 
 then came the question of searchin' your room, for 
 the men declared you was the only person aboard 
 who had full run of the cabin. I was one of the 
 party who found the captain's watch an' the mate's 
 money under your mattress when you was so nigh 
 beat out that we might have turned you end for end 
 
124 THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 without your so much as movin' an eyehd. Of 
 course I knew what the game was; but it has been 
 up-hill work to try to make my mates look at the 
 matter through my eyes, unless I should tell the 
 whole bloomin' story, an' that's what's got to be 
 done sooner or later, lad." 
 
 "Bart Gerry won't dare to keep me prisoner here 
 a great while." 
 
 "It's his only show, an' the minute he lets you go 
 he's the same as said it was all a put-up job. Then 
 will come the question of who did steal the things? 
 No, lad, you're in for it unless we can make a bold 
 move, an' what that may be goes ahead of me." 
 
 "If the men don't believe me innocent now, they 
 wouldn't when you had told the whole story," Winn 
 said after a moment's thought. 
 
 "Perhaps not, lad ; still there's a better show for it 
 if we let on why the mate has jumped down on you 
 so heavy. Whether they find old Manuel's treasure 
 here or not, it don't stand to reason the 'Flying 
 Scud' will lay at anchor a great while, an' before 
 she gets under way again we've got to make up our 
 minds whether you'll go back to the States as a pris- 
 oner, to be put into jail at the first port we make, or 
 take your chances of desertin.' " 
 
 "But that would be the same as admitting I really 
 stole the things." 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 125 
 
 *'I know it, lad, yet it goes a long ways ahead of 
 takin' your chances on the other tack." 
 
 While one might have counted twenty Winn re- 
 mained silent, and then asked slowly : 
 
 'Is this Cocos Island?" 
 
 *'I allow it is, though accordin' to the captain's 
 talk we've only stopped here for water, an' he 
 doesn't let on that the name of the land is down on 
 the chart." 
 
 ''Are they makin' ready to go on shore?" 
 
 ''Bless you, lad, yes. The empty water-casks are 
 on deck to give colorin' to his story of why we 
 brought up here. All the boats are afloat, an' I 
 allow there won't be any time wasted after day- 
 break to-morrow mornin.' You see in these waters, 
 an' with sich a harbor, even a landsman knows we're 
 like to be forced to sea at any minute. With the 
 wind from the west, or thereabouts, we're all right ; 
 but let it come four points east or north or south, 
 an' the 'Flying Scud' must be gotten under way. 
 How long do you reckon it'll take 'em to do this 
 'ere gold huntin' ?" 
 
 "Manuel thought one day should be enough." 
 
 "One day, lad?" Joe exclaimed incautiously aloud. 
 "Why, at that rate, there's. got to be a quick move 
 made if you're to be helped out of the hole that 
 precious Gerry has put you into. One day ! Why 
 
126 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 it's a case of slippin' off to-night, or lettin' him work 
 his own sweet will !'' 
 
 ''Would you honestly advise me to run away, al- 
 lowing the crew to believe I'm guilty?" 
 
 "I would for a fact, lad. If we ever make the 
 home-port, what the crew alone can tell would make 
 you out a thief, spite of all the lawyers in the coun- 
 try, an' you haven't got overly much money to hire 
 a lot of land-sharks to pull you through." 
 
 "I'll do exactly as you say, /Joe; but it is terrible 
 to think of being left on the*island, where perhaps 
 I may never see a white man again." 
 
 '*I don't allow you've got that to fear, for this 
 'ere group ain't so far out of the world but that ves- 
 sels put in now an' then, though I'm free to admit 
 they don't come very plentiful. Accordin' to my 
 way of thinkin' it's a heap better than lettin' Bart 
 Gerry keep on as he's begun." 
 
 ** If it is possible for you to help me ashore I'll 
 go." 
 
 "In case this 'ere treasure huntin' is done up by 
 to-morrow night, I'm afraid I stand precious little 
 chance of lendin' you a hand, lad ; both watches are 
 on deck, 'cause it's too hot in the forecastle for a 
 Christian man to sleep there. Howsomever, I'll see 
 what can be done 'twixt now an' daylight. Keep up 
 a stout heart, an' if we don't outwit that precious 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 127 
 
 mate it'll be owin' to our not havin' had half a 
 show." 
 
 Then, after thus trying to give Winn courage, 
 when even a strong man might well have been par- 
 doned for losing hope, the sailor disappeared, leav- 
 ing the disconsolate boy standing at the bull's-eye 
 peering out into the darkness as if there he could 
 read the future. 
 
 Sleep did not visit the prisoner's eyes during this 
 night when the 'Tlying Scud" lay, as he supposed, 
 within a short distance of the Aymara treasure. 
 
 He listened intently in the hope of being able to 
 learn by the faint noises which came to his ears now 
 and then of what was being done on deck, and when 
 the first gray light of the new day stole across the 
 face of the restless waters, he heard the captain's 
 voice in tones of command. 
 
 It seemed to Winn as if the men could not have 
 had time to eat breakfast before the sound of oars 
 told that a boat had put off from the schooner, and 
 then in rapid succession the others followed, until 
 he knew the last one had started. 
 
 It did not seem probable he would gain any fur- 
 ther information until the treasure-seekers returned, 
 which could not be until after several hours had 
 elapsed, and the boy flung himself upon the bunk in 
 an agony of grief. 
 
128 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 To be kept a prisoner in the cabin where even the 
 heat of the night was almost unbearable, while the 
 wealth in which he had a rightful claim was being 
 unearthed, caused him such keen distress of mind 
 that for the time being he quite forgot what un- 
 questionably awaited him if he should be forced to 
 return to his native land on board the 'Tlying Scud/' 
 
 He believed two or three of the sailors had been 
 left behind to care for the schooner, and in such 
 case knew that the only attention he was likely to 
 receive would be when food was brought, and in the 
 excitement consequent upon setting out to recover 
 the treasure. Captain Jim might have forgotten to 
 give any orders concerning him. 
 
 Therefore his surprise was so great as to amount 
 almost to bewilderment when the door of his cabin 
 opened and Joe Savage entered. 
 
 ''Now, lad, you'll never get out of your trouble if 
 you weaken like this," the kindly-hearted sailor said 
 as he laid his hand gently on the weeping boy's 
 head, and springing to his feet Winn cried in amaze- 
 ment : 
 
 '*How did you get in here?" 
 
 "Through the door, of course. It 4oes seem as if 
 luck had begun to set our way at last^ Our precious 
 mate says to me an hour ago, says h^ 'You'll stay 
 aboard. Savage, to care for the schooner. There's 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 129 
 
 no show for a change in the weather, an' it'll be a 
 loafin' spell for you. That young thief must be fed, 
 an' when it's been done you can pull away at your 
 pipe comfortably, while the other men are sweatin' 
 over the water-casks.' He wanted to be mighty 
 friendly-like, but he didn't shut Joe Savage's eye." 
 
 "I don't understand why he should leave you 
 rather than some one else." 
 
 'That's where the luck comes in, lad, an' now 
 we're bound to take advantage of it before the treas- 
 ure-hunters are aboard agin. What do you say to a 
 breath of fresh air?" 
 
 "Isn't there any danger they will see us from the 
 shore?" 
 
 ''Not if you're careful. First get into the cabin 
 pantry to fill yourself up, an' then sneak on deck 
 where we'll have a chat." 
 
 "I'll go up at once. I'm not hungry, an' it 
 doesn't seem as if I ever would be again." 
 
 "Now see here, Winn Burbridge, we'll start fair 
 from this point. You're bound to eat if you count 
 on ever gettin' the best of Bart Gerry, an' I'll never 
 so much as raise a hand toward helpin' out if you 
 go back on your grub jest when it's most needed." 
 
 "I'll do as you say," Winn replied meekly as he 
 started toward the pantry, and Joe went on deck, 
 saying cheerily as he ascended the companion-way: 
 
130 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "Make a hearty breakfast, lad, an' I'll stand watch 
 meanwhile, for it would be a rough joke if that 
 precious mate should take it into his head to turn 
 back sudden-like." 
 
 Five minutes later the boy appeared on deck, tak- 
 ing good care not to show himself above the rail, 
 and Joe beckoned for him to come within the shelter 
 of the weather-rail, where he was lying at full 
 length as if thoroughly enjoying the situation. 
 
 "It didn't take you many minutes to fill up; but 
 short as the time was I've thought out a plan which 
 is likely to work, an' what's more, it's the only thing 
 I can get through my thick head." 
 
 **' About me, do you mean?" 
 
 ''Sure; who else would I be studyin' over jest 
 now^ ? If what old Manuel said about the treasure 
 was true, it stands to reason they will begin loadin' 
 gold before nightfall, an' we'll be under way agin 
 mighty soon. Here's a chance for you to say good- 
 by to the biggest villain Fairhaven ever raised, which 
 is the same as if I'd said the name, Bartholomew 
 Gerry." 
 
 "I can't see how it will be possible without a boat, 
 unless you think I can swim ashore, an' it must be a 
 good mile an' a half." 
 
 "A little better than that, lad, an' Mister Sharkee 
 would have you between his teeth before you was 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 131 
 
 well clear of the schooner. I'm not countin' on 
 anything quite so bold as that, though I've got as 
 neat a game as was ever rigged up by a sailorman. 
 You an' me will take our pick of the cabin stores, not 
 choosin' more'n we can carry comfortably, an' you 
 an' them shall be hid in the bunt of the mainsail — 
 it hasn't been stowed, as you can see." 
 
 "Then when the schooner was gotten under way 
 I'd be rolled out like a pea from a pod," Winn added 
 with a mirthless laugh, and woefully disappointed 
 because this plan had proven to be such a poor 
 one. 
 / "Look here, how long do you allow it'll take to 
 bring that 'ere gold aboard, providin' it's found?" 
 
 "There must be a big pile of it." 
 
 "An' Manuel allowed it could be dug out in one 
 day?" 
 
 "He seemed to think so." 
 
 "Then it stands to reason the crew will be a good 
 part of the night fetchin' it aboard. After dark, 
 an' while all hands are tumblin' around chunks of 
 gold as if they were so many pumpkins, you should 
 be able to slip over the rail into one of the boats 
 that'll be alongside till we get ready to sail. I'll 
 be nearabouts to lend a hand. We shan't be troubled 
 with Mister Bartholomew Gerry, Esquire, because 
 he ain't overly strong, as you know, an' knockin* 
 
132 THE TREASURE OP COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 'round on shore all day is likely to pull him down 
 pretty bad." 
 
 "But, Joe, you seem to forget that Captain Jim 
 or Gerry will be almost certain to find out before 
 they've been on board an hour, that I'm not in my 
 room." 
 
 "I don't forget it, lad ; it's part of my plan. I'm 
 goin' to report that you slipped past me when I 
 tried to hand in your breakfast, an' jumped over- 
 board. They'll know to a ty-ty that you couldn't 
 swim ashore, an' will allow you're sailin' 'round 
 inside of a shark by that time. All Gerry wants is 
 to have you out of the way, an' I'll go bail he don't 
 fret much on account of it, because, don't you see, 
 it winds up his game in great shape." 
 
 "But isn't it likely they'll search the schooner to 
 make certain you're telling the truth?" 
 
 "I don't believe it; but suppose they should? I 
 don't allow, seein's how all hands are nervous an' 
 excited-like over findin' the gold, that they'll have 
 sense enough to look in the bunt of the mainsail. 
 It's bound to be a scorchin' hot place; but you can 
 stand a bit of heat for the sake of parting company 
 with Bartholomew Gerry." 
 
 "I'd be willing to take bigger chances if there was 
 anything rather than this lonely island ahead of 
 me. 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 133 
 
 **We can't make matters different in that line, my 
 boy, and it's for you to decide whether we'll play 
 the game or not." 
 
 ''Of course I shall try it if you can't think of any- 
 thing better, Joe." 
 
 ''Anything better ? Why, Winn, it'll be a reg'lar 
 lark to loaf 'round that 'ere island for two or three 
 months, an' when a ship comes along you'll have 
 been left behind by the schooner 'Flying Scud.' 
 Then it's a case of tryin' your luck in some other 
 country where Bart Gerry ain't likely to run across 
 you." 
 
 "But suppose I can't get over the rail without 
 being seen?" 
 
 "That's the only part of the trick where we've got 
 to take many chances, an' I believe it can be done 
 without or more'n half tryin' ; but if we fail up, you 
 won't be any worse off than you are now." 
 
 "They'll know you told a lie." 
 
 "That won't give me any great pain. When you 
 have to deal with sich as Bart Gerry, I claim any- 
 thing crooked is straight." 
 
 Having decided to adopt Joe's plan, Winn was 
 eager to set about the preliminaries at once, and the 
 sailor went with him to the pantry to select such an 
 assortment of stores as could be most conveniently 
 carried. 
 
134 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Half a dozen tins of meat and biscuit ; pepper, salt, 
 a side of bacon, and a small store of tobacco were set 
 aside by Joe as articles which would be most needed 
 by the fugitive. 
 
 Winn objected to the tobacco on the ground that 
 he neither chewed nor smoked, therefore it would be 
 useless to burden himself with the stuffy but Joe was 
 determined this particular article should form a por- 
 tion of the stock. 
 
 "I'll allow you don't use it now, lad; but after 
 you've been alone a spell it'll be reg'lar comfort to 
 learn, so in the tobacco goes, an' we'll hope the cap- 
 tain or mate don't miss what we've taken." 
 
 Then Joe brought a canvas clothes-bag, a revolver 
 and a small amount of ammunition, from the fore- 
 castle, saying as he began packing the provisions in 
 the bag: 
 
 'T reckon this little donation of mine will come 
 in handy, an' I don't have any great call for the 
 collection. You'll need something to defend your- 
 self with, an' the shootin'-iron does me about as 
 much good as a sheath-knife would an old woman." 
 
 "It isn't right for you to rob yourself," Winn said 
 in feeble protest. 
 
 "You needn't fear I'll do anything so foolish, lad. 
 It would please me mightily if I could give you a 
 better start. A good boat would be worth all this 
 
COCOS ISLAND. 135 
 
 'ere stuff, an' it may be you'll get your hands on 
 one." 
 
 "Manuel's dory belongs to me." 
 
 "So it does; but we won't be partic'lar about 
 pickin' her out if she ain't handy." 
 
 Then Joe set about forming a hiding-place for 
 Winn by shaking out the sail here and there, and so 
 arranging the folds that he would not be deprived 
 of air. 
 
 This done, and after a series of signals were ar- 
 ranged between the two, so that Winn would under- 
 stand when the time had come for him to venture 
 forth, and know on which side of the schooner a boat 
 could be found, the two made themselves comfort- 
 able in such positions as admitted of their keeping 
 watch upon the shore. 
 
 Joe told stories of shipwrecked sailors, detailing 
 how they had been able to better their situation, and 
 otherwise giving Winn much good advice in the 
 guise of a "yarn." 
 
 Again and again the two discussed the probabili- 
 ties of success when the moment for leaving the 
 schooner should come, and twice before nightfall 
 did they eat a substantial meal. 
 
 Winn was heartened as much by the conversation 
 as by the food, and when, shortly after sunset, the 
 schooner's boats could be seen putting off from the 
 
136 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 shore, the boy's courage was wonderfully good in 
 view of the perils by which he was surrounded. 
 
 "It'll be dark by the time the foremost boat, which 
 I allow is bringing the captain, comes alongside, an' 
 everything is workin' your way," Joe said cheerily as 
 he led Winn to the hiding-place. ''J^^P ^^> ^^^P 
 under cover a couple of hours, an' then, if they don't 
 freight the gold aboard, you'll be stowed away on 
 shore where Bart Gerry can't get his eye on you 
 unless through your own carelessness." 
 
 Winn did as he was bidden, and ten minutes later 
 he could hear the voices of the men as they swarmed 
 up over the rail. 
 
 A full day had been spent in searching for the 
 Aymara treasure, with Manuel Telceda's chart to 
 guide them in the task, and the boy who had been 
 so cruelly wronged did not doubt but that it was 
 already in the possession of Captain Robinson and 
 Bartholomew Gerry. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 FREEDOM. 
 
 As may be imagined, Winn was keenly on the 
 alert for such conversation as might give him a 
 clew to what had been done, and how the news of 
 his escape was received. 
 
 In the effort to ascertain this fact he was more 
 successful than he had dared to hope, thanks to Joe, 
 who intentionally made his report to the captain 
 where the boy could readily overhear it. 
 
 In fact, it seemed to Winn as if the old sailor was 
 standing within a few inches of his place of conceal- 
 ment when he said : 
 
 "I'm mighty sorry, Captain Robinson, to have to 
 report that most likely the sharks have gobbled up 
 Winn Burbridge." 
 
 "Sharks ?" Captain Jim repeated. 
 
 "Ay, sir. When I carried the ungrateful little 
 villain his breakfast, what does he do but make a 
 rush out, upsetting me and getting on deck before 
 I could so much as say 'Jack Robinson.' Then " 
 
 "Didn't you have sense enough to think he might 
 
 137 
 
138 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 try some such game as that?" Winn heard Bart 
 Gerry interrupt angrily. 
 
 ''I didn't allow he'd be so crazy as to go over the 
 rail where the sharks are as thick as blackberries in 
 'Squire Kelly's pasture. Even if you'd warned me 
 to look out for any sich trick, I'd 'a' said to myself he 
 couldn't done more'n give me a chase 'round the 
 decks for a spell. But it must have been in his head 
 to kill hisself rather than go back to Fairhaven an' 
 be tried for stealin', 'cause he took to the water as if 
 he'd made up his mind for it beforehand." 
 
 "Are you certain he didn't swim ashore?" Cap- 
 tain Jim asked anxiously, and Gerry said with a 
 laugh, as if the news of the boy's probable death 
 pleased him : 
 
 "How far do you reckon he or anybody else could 
 swim where the water is fairly alive with sharks?" 
 
 "Of course it stands to reason he didn't live many 
 minutes after goin' over the rail. How long could 
 you keep him in sight. Savage?" 
 
 "I never so much as saw him in the water, sir, 
 an' allow he was gobbled up before he came to the 
 surface." 
 
 "It's the most sensible thing he could have done," 
 Gerry said, and to Winn's intense delight there was 
 not so much as a suggestion made that the schooner 
 be searched to learn if he was still on board. 
 
FREEDOM. 139 
 
 Now it was only a question how long the 'Tlying 
 Scud" would remain at her anchorage, and on this 
 point the fugitive's mind was very speedily set at 
 rest. 
 
 He heard Joe say in a tone of sadness : 
 
 "Vm afraid I'm to be blamed for the lad's death, 
 sir," and Gerry replied promptly : 
 
 *'Don't bother your head about that, my man. He 
 showed more pluck than I gave him credit for, and 
 was wise in doing it, for there's no question but that 
 he'd have gotten a long term in jail if he'd gone 
 back with us. Lend a hand there with those water- 
 casks, for you're the only one of the crew who isn't 
 fagged out with this day's work." 
 
 The sound of footsteps told that Joe had obeyed 
 this command promptly, and then Winn heard the 
 captain say in a low tone to the mate : 
 
 "We have driven the boy to his death, Bart, and 
 all to no purpose, for it is certain some of Telceda's 
 people have been here before us, and carried it away." 
 
 "I'm not willing to admit that," Gerry replied 
 angrily. 
 
 "Then you're making a fool of yourself, for 
 there's no question but that we found the place old 
 Manuel marked out on the chart, and there's been 
 digging done around it enough to have unearthed 
 three such treasures as he told about." 
 
140 THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Winn's heart beat violently, and at risk of betray- 
 ing his whereabouts he pushed the canvas aside yet 
 further in order that he might make certain of hear- 
 ing the reply. 
 
 *'ril admit some one has worked in the very place 
 Telceda said the gold was buried ; but I tell you, Jim, 
 that amount of treasure ain't carried away without 
 such fact leaking out, and we should have heard if it 
 had been dug up by sailors." 
 
 "1 don't see why you are so certain of that. Sup- 
 posing we'd found it — do you think we'd be runnin' 
 'round tellin' of it?" 
 
 ^'It'would leak out in spite of all we could do, for 
 the crew wouldn't hold their tongues." 
 
 *'Well, admitting, which I don't, that your view 
 of it be correct, what do you gather from the signs 
 on shore?" 
 
 "My idea of it is that some one who had an ink- 
 ling of where the treasure might be found has been 
 here and made a try for the gold — most likely 
 found it". ^ 
 
 "Then you admit that we've come on a wild-goose 
 chase?" 
 
 "I don't admit anything of the kind." 
 
 "Look here, Bart, say what you've got in your 
 mind an' have done with it. What's the use beating 
 about in this fashion ? If any one has dug for gold 
 
Winn's heart beat violently, as he pushed the canvas yet further aside that 
 he might hear the conversation.— Page 140. The Treasure of Cocos Island, 
 
FREEDOM. 141 
 
 and found it, how can it profit us to hang on here 
 any longer?" 
 
 "For a man who has knocked around the world as 
 much as you have, Jim Robinson, you're the stupid- 
 est I ever saw. Did you notice anything on the 
 beach nearabout where we landed?" 
 
 ''You mean in the way of foot-prints? I saw 
 them, and allow that some ship's crew has landed 
 here within a short time." 
 
 "And if you'd hunted for the sign of a boat's keel 
 on the sand, as I did nearabout where the footprints 
 were, you wouldn't have found it." 
 
 ''Go on, go on, Bart !" Captain Jim said hoarsely. 
 "I'm beginnin' to understand what you mean !" 
 
 "You should have understood it this morning. I 
 believe some of old Telceda's chums have been here 
 searching for the treasure — perhaps found it ; but I'll 
 take my oath it's on the island to-night." 
 
 "That's as much as if you said they were here 
 yet!" 
 
 "The footprints on the beach prove it." 
 
 "By heaven, if any one is here with the treasure 
 in his possession, he'll be a poorer man when we 
 leave!" 
 
 "That's what I like to hear, Jim Robinson; it 
 sounds as if you might be depended on." 
 
 "Might be? Show me the man who can say my 
 
142 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAJ^D. 
 
 word is not as good as my bond — I mean, it was 
 before I started on this cruise." 
 
 ''You're too soft-hearted, Jim, and for that rea- 
 son I didn't talk about what I saw until we were 
 where it's certain no one is listening. We've got rid 
 of the boy, and will put a stopper " 
 
 "Hold up, Bart, I'd rather not talk of the poor 
 lad we drove to his death, for that's what we did do." 
 
 ''There you go again ! You may be a good cap- 
 tain in some ways ; but when it comes to solid work 
 you can't be depended on, and I say it again. Now, 
 instead " 
 
 "Boat ahoy !" one of the crew shouted, and Winn 
 heard Gerry ask angrily : 
 
 "What's the matter with you, Bartlett? Too 
 much liquor?" 
 
 "What's wrong with hailin' a boat when you see 
 one?" the sailor asked surlily. 
 
 "There isn't a craft within a dozen miles of us — 
 I do see what looks like a raft !" and there was some- 
 thing very like fear in the mate's tone as he made 
 this last assertion. 
 
 "It's most likely a shipwrecked man," Captain 
 Robinson said impatiently. ~"I wish to heaven the 
 fellow had kept away from us till after this business 
 is over ; we've got witnesses enough already, without 
 adding to the number just now." 
 
FREEDOM. 143 
 
 So great was the confusion immediately after this 
 remark had been made that Winn was unable to 
 determine exactly what was being done, but a few 
 moments later he fancied the bustle and noise had 
 been caused by the coming on board of the stranger 
 regarding whom the captain and mate had b'een 
 speaking. 
 
 He heard Gerry say to some member of the crew : 
 
 ''Let them bring the man here, and then the rest 
 of you attend to getting supper." 
 
 It was not strange the man should give this com- 
 mand, for he was unable, because of weakness con- 
 sequent upon his illness, to do much in the way of 
 exercise, and probably the exertions of the day had 
 thoroughly exhausted him. 
 
 Thus it was that Winn overheard the conversa- 
 tion which followed better than if he had been at lib- 
 erty, for the two officers spoke in low tones as if 
 fearful lest the members of the crew should over- 
 hear them. 
 
 "Where are you from, my man ?"' Captain Jim 
 asked. 
 
 ''Cocos Island." 
 
 "Do you mean this land here ?" and it was evident 
 from his tone that Gerry was surprised by the an- 
 swer. 
 
 "This is the only Cocos Island I know of." 
 
144 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ** Where were you when we landed this morn- 
 ing?" 
 
 ''On the other side of the island where is my hut. 
 It's the first day since landing that I haven't kept 
 sharp watch for a sail, and to think you might have 
 gone without my knowing of your visit until it was 
 too late! Where are you bound for, sir?" 
 
 "Nowhere in particular just now. Tell me how 
 you came here ?" 
 
 "I was set ashore at my own request from the 
 bark 'Mermaid.' 
 
 "In order that you might look for the Aymara 
 treasure?" Gerry said suddenly and sharply, and 
 Winn heard the stranger utter a low cry of aston- 
 ishment. 
 
 "How do you know anything about that?" he 
 asked eagerly. 
 
 "Did you ever hear of one Manuel Telceda." 
 
 "Hear of him? He is my friend." 
 
 "You mean he was. Telceda died on board this 
 schooner just after we left the coast of Venezuela. 
 We were bringing him here for the same purpose 
 that you came." 
 
 There was a brief pause, and then Winn heard 
 the stranger ask eagerly : 
 
 "In whose interest are you working?" 
 
 "In our own for the greater part," Captain Jim 
 
FEEEDOM. 145 
 
 replied with a laugh, and before he could speak fur- 
 ther Gerry interrupted him by saying : 
 
 ''We fitted out this vessel under an agreement that 
 two-thirds of the treasure should be ours, and the 
 remainder delivered to Telceda or his friends. We 
 shall still hold to the bargain." 
 
 "Manuel had no right to dispose of as much as 
 that. It belongs to our people." 
 
 ''And much good will it do them. Telceda landed 
 at Cuman and hunted in vain for any one whom he 
 formerly knew," Captain Jim hastened to say, and 
 Gerry added, as if his partner's method of conduct- 
 ing the conversation, did not meet with his ap- 
 proval : 
 
 "We're ready to fulfil the terms of the agreement, 
 and shall be sorry if it fails to meet with your ap- 
 proval, although I haven't the slightest idea who 
 you may be." 
 
 "That matters little. It is enough if I say that 
 not one gold piece shall be taken away on such a 
 bargain as you claim Manuel made." 
 
 "May I ask how you will prevent it?" 
 
 "There is no need for me to do anything save 
 hold my tongue." 
 
 "Then it was you who dug in the spot where 
 Manuel says the gold was buried?'* 
 
 "It was." 
 
146 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "And you have hid it elsewhere in order to de- 
 fraud your people of their share?" 
 
 "Yesterday I couldn't have told why I performed 
 such labor; but now I understand." 
 
 "Understand what ?" 
 
 "That I was warned of your arrival by the spirits 
 of my people." 
 
 At this point it seemed to Winn as if the mate lost 
 control of his temper, for he said contemptuously: 
 
 "Warned by your grandmother ! You don't want 
 to make such talk to us, for we're not likely to listen 
 to it patiently. Having spent several thousand dol- 
 lars at the request of the man who aided in burying 
 the treasure, w^e are not likely to allow the voyage 
 to be a losing one while the gold is still here. How 
 do you count on getting the stuff away if we're so 
 foolish as to let you defraud us of it?" 
 
 "I shall await the arrival of another vessel, and 
 offer to her commander one-tenth part of the whole 
 if he will transport it and me to Venezuela." 
 
 "How many vessels have touched here since you 
 landed?" 
 
 "Yours is the first." 
 
 "And you're likely to stay until doomsday before 
 you'll find a captain who'll carry away millions and 
 content himself with a tenth part." 
 
 "I have already waited nearly the full span of life 
 
FREEDOM. 147 
 
 in the hope of delivering their own to my people. I 
 can wait yet longer, and if death overtakes me with 
 the work still undone, the failure will not be any 
 fault of mine. Do you refuse my terms?" 
 
 "We recognize only the bargain made with Tel- 
 ceda," Gerry said sharply, and an instant later a cry 
 of dismay burst from his lips. 
 
 "The scoundrel has left us!" he shouted, and 
 added in a yet louder voice, "Forward there ! Some 
 of you fellows jump into the boat and catch that 
 man ! Don't handle him roughly, but be certain you 
 bring him back ! Lively, boys, it's worth ten dollars 
 to the one who overhauls him." 
 
 An instant later it was impossible for Winn to 
 guess what was being done, save that he knew the 
 men were obeying the command, and while He re- 
 mained in a fever of excitement, almost tempted to 
 brave everything for the sake of knowing whether 
 the capture was effected, he heard the signal agreed 
 upon between Joe and himself. 
 
 Without hesitation he quickly made his way from 
 among the folds of canvas, dragging after him the 
 bag of provisions, and stood on the starboard side of 
 the boom, uncertain in which direction to proceed 
 until he was seized by the arm as Joe whispered : 
 
 "Now's your time, lad, and the luck couldn't be 
 working more in our favor. All hands have taken 
 
148 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 to the boats in the hope of earning that ten dollars, 
 and your dory is made fast just alongside just for- 
 ward of the fore-rigging. Get into her as quick as 
 you know how." 
 
 Involuntarily, Winn glanced around and saw the 
 captain and mate hanging over the port-rail as they 
 urged the sailors forward in the chase, by repeating 
 loudly the reward which would be paid to the one 
 who first laid hands on the stranger. 
 
 At that moment the boy who was accused of theft 
 might have walked leisurely forward and aft with- 
 out attracting attention, so engrossed were the two 
 men in the pursuit, and there was nothing to prevent 
 him from making his escape. 
 
 *Tull well out to sea, and then circle around the 
 schooner," Joe whispered. "Take it easy, for there's 
 no danger, providin' you don't get too near the 
 island until that 'ere chase is ended. I'll go ashore 
 to-morrow, most likely, an' do my best to find you. 
 So that you keep out of sight all will be well, for it 
 is believed you're dead." 
 
 This much Winn already knew, and replying that 
 he would be on the lookout after sunrise, he slipped 
 softly over the rail. 
 
 Joe cast the painter loose, and the light night wind 
 forced the dory away from the side of the "Flying 
 Scud" until she was swallowed up by the darkness. 
 
FREEDOM. 149 
 
 The fugitive understood fully the danger to which 
 he would be exposed if he rowed toward the shore 
 while the chase was in progress, and to avoid the 
 possibility of a mistake he made no effort at direct- 
 ing the course of the boat until the cries of the men 
 told that they had returned to the schooner. 
 
 No shouts of rejoicing were to be heard, therefore 
 Winn felt confident the stranger had made good his 
 escape; but at the time he did not realize how this 
 might affect him in any way. 
 
 It was nearly an hour before he took up the oars, 
 and then he had the dark shadow of the island to 
 guide him on the desired course. 
 
 He rowed smartly past the schooner, going so 
 near that it was possible to hear the hum of voices 
 from her deck, and gained the shore at nearly the 
 same point where the sailors had landed in the morn- 
 ing. 
 
 Here a long line of rock formed a natural break- 
 water where he could run the dory directly up on the 
 beach without danger of being overturned, and once 
 ashore there was a hymn of thanksgiving in his 
 heart that at last he was free from those who were 
 content only when believing him to be dead. 
 
 Now came the question as to what he should do 
 with the boat. 
 
 His one desire was to keep her, for without a 
 
150 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 craft of some kind it would be impossible to board 
 any vessel which might heave-to off the island, and 
 yet he knew the sailors would most likely find her 
 next morning, however much time he spent in trying 
 to hide her. 
 
 The only safe course was to set the dory adrift, 
 and it was much like parting with an old friend when 
 he pushed her off into deep water where she would 
 feel the weight of the wind and current. 
 
 Many days had he and Manuel spent in that same 
 dory, and she was the only tie which bound him to 
 the old life that was at least free from care, even 
 though he called the poor-farm his home. 
 
 "I'd take a good many risks for the sake of keep- 
 ing her,'' he said with a long-drawn sigh; "but it 
 wouldn't pay to be so foolish, for Bart Gerry would 
 understand the whole business if he saw her." 
 
 It was too late to search for a desirable spot in 
 which to spend the night ; he must stop where he was 
 until the sun should rise, and then see to it that he 
 found a place of concealment, which last would not 
 be a simple matter, since it was more than probable 
 the "Flying Scud's" crew would overrun the island 
 during the coming day. 
 
 Under other circumstances Winn might have 
 thought it hard lines to be forced to sit under a tree 
 so near the beach that the sand-fleas made them- 
 
FREEDOM. 151 
 
 selves disagreeably friendly ; but the knowledge that 
 he had escaped from those who would not have 
 scrupled to kill him in order to add to their gains, 
 caused the discomforts to seem as nothing. 
 
 He even spent a portion of the time in slumber, 
 and was in a certain degree refreshed when the faint 
 line of light in the east told that a new day was 
 about to begin. 
 
 He wished to remain so near the tiny harbor that 
 he could have a view of all who came ashore from 
 the schooner, in order to learn if Joe Savage was 
 among them, and to effect such purpose it was 
 necessary he find a hiding-place in some tree, since 
 the densest thicket would be all too open to screen 
 him from the inquisitive eyes of the sailors. 
 
 Not until after he had with difficulty swarmed up 
 the third tree was he satisfied with his location, and 
 then it seemed to him that every member of the 
 schooner's crew might pass directly beneath where 
 he was hidden without being able to distinguish him 
 amid the foliage. 
 
 The only drawback to this secure hiding-place was 
 that he would be forced to remain there many hours, 
 in case any of the crew were left to guard the boats, 
 for he must necessarily be in full view of any one 
 on the beach while descending. 
 
 After no slight amount of labor he had succeeded 
 
152 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 in drawing up after him the bag containing his 
 stores, and once on this perch he set about eating 
 breakfast, opening one of the tins of meat with his 
 sheath-knife. 
 
 It would have been better had he fasted until 
 night-fall, for no sooner had he eaten of the salt 
 meat than thirst assailed him, and the desire was all 
 the stronger because of the fact that he did not dare 
 descend in order to search for water. 
 
 "I shall have to grin and bear it the best I can," 
 he said grimly. "I'd rather go thirsty a good many 
 hours than run the risk of missing Joe when he 
 comes ashore. It's the last chance I'll have of seein' 
 a white man till another vessel puts in here, for of 
 course Bart Gerry will take good care that the fel- 
 low who came aboard last night is captured. If he 
 has really hidden the treasure in another place, Cap- 
 tain Jim and Bart are bound to get hold of him if 
 they want to handle the gold." 
 
 Then Winn saw first one boat and another put off 
 from the schooner until all three were afloat loaded 
 with men, and the second day's search for the 
 Aymara treasure had begun. 
 
 *'I reckon there'll be more huntin' than diggin', 
 and I only hope the stranger will give them the slip, 
 though I don't see how I shall be any better off 
 whichever way it turns, for IVe lost all show of ever 
 
FREEDOM. 153 
 
 getting any of that gold. Even if the captain and 
 Bart hadn't made up their minds to cheat me out of 
 my share, this man who has been here so long would 
 kick against my having so much as a dollar. I'll 
 be playing in great luck now if I get away with a 
 whole skin." 
 
 Nearer and nearer the boats came until he could 
 distinguish the conversation of the men. 
 
 To the boy's delight he saw Joe Savage in the 
 foremost craft, and knew that it depended only upon 
 his own skill in avoiding the remainder of the com- 
 pany if he had a last interview with the friendly 
 sailor. 
 
 Captain Robinson and Bart Gerry were also 
 among the party, and Winn heard the latter say in 
 a loud tone that the crews of all the boats might 
 hear the words : 
 
 ''We'll set about huntin' down the scoundrel who 
 gave us the slip last night, and I'll pay fifteen dol- 
 lars to the man who catches him, or divide that 
 amount among all hands if more than one has a share 
 in the capture. There's to be no shirking this day; 
 the man who doesn't do his full duty will have a 
 long score to settle with me." 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 PETRO GARCIA. 
 
 The reward offered by Gerry for the capture of 
 the stranger had the effect of emptying the boats in 
 a wonderfully short space of time after their bows 
 grated on the sand. 
 
 Owing to the eagerness of each member of the 
 crew, with the possible exception of Joe Savage, to 
 earn the promised money, before either the mate or 
 the captain could step foot on shore every man had 
 disappeared among the foliage, and there was none 
 left to act the part of boat-keeper. 
 
 This was most fortunate for Winn, since his place 
 of hiding was in full view of this particular portion 
 of the beach, and he could not have come down from 
 the tree without being observed had any one re- 
 mained on duty. 
 
 Captain Jim and the mate followed the men as 
 rapidly as the latter's strength would permit, and 
 once they were lost to view in the distance the boy 
 descended, making his way cautiously through the 
 bushes in the direction taken by the others, with the 
 hope of coming upon Joe Savage. 
 
 154 
 
PETRO GARCIA. 155 
 
 In this last he was not disappointed. 
 
 The sailor purposely lingered behind his comrades, 
 knowing Winn would be on the lookout for him, and 
 while yet within a hundred yards of the beach the 
 two met; 
 
 '1 allowed you'd be hereabouts, lad, an' didn't run 
 very fast after we were out of sight of our precious 
 officers. Have you seen the man who boarded us 
 last night?" 
 
 'It was dark when I came ashore, so I didn't dare 
 to roam around the island very much. I was sorry 
 to set the dory adrift." 
 
 ''She was picked up just after daylight. The 
 wind hauled 'round about midnight, an' sent her in 
 toward the schooner." 
 
 "No one suspected that I came ashore?" 
 
 "Not a bit of it. Why, the dory wasn't so much 
 as missed till she was sighted by Bartlett. Captain 
 Jim an' Bart Gerry were so excited over the stranger 
 that it wouldn't have been a hard job to steal the 
 schooner from under their feet. The mate is worked 
 up over the matter till he comes mighty nigh bein' 
 in a fit all the time. Look here, Winn, has it struck 
 you who this man may be?" 
 
 "Manuel said Petro Garcia was the only one who 
 might have come here to search for the treasure." 
 
 "An' that's just who I allow the crew of the 
 
156 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 'Flying Scud' are after this minute. He was an 
 old chap, an' might have been taken for Manuel's 
 brother." 
 
 *'I hope it is him." 
 
 ''How much better off would you be?" 
 
 ''I should feel sure the money would go to those 
 who have the best claim upon it, an' that was what 
 Manuel wished." 
 
 ''There ain't any certainty but that Captain Jim 
 an' Bart can make him give up the treasure, no mat- 
 ter how eager he is for his people to have it." 
 
 "How could they do that?" 
 
 "By refusing to take him away from here. He 
 must have a chance to ship his gold an' himself, or 
 else his people will see precious little of it, an' ac- 
 cordin' to my way of thinkin' he had better make 
 the best trade he can. I heard Bart say to Captain 
 Jim last night that they'd offer to do as he wanted 
 if he'd divide the treasure, share an' share alike." 
 
 "If it is Petro Garcia, an' I show him the paper 
 which Manuel wrote, I'm certain he won't make 
 such a trade as that." 
 
 "I did think the story about the gold was all in 
 your eye, an' that the old man was kind of cracked ; 
 but now it begins to look a good deal like fact. Say, 
 Winn, we'd better push ahead an' try to find this 
 Petro, if it so be that's his name. I reckon if he's 
 
PETEO GARCIA. 157 
 
 been livin' here over a year he knows the island too 
 well to allow our crew to get hold of him." 
 
 While the two conversed they were strolling* lei- 
 surely through the thicket at right angles with the 
 course pursued by the sailors, and at Joe's suggestion 
 Winn quickened his pace as if believing speed was 
 the only requisite in the search for this guardian of 
 the Aymara treasure. 
 
 ''You don't stand one chance in a hundred of 
 findin' him that way, my lad. Have you got in your 
 mind where Manuel said the treasure was buried?" 
 
 "The crew must have gone directly toward the 
 place, as nearly as I can remember what was set 
 down on the chart." 
 
 ''Then we'll pull in a little toward the middle of 
 the island, an' call the name 'Petro Garcia' every 
 few minutes. Don't do too much yellin', but speak 
 loud enough so that if he's within half a cable's 
 length he should hear it." 
 
 This suggestion was acted upon, and the two bent 
 their way nearer the supposed location of the treas- 
 ure-, but yet taking good care not to run upon any 
 member of the "Flying Scud's" crew, continuing the 
 blind search for half an hour or more, when, al- 
 though hoping for such a reply, they were startled 
 by receiving an answer to their hail. 
 
 An instant later a rustling among the foliage a 
 
15B THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 short distance to the right told of the whereabouts of 
 him who had answered their cries, and looking in 
 that direction both saw the face of a man peering out 
 from amid the leaves. 
 
 "Are you Petro Garcia ?" Winn asked, fearing lest 
 the stranger might believe they were trying to effect 
 his capture and seek refuge in flight before he could 
 be questioned. 
 
 "Why do you want to know?" 
 
 "Manuel Telceda had the care of this boy, so to 
 speak,"- Joe said quickly, as if fancying he could 
 best conduct the conversation. "The old man has 
 given a lot of writing to him about the treasure that 
 he claimed was buried here, and it strikes me you 
 two had better have a talk together." 
 
 "Where are the rest of the crew ?" the man asked, 
 but not venturing nearer. 
 
 "Hunting for you. The boy has been hounded by 
 the captain an' mate mighty nigh to death, and ran 
 away from the schooner last night when the crew 
 started after you. There was an agreement be- 
 tween all hands as to how the treasure was to be 
 divided, and before Manuel died he made the cap- 
 tain agree to recognize Winn as his heir. It was 
 because of that they set about trying to get rid of 
 the lad, an' come close to doin' it. Are you Petro 
 Garcia?" 
 
PETRO GAECIA. 159 
 
 ; The man hesitated an instant, and then stepping 
 boldly forth, replied: 
 
 ''I am. Will you show me that which you say 
 was written by Manuel Telceda?" 
 
 Winn took from beneath his garments the paper 
 which the old Indian had given him, and Petro read 
 a line here and there until he had gained a general 
 idea of the subject. 
 
 'M am satisfied you are the one who was trusted 
 by my friend. What would you have me do ?" 
 
 "If you are minded, you can help this boy a good 
 bit — that is to say, unless you come to some terms 
 with the captain of the schooner about the treasure." 
 
 "I am ready to aid the boy if you will tell me how 
 it may be done." 
 
 'That's what I can't rightly say. All he asks is to 
 keep out of the way of any of our crew, because 
 while they think him dead, he is safe so far as they 
 are concerned. But once it's known that I lied, and 
 he is on this island, Bart Gerry will go to any length 
 for the sake of getting his hands on him." 
 
 "If that is all he needs I will answer for it that he 
 have no trouble, for unless your captain spends many 
 days in searching, he will not find my hiding-place." 
 
 "Then I reckon my part of the work is done, an' 
 I'd better be goin' on with the crew, or they may sus- 
 pect I'm playing double. If it so be we stay here 
 
160 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 another twenty-four hours, lad, I'd Hke to see you 
 once more." And Joe held out his hand to the boy 
 he had befriended. 
 
 "I will try to keep watch of what is being done," 
 Winn replied, shaking the sailor's hand fervently by 
 way of adieu, ''and if it happens I don't have a 
 chance of seeing you again, Joe, remember that I 
 realize how much you have done for me. Except 
 for you, I'd be a prisoner on board the schooner 
 now, and Bart Gerry could make all the mischief for 
 me he liked." 
 
 "I'm glad I had a chance, not only to help you, but 
 to get the best of the mate. I've had so much satis- 
 faction out of it that we're quits, lad. But we 
 haven't parted yet, an' I've got an idea the 'Flying 
 Scud' will lay at anchor here a good many days be- 
 fore either the skipper or his partner is willing to 
 give up all hope of getting at the treasure. Now 
 I'd better go. Look out for yourself, boy, an' as for 
 you, Mr. Garcia, I'd advise you not to take too much 
 stock in anything our captain or mate may agree to. 
 They ain't to be trusted, as Winn can tell you." 
 
 Then, without further indulging in leave-taking, 
 Joe plunged into the tangled foliage toward that di- 
 rection from which could be heard the cries of the 
 men on the trail of human game. 
 
 Petro looked at Winn earnestly for a moment as if 
 
PETRO GARCIA. 161 
 
 on the point of asking some question, and then said 
 abruptly : 
 
 ''Follow me, and I will show you a hiding-place 
 that your captain cannot readily find." 
 
 "Don't forget that the crew are hunting for you, 
 and if one of them should so much as get a glimpse 
 of me it would be known Joe Savage had told what 
 wasn't the truth." 
 
 'They're making so much noise that it will be our 
 fault if we are seen, and my dwelling isn't far 
 away." 
 
 Petro walked through the thicket with the air of 
 one thoroughly acquainted with the locality, and 
 Winn kept close at his heels, for at times the 'foliage 
 was so dense that his guide would be lost to view at a 
 distance of a dozen paces. 
 
 When five minutes had been spent in rapid travel- 
 ling, Manuel Telceda's friend suddenly made a sharp 
 turn to the right, and then plunged into the midst of 
 what appeared to be an impenetrable tangle of 
 thorny shrubs. 
 
 Winn hesitated, and from out the thicket came the 
 command : 
 
 "Push straight ahead, and take care of your face. 
 We have arrived at the hiding-place." 
 
 It was but natural the boy should shrink from 
 what gave promise of being a painful passage, and 
 
162 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 just at that moment the voices of the crew could be 
 heard in the distance. 
 
 This was sufficient to send Winn forward at a 
 rapid pace. Had the way been beset with actual 
 danger he would have gone on quite as rapidly, for 
 the fear of being again in the power of Bart Gerry 
 was so great as to overshadow almost everything 
 else. 
 
 The tangle of thorns seemed more formidable 
 than it really was. After forcing his way through 
 for a distance of a yard or more he found himself 
 amid a veritable thicket of gigantic canes, and this 
 passed, he stood at the entrance of what appeared to 
 be a cave leading directly under a slight elevation of 
 the land. 
 
 Petro beckoned him on, and the two traversed the 
 narrow tunnel-like passage, carpeted with white 
 sand, with walls and roof of what had the appear- 
 ance of limestone. 
 
 When thirty yards or more had been traversed, 
 Winn found himself in a circular cavern, at the op- 
 posite side of which was another passage similar to 
 that by which he had entered. 
 
 *'By going through there you will come out on the 
 shore," Petro said, pointing to this second tunnel, 
 "and the entrance is hidden by a fringe of rocks 
 which marks the line of coast on the east side of the 
 
PETRO GARCIA. 163 
 
 island. We are secure here, for even should your 
 captain and his crew discover the opening through 
 which we came, we have but to continue the flight, 
 and one man could elude his pursuers for many days, 
 so numerous are the hiding-places which Nature has 
 formed. Are you hungry?" 
 
 "I am thirsty." 
 
 Petro pointed to what appeared like an excavation 
 on one side of the cavern, and going toward it, Winn 
 found an opening in the wall of rock through which 
 could be seen a tiny stream of clearest water. 
 
 After quenching his thirst, the boy opened the bag 
 he had brought, and set before his host the store of 
 provisions taken from the pantry of the "Flying 
 Scud." 
 
 ''Of course, these didn't really belong to me, but I 
 can't believe it was stealing to bring them away, for 
 I have earned a good deal more by doing the cooking 
 on board the schooner." 
 
 Petro paid but little heed to this apology. 
 
 His eyes lighted on the tobacco which Joe had in- 
 sisted Winn should take, and he seized one piece 
 eagerly, saying with a glad cry : 
 
 "This is what I have most needed, and if your 
 captain had tempted me last night with such as this, 
 I fear I should have been ready to make a better 
 bargain than I now would. This island affords 
 
164 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 food and water, but I sadly missed the Indian 
 weed." 
 
 "If we see Joe Savage again, and you don't make 
 a trade with Captain Jim, you can get a good deal 
 more." 
 
 "I shan't make a trade with your Captain Jim, 
 now the sailor tells me he is not to be trusted. Sit 
 down there, and while I smoke for the first time in 
 nearly a year, you shall tell me all that has happened 
 since Manuel Telceda set out to unearth the Aymara 
 treasure." 
 
 Winn did as he was bidden, and while he told the 
 story Petro, having brought out a pipe from amid 
 the collection of cooking utensils which were ranged 
 around the pile of embers that marked the location 
 of the kitchen, enveloped himself in clouds of smoke. 
 
 Now and then Manuel's friend and countryman 
 interrupted the boy to ask certain questions, and 
 again he referred to the written document which had 
 been left in Winn's keeping, thereby delaying the 
 narrative until the day was fully half spent. 
 
 "Had my friend lived," Petro said gravely and 
 thoughtfully, "I would have agreed with him that 
 three-ninths should be divided between this man 
 Gerry, Captain Robinson and yourself, even though 
 I believe it much too high a price to pay for the re- 
 moval of the treasure. Now that Manuel is dead, I 
 
PETRO GARCIA. 165 
 
 willingly recognize you as his heir, and that share 
 which he would take shall be yours. We will divide 
 the wealth into six parts, after paying what may be 
 necessary to transport it either to Venezuela or the 
 United States, I care not which." 
 
 Winn smiled, but did not reply, and Petro asked 
 quickly : 
 
 "What have I said to cause you mirth?" 
 
 "I was only thinking that when we started on this 
 voyage I was to own a twentieth; after we stopped 
 at Cuman I was to take one-ninth, and now it is 
 agreed that I am to have a sixth ; yet all the time I 
 haven't seen so much as a single dollar." 
 
 ''After the schooner has sailed, you shall look at a 
 treasure larger than you perhaps ever heard of 
 before." 
 
 'Is it true that you dug the gold up only to bury 
 it somewhere else ?" 
 
 Petro nodded. 
 
 "It must have been a good deal of work ?" 
 
 "I have been here a year and a half, and labor be- 
 comes necessary to a man situated as I was." 
 
 "But why did you change it around? Wasn't it 
 as safe in one place as another ?" 
 
 "Two years ago Manuel Telceda and I believed 
 we were the only persons who knew of its where- 
 abouts. After I had visited him there came to my 
 
1G6 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ears a story told by a sailor, who claimed to have 
 heard it from my people, in which as much was re- 
 lated concerning this treasure even as Manuel and I 
 knew. Therefore, fearing lest some one might be- 
 lieve the man and come in search of the gold, I un- 
 earthed the entire hoard and hid it again. It was a 
 long, arduous task, but of service to me because I 
 was kept employed when idleness would have been 
 most dangerous, for men alone in such places often 
 go mad from the horrors of solitude." 
 
 "Are you willing to tell me how you got here?" 
 
 "The story is simple enough ; but when I proposed 
 to my friend that I would do this thing he said it was 
 the act of a fool. Failing to find any one who would 
 fit out a vessel as did your Captain Robinson, I 
 shipped on board a bark bound for Calcutta. 
 
 "Although but a common seaman, it did not ex- 
 cite much curiosity that I should pick out our course 
 on the chart, and one or the other of the crew who 
 heard the captain give the result of his reckoning, 
 would tell me the figures. Therefore I knew the po- 
 sition of the ship as well as did her master, and one 
 night when we were nearest this island, through the 
 aid of the man at the wheel, who believed me neither 
 more nor less than a discontented sailor, I cut away 
 the boat which hung at the stern-davits. 
 
 "I had a small supply of provisions saved from my 
 
PETRO GAECIA. 167 
 
 rations ; but the boat, which could not be lowered, 
 as a matter of course fell bottom up, and I was 
 unable to right her and at the same time retain my 
 stores. 
 
 "Therefore it was I found myself in an open boat 
 without a sail and but one oar, more than a hundred 
 miles from this place. 
 
 ''On the first morning after deserting the bark I 
 believed Manuel had but spoken the truth when he 
 said such an attempt to gain the island would be the 
 work of a fool; but yet I finally succeeded, because 
 all efforts were for the benefit of my people, not my- 
 self. Then I vowed that the Aymara treasure should 
 be delivered to its rightful owners, if it was within 
 my power. It is only just that a certain portion be 
 given those who aid me in carrying it away; but I 
 would sooner it remained here forever than divide it 
 in such measure as your captain proposes." 
 
 "How many days were you afloat in the boat?" 
 Winn asked, more interested for the time being in 
 the story of the wild adventure than in the proposed 
 division of the wealth. 
 
 "Six, and I should have perished from thirst but 
 that on the second day a flying fish came aboard, 
 which served in a measure to satisfy the desire for 
 water as well as food. On the fourth I found a 
 cocoanut palm floating, on which were three nuts, 
 
168 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 and the night of the sixth day came ashore in the 
 same cove where you landed." 
 
 "How did you expect to get the treasure away 
 after coming alone?" 
 
 ''At first I had a wild idea that it might be possible 
 to carry a certain portion in the boat which I had the 
 same as stolen, but after unearthing it I saw that 
 even should it be possible to make the voyage, which 
 now I doubted, but an exceedingly small amount, as 
 compared with the whole, could be taken in such a 
 craft." 
 
 "Where is she now?" 
 
 "Two days after I came ashore the island was 
 swept by a typhoon and the boat dashed to pieces. 
 Then it was I reproached myself bitterly for having 
 made the venture ; but now I can see that a higher 
 power than min'e directed the course of events. Had 
 I not risked my life in the attempt to gain this island, 
 when as Manuel said it was folly to do so, your cap- 
 tain would this day be transferring the Aymara 
 treasure from its long hiding-place to the hold of his 
 schooner, and my people would be deprived of their 
 own. 
 
 "Then see again how plainly is shown the hand of 
 God in all this. But for the fact that you had been 
 wronged — that the mate and the captain would have 
 deprived you of what Manuel promised should be 
 
PETEO GARCIA. 169 
 
 yours — there would have been no. reason for you to 
 seek me out, and I might have remained alone until 
 I died. 
 
 '*Now, even if death overtakes me to-morrow, I 
 shall yield my soul up cheerfully, because I know 
 you will do all that a boy may to carry out the wishes 
 of the man whom you called your friend. Thus it 
 is that all which has been done is for the best, so far 
 as my purpose and Manuel Telceda's is concerned." 
 
 *'I will most certainly follow the instructions writ- 
 ten down on that paper, so far as may be possible; 
 but suppose I should be left alone on this island? 
 How could I take such an amount of gold from 
 here ? What captain would treat with me honestly, 
 taking one-twentieth, or even one-ninth part, for 
 such services as I desired, when he might possess the 
 whole?" 
 
 'That I cannot say, my boy ; if I could, the whole 
 riddle would be solved. I am satisfied, however, 
 that it will be done as I wish, since it can be none 
 other than God who has directed the course of events 
 thus far. What other power could have brought 
 you to me, and I thus learn all that my friend would 
 have said to me?" 
 
 Winn, who had in his mind the terrible thought 
 that perhaps many years would elapse before he 
 could find an opportunity for leaving the island, 
 
170 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 could make no reply to this confession of faith, and, 
 after a pause, Petro added : 
 
 "I am satisfied that we shall succeed in such a 
 manner as would have pleased Manuel, and we may 
 rest content in the knowledge that One mightier than 
 all men will lend His aid in the work I am " 
 
 Petro ceased speaking very suddenly as he sprang 
 to his feet, for apparently from the very entrance of 
 the cavern could be heard the shouts of the men who 
 were seeking to earn the reward offered by Bart 
 Gerry. 
 
CHAPTER XL 
 
 CAPTURED. 
 
 Winn started toward the passage which led to the 
 sea, for from the noise he believed the pursuers were 
 already within that tunnel whose entrance was 
 shrouded by the thorn bushes. 
 
 "Do not be alarmed," Petro said, reassuringly. 
 "Our secret is not discovered yet, although it may be 
 soon if they are allowed to search undisturbed." 
 
 "Why shouldn't we make our escape and leave 
 them to find this place if they choose ?" Winn asked, 
 tremulously. 
 
 He had good reason for alarm, since should one 
 of the men so much as get a glimpse of him there 
 was every reason to suppose the most persistent 
 efforts would be made to take him prisoner again. 
 
 After having gone so far in the attempt to ruin the 
 boy, Gerry must, for his own safety, get Winn into 
 his power again. 
 
 So long as the conspirators believed the lad to be 
 dead, he was in comparative safety, and it is not sur- 
 prising that his terror at this moment was most in- 
 tense. 
 
 171 
 
17^ THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Petro stood as if undecided what course to pursue, 
 and then, his mind evidently made up, said quickly : 
 
 ''Remain here, my boy, and I will show myself 
 long enough to lead the chase in another direction." 
 
 ''But they wall be certain to capture you!" Winn 
 cried as he sought to detain the man. 
 
 "There is little fear of that, since I am acquainted 
 with all the hiding-places on the island, and they are 
 strangers. You must not be seen, and the only way 
 to prevent such a disaster is for me to draw them 
 off." 
 
 "Don't go out ! Don't take the risk !" Winn cried, 
 imploringly, and at that instant the voices of the pur- 
 suers rang out again, yet nearer than before. 
 
 "This is no time for talk," Petro said sternly, and 
 forcibly releasing himself from the boy's detaining 
 grasp, he ran at full speed through the tunnel-like 
 passage. 
 
 Instinctively, Winn followed a dozen paces or 
 more, and then realizing that by such a course he 
 would be rendering Petro's efforts useless, stopped 
 suddenly, walking slowly back to the circular cham- 
 ber as a fresh outburst of yells told that the crew of 
 the "Flying Scud" had caught a glimpse of their 
 prey. 
 
 Now the voices of the men died away in the dis- 
 tance, and Winn ventured yet nearer the entrance, 
 
CAPTURED. 173 
 
 as if fancying he might from that point learn what 
 was taking place. 
 
 In less than ten minutes not a sound could be 
 heard. 
 
 Petro had accomplished his purpose, but how 
 great a price might he not be forced to pay ? 
 
 Even though familiar with all the nooks and cor- 
 ners of the island, it was by no means improbable the 
 sailors might prove to be as fleet of foot as himself, 
 and a perfect fever of terror came upon the boy as 
 he asked himself what would be his fate should this 
 new-found friend be captured ? 
 
 How long Winn remained crouching on the white 
 sand of the cavern it would have been impossible for 
 him to say. It seemed as if he had been there many 
 hours when the suspense became so great as to be 
 almost unbearable, and he crept toward the entrance, 
 saying to himself that Petro must have been made a 
 prisoner, otherwise he would have returned before 
 this. 
 
 His fears made him reckless, and heeding not the 
 danger, he ventured out amid the thicket of thorns, 
 listening intently for some sounds which should give 
 token of what was being done. 
 
 Save for the chirping of birds, the hum of insect 
 life, and the distant thunder of the surf, nothing 
 could be heard. 
 
174 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 It was as if the guardian of the Aymara treasure, 
 as well as his pursuers, had quitted the island, leav- 
 ing the boy from the poor-farm of Fairhaven as its 
 only occupant. 
 
 Winn stood trembling with apprehension just out- 
 side the screen of thorns, when from far away to- 
 ward the opposite side of the island came a low hum 
 of voices, growing more and more distinct until 
 words could be distinguished, and he darted back 
 behind the foliage, coming to a standstill when he 
 was fully hidden from view. 
 
 Nearer and nearer approached the crew of the 
 "Flying Scud" until the fugitive could distinctly 
 hear scraps of conversation, and the few words 
 which smote upon his ear with startling clearness 
 conveyed the intelligence of Petro Garcia's fate. 
 
 "We earned the dollars in great shape, an' now 
 we'll see if the mate flashes up the money." 
 
 It was Bartlett's voice, and there could be no ques- 
 tion but that Manuel Telceda's friend had deliber- 
 ately sacrificed himself to save the boy, who had no 
 real claim upon him. 
 
 Now Winn was almost beside himself with fear 
 and anxiety. 
 
 Heedless of detection, he pressed forward in the 
 direction the sailors had taken, at times advancing 
 so near that the hindermost would have seen him had 
 
CAPTUEED. 175 
 
 they turned their heads, and again lagging in the 
 rear until the noise of their progress was almost lost 
 in the distance. 
 
 Suddenly it was as if the men with their captive 
 had come to a halt, and Winn knew that they were 
 on the beach. 
 
 Moving cautiously from tree to tree, he pressed 
 forward until through the leafy curtain he could 
 look upon the little cove, and there saw the sailors 
 embark. 
 
 In the foremost boat, where was Captain Jim, 
 Petro Garcia sat, apparently indifferent to all that 
 was taking place around him, and handling one of 
 the oars so near the prisoner that he could have 
 whispered to him, was Joe Savage. 
 
 This fact gave Winn a certain sense of security, 
 so far as Garcia's ultimate fate was concerned. 
 
 His two friends were together, and it would be 
 strange indeed if the sailor should not be able to aid 
 the captive. 
 
 With sorrow-moistened eyes the boy gazed out 
 over the heaving waters till he saw the boat pull 
 alongside the schooner. 
 
 The men disembarked with their prisoner, and 
 Winn knew that during the remainder of this day at 
 least there was no danger of another visit from the 
 treasure-seekers. 
 
176 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 The brief conversation he had held with Petro 
 convinced him that the man would not give up the 
 secret he held, even though threatened with death, 
 and Winn's only concern was regarding the personal 
 safety of Manuel's compatriot. 
 
 During half an hour he stood gazing at the "Fly- 
 ing Scud," unable to so much as distinguish the 
 movements of those on deck, and then, too deeply 
 distressed in mind to remain idle, he plunged 
 through the underbrush across the island, with no 
 purpose in view save to occupy the time by action. 
 
 By chance, for he took no heed as to direction, the 
 boy suddenly came upon what looked to be a deep pit 
 dug near the foot of five gigantic palm trees, and 
 this landmark was familiar to his eyes, he having 
 seen it many times depicted upon the chart Manuel 
 Telceda had made. 
 
 He was looking down upon the place where the 
 Aymara treasure had remained hidden so many 
 years, and by the freshly turned earth could estimate 
 how much work the schooner's crew had already 
 done in their vain efforts to come at the wealth. 
 
 It was also possible to determine in a certain 
 measure the labor which had been performed by 
 Petro. 
 
 From the size of the excavation Winn understood 
 that months of most fatiguing labor must have been 
 
CAPTUEED. 177 
 
 required to remove so much of the soil, and if such 
 was the case, how long had the descendant of the 
 Incas worked as a pack-horse to convey the precious 
 metal from one portion of the island to another ? 
 
 With this thought came the question as to where 
 it might be concealed, and there was a despair more 
 keen than ever before in his heart as he said^to him- 
 self that the captain and mate of the ''Flying Scud," 
 knowing that wealth amounting to millions was 
 buried on the island, would not leave it until every 
 foot of the surface had been thoroughly explored. 
 
 Months might elapse before they abandoned the 
 search, and it was possible they would come upon 
 the hiding-place in a few days. 
 
 In either case Winn was convinced that neither 
 the descendants of the Incas nor himself would profit 
 by the hoard. 
 
 "Captain Jim an' Bart Gerry must find it in time," 
 he repeated again and again as he retraced his steps 
 to the seashore, bent on keeping watch over the 
 schooner, in the hope that he might see or hear some- 
 thing which would give him a clue to Petro's con- 
 dition. 
 
 The sun sank slowly toward the western horizon, 
 and until it descended behind the restless billows his 
 gaze rested on nothing save the schooner rising and 
 falling upon the swell. 
 
178 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 No boat had put off. 
 
 It seemed impossible any of the ''Flying Scud's" 
 crew would visit the island during the hours of dark- 
 ness, and for his own welfare it was necessary he 
 should return to the cavern, for sleep and food were 
 equally needed by him after the excitement and 
 fatigue of the day. 
 
 He had just gained the entrance to the tunnel 
 leading from the thorn bushes to the circular cham- 
 ber before the island was shrouded in darkness, so 
 rapidly does night come in the tropics, and he was 
 forced to grope his way slowly into the cavern, after 
 which no little time was spent in finding the spot 
 where he had seen the half-charred bits of wood. 
 
 Here, thanks to the matches which Joe had in- 
 sisted he should bring with him, a small blaze was 
 kindled, and he set about making such a meal as 
 under other circumstances would have been most en- 
 joyable. 
 
 Then, secure in the thought that he would remain 
 undisturbed until morning, Winn lay down upon 
 the white sand to sleep. 
 
 He had believed slumber would come to his eye- 
 lids instantly it was summoned; but in this he was 
 mistaken. 
 
 The anxieties which beset him were so great, so 
 overpowering now he was alone, in comparative 
 
CAPTURED. 179 
 
 safety for the time being, that his mind went from 
 one perplexing phase of the case to another until all 
 desire for sleep was banished. 
 
 He sat up with his back against the wall of the 
 cavern, pushed the charred sticks together until the 
 blaze which had died away was rekindled, and gaz- 
 ing into the embers as he had done on that night 
 when Manuel Telceda first told his story, Winn tried 
 to read there an answer to the enigma fate had pre- 
 sented. 
 
 It was while he thus remained, and when it 
 seemed to him as if fully half the night must have 
 passed, although in fact he had been in the cavern no 
 more than two hours, that Winn was brought to a 
 standing posture very suddenly by hearing some one 
 near at hand whistling ''Yankee Doodle." 
 
 For a moment he believed it was a dream, even 
 though he had not fallen asleep, for it did not seem 
 possible he could have heard such a tune on that isle 
 in the Indian Ocean. 
 
 Then he ran at full speed to the entrance of the 
 tunnel, groped his way through the thorn bushes, 
 and stood motionless and silent, listening in- 
 tently. 
 
 The musician was proceeding slowly, as could be 
 told by the sound of his voice, and then the notes 
 were checked as the whistler called softly : 
 
180 THE TKEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 '*Winn ! Winn Burbridge !" 
 
 It was Joe Savage, and gladsome was the cry with 
 which Winn answered. 
 
 Guided by his voice, the sailor soon stood beside 
 the boy whose friend he had shown himself to be, 
 and Winn asked in surprise : 
 
 "How did you manage to get away from the 
 schooner ?" 
 
 "You see the captain an' Bart Gerry have got their 
 hands pretty nigh full tryin' to get the secret out of 
 Petro, an' ain't keepin' a very sharp lookout on the 
 schooner. I made up my miiid to sneak off in the 
 dory an' take chances of its bein' known, but a better 
 plan come into my head. So I proposed to Captain 
 Jim that I have a look around in the hope of findin' 
 where the money was buried. You see, while there 
 wasn't much show of my strikin' it, there was just a 
 chance, an' our precious officers are so keen on the 
 scent that they're willin' to try any plan, so I'm here 
 on lawful leave, an' I reckon we can make the same 
 game work for as many times as I may want to come 
 ashore while we lay here." 
 
 "What have they done with Petro?" 
 
 "He's in the saloon, with Bart Gerry on guard at 
 the companion-way." 
 
 "Do you think they will dare to kill him, or any- 
 thing like that?" 
 
CAPTURED. 181 
 
 **Both of 'em know too much to put an end to the 
 goose what can lay the golden eggs. I ain't sayin' 
 but what he'll have a precious rough time, yet I don't 
 think either the mate or captain dares come right 
 down to anything more'n hard knocks, for the crew 
 wouldn't stand it. I put a flea in Bartlett's ear by 
 sayin's that we might get into trouble if the prisoner 
 wasn't used decently, and he's whispered it around 
 among the men until, if Petro Garcia should make 
 much of an outcry, Pll warrant the ship's company 
 would take his part up to a certain point, in order to 
 save their own* skins when we get to a home port. 
 What kind of quarters have you got for to-night, 
 lad?" 
 
 "Come in and see for yourself; then there will be 
 no trouble in finding me again if you get another 
 chance to come ashore." 
 
 Winn led the way into the cavern, after picking 
 up some bits of half-decayed wood to serve as fuel, 
 and Joe Savage was well satisfied with the boy's tem- 
 porary abiding-place. 
 
 '•'Now this is what I call comfortable," he said, 
 throwing himself on the sand in front of the fire and 
 lighting his pipe. "I shouldn't mind taking a turn 
 at this kind of life for a year or more, especially 
 when I knowed there was a mine of gold outside that 
 I could have for the carrying off, and if the 'Flying 
 
18^ THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Scud' was to sail to-morrow morning I believe I'd 
 risk deserting.'' 
 
 "Would you?" Winn cried excitedly; ''would you 
 join Petro and me?" 
 
 "I would, lad ; but there's precious little use to talk 
 about it now, for you see Captain Jim and Gerry 
 ain't goin' to give over this treasure-huntin' right 
 away. They'll hang to Petro until the crew have to 
 interfere, or he gives up the secret, even if it's a case 
 of stayin' a twelve-month. Mark you, lad, five or 
 six million dollars' worth of treasure ain't to be 
 picked up every day by the captain of a two-hundred- 
 and-fifty ton schooner, an' it would be worth spend- 
 in' a good many years' time if you was certain of 
 gettin' it in the end." 
 
 "Surely they wouldn't stay here as long as 
 that?" 
 
 "Well, of course not, 'cause in the first place the 
 stores wouldn't hold out, and then again the crew 
 would raise a row. But they'll stay just as long as 
 there's a show of gettin' hold of that 'ere gold." 
 
 "Suppose the wind should come up from any 
 quarter in the eastward ?" 
 
 "Then we'd have to pull out, an' cruise 'round 
 until it veered our way again. That's easy done, 
 lad. This matter is goin' to be settled, accordin' to 
 my way of thinkin', by the amount of stores we've 
 
CAPTUEED. 183 
 
 got, an' if you'll remember, there was a heap of grub 
 put on board before we left Fairhaven." 
 
 ''And before it is used up they may kill Petro." 
 / "FU answer for it, lad, that nothing so bad as that 
 will happen, for it ain't hard work to stir up a crew 
 of sailormen when you've got such a chance as is 
 ours regarding Garcia. Captain Jim an' Gerry have 
 taken a serious piece of business in hand — one that 
 would send all of us to jail when we get home, if it 
 was known — an' the crew of the 'Flying Scud' 
 didn't ship for such work, so don't you worry your 
 head about him. It stands to reason he won't have 
 it very pleasant; but it'll come out all right after a 
 spell." 
 
 "Why can't you help him escape ?" 
 
 "I don't say it couldn't be done when them pre- 
 cious officers are kinder tired out, but accordin' to 
 my way of thinkin' it ain't the wisest thing, 'cause 
 they'd only send the crew ashore again to catch him, 
 an' it would be the same business right over. Let 
 the matter work itself out now, an' our time will 
 come ; that you can depend on." 
 
 It heartened Winn wonderfully to hear Joe talk in 
 this strain, and he not only began to believe that 
 Petro would be set free after a certain time, but had 
 strong hopes the treasure would one day be delivered 
 to its rightful owners. 
 
184 THE TKEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Joe was in no great hurry to return to the 
 schooner. 
 
 In order to make it appear that he was really- 
 searching the island for the hiding-place of the gold, 
 it was necessary he should be absent the greater por- 
 tion of the night, and he made a generous meal from 
 Winn's stores, saying as he did so : 
 
 "You needn't fear of goin' on short allowance, 
 even if I do make quite a hole in the larder, for it 
 stands to reason there'll be plenty chance for me to 
 bring things ashore 'twixt now an' the time we leave 
 this bloomin' port." 
 
 "I'm not worried 'bout that, Joe ; it does me good 
 to see you eat." 
 
 "Then you'll be in mighty fine shape before I 
 leave, for we in the forecastle don't get such grub as 
 this very often. You remember, lad, I told you it 
 was bad luck to set out on a treasure-huntin' 
 cruise?" 
 
 "There wouldn't have been anything very hard in 
 this one if the captain and mate had been willing to 
 act honestly." 
 
 "It don't make any difference how it comes about, 
 my boy, trouble is sure to follow. I had a ship- 
 mate once what dropped into a good deal such a 
 snarl as we're in, an' he says when bad luck begins 
 it's amazin' how long it'll hold out." 
 
CAPTURED. 185 
 
 "Why, accordin' to what you said a few minutes 
 ago, things will be all right after a while.'' 
 
 "Yes, lad, after a time; but 'twixt now and then 
 we're in for a deal of trouble, or I'm a Dutchman, 
 which I ain't. But don't get all down at the heel 
 about that, 'cause what's comin' can't be helped, an' 
 we'll take our medicine like men." 
 
 Then Joe told of this shipmate or that who pro- 
 fessed to have had similar experiences, until Winn 
 grew despondent once more, and the sailor was 
 forced to cease his doleful yarns in order to soothe 
 the boy. 
 
 When Joe believed it was a couple of hours past 
 midnight, he announced his intention of returning to 
 the schooner, and Winn insisted on accompanying 
 him as far as the shore. 
 
 "I could find my way back in the darkness without 
 any trouble, but there won't be any need of doin' so. 
 I'll hang 'round the cove till I see how many boats 
 are comin' ashore, an' then there'll be time enough to 
 hide.*' 
 
 "As you choose, lad, as you choose. It'll serve at 
 least to pass away the time, and that's all you've got 
 to do just at present, except, of course, it is to keep 
 up your courage. Don't get down-hearted, for 
 things will work out our way in good season, an' I'll 
 see to it that Petro Garcia isn't handled too roughly. 
 
186 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 You can count on hearin' of all that's done aboard 
 the schooner, for now that I know where your quar- 
 ters are it'll be an easy matter to see you a few min- 
 utes at a time, even when all hands of us come 
 ashore." 
 
 'If it should happen, Joe, that the 'Flying Scud' 
 leaves this island before a great while, don't forget 
 that you have promised to join us here." 
 
 'Trust me for that, lad. I'm turnin' the thing 
 over in my mind, an' it strikes me I might make such 
 a plan pay better than sailorin' at thirty dollars a 
 month. Howsomever, that's quite a ways in the 
 future. Here's the dory, an' you'd better not come 
 out on the sand." 
 
 Winn halted just within the foliage, and with a 
 good-night as cheery as if it had been spoken on the 
 sand dunes of Fairhaven near about Manuel Tel- 
 ceda's old shanty, the sailor pushed off in the dory, 
 the boy listening to the measured cadence of the oar- 
 strokes until they finally died away in the distance. 
 
 Once more he was alone upon the island while his 
 enemies were near at hand. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A NEW ARRIVAL. 
 
 During the remaining hours of the night Winn 
 lounged within the hne of foHage, sleeping for a few 
 moments at a time now and then, or watching the 
 dark smudge in the distance which betokened the 
 whereabouts of the schooner. 
 
 With the first light of dawn, however, he betook 
 himself to the tree which had previously served as 
 hiding-place, intending to descend and take refuge 
 in the cavern as soon as he saw a boat put out from 
 the "Flying Scud." 
 
 Reassured by Joe Savage's words and predictions 
 regarding Petro's future, Winn was not as deeply 
 anxious as he would have been but for the visit of 
 the sailor, and on his face was an expression very 
 nearly akin to cheerfulness as he waited for the 
 gloom of night to give way before the coming of the 
 sun. 
 
 Slowly at first the new light thinned the shadows, 
 and then with one bound, as it were, a new day had 
 been born in the tropics, the panorama lying fair 
 and smiling before the boy's eyes. 
 
 A low cry of surprise bordering on bewilderment 
 
 187 
 
188 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 broke from Winn's lips as he gazed eastward, rubbed 
 his eyes and gazed again as if doubting the evidence 
 of his own senses. 
 
 The 'Tlying Scud" still lay at anchor in the off- 
 ing, but hardly a quarter of a mile away from her a 
 brig of five hundred tons or more was slowly forging 
 in toward the island under the influence of the light 
 morning breeze. 
 
 Did this second vessel form some portion of Bart 
 Gerry's scheme, or was she a stranger which had put 
 in by chance ? 
 
 This was the thought which flashed through 
 Winn's mind, although he was too deeply excited to 
 put it in so many words. 
 
 Petro had been on the island a year and a half 
 without having seen a sail in all that time, yet here 
 were two visitors, and if at the moment Winn 
 thought of the future it was with less anxiety than 
 before, for surely Cocos Island seemed to be situated 
 in a portion of the Indian Ocean frequently visited. 
 
 It can well be fancied that the boy almost forgot 
 how necessary it was he should observe closely all 
 which was taking place on and about the 'Tlying 
 Scud," in order to leave his perch in the tree and take 
 shelter in the cavern before the sailors came on 
 shore, otherwise he might find himself prisoner in 
 an exceedingly uncomfortable position. 
 
A NEW ARRIVAL. 189 
 
 With hardly more than steerage-way upon her, 
 the brig crept nearer and nearer to the land, and the 
 number of men on the 'Tlying Scud's" deck told 
 that this new arrival had caused the liveliest curios- 
 ity and excitement. 
 
 Winn watched every movement keenly until the 
 anchor was let go, the vessel swung lazily around, 
 and a boat was lowered. 
 
 Then he slid down from his lofty perch, watched 
 from amid the foliage until he saw that the strangers 
 were pulling landward, evidently not intending to 
 communicate with those on board the ''Flying 
 Scud," after which he made his way with all speed 
 toward the cavern, for it was necessary he should 
 remain hidden until it was possible to ascer- 
 tain whether these newcomers were friends or 
 foes. 
 
 Why the brig had come to an anchor off Cocos 
 Island was a question which troubled him exceed- 
 ingly. 
 
 From all he had learned of Petro it did not seem 
 probable any one would visit the place unless bent on 
 business connected with the treasure, and his mind 
 was in a whirl as he tried in vain to solve what pre- 
 -sented itself to him as a vexing problem. 
 
 Unless willing to take too great chances, it was 
 necessary he remain in hiding until after having had 
 
190 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 an interview with Joe, and wearily the hours of the 
 morning passed until he fell asleep. 
 
 When Winn next became conscious of his sur- 
 roundings it seemed as if slumber had held posses- 
 sion of his eyelids a long while, and he crept through 
 the narrow passage to the entrance in order to learn 
 how far the day was advanced. 
 
 Already the shadows were lengthening into night, 
 and he knew that he must have slept at least six 
 hours. 
 
 Now hunger began to assert itself, and returning 
 to the underground chamber with an armful of such 
 fuel as could be gathered nearabout the entrance, he 
 built a fire, feeling secure against interruption be- 
 cause it seemed most likely the crews of both vessels 
 were on board their respective craft. 
 
 A hearty supper leisurely eaten, and then he took 
 up his station at the outer end of the tunnel, con- 
 fidently believing Joe Savage would find some means 
 of communicating with him before morning. 
 
 In this he was not mistaken, and the news brought 
 by the sailor both delighted and alarmed him. 
 
 Shortly after night had come Winn heard the 
 familiar strains of "Yankee Doodle" as Joe ad- 
 vanced whistling, and it was not necessary the boy 
 should go out to meet him, for the sailor had noted 
 carefully the landmarks. 
 
A NEW AREIVAL. 191 
 
 *'Well, lad, I'm here again, an' without much 
 trouble," Joe said cheerily as his hands were seized 
 by Winn when he had forced a passage through the 
 thorny bushes. ''My trick of pretendin' to search 
 for the treasure was a great one, and smart as Bart 
 Gerry and Captain Jim beH^e themselves to be, they 
 haven't the ghost pi a suspicion that I'm playing it 
 on 'em." 
 
 "HowisPetro?" 
 
 "As well as a man can be who is kept close pris- 
 oner in the cabin, where it is so boiling hot that raw 
 eggs left on the table will be cooked hard in less'n 
 ten minutes." 
 
 "Have you had a chance to speak with him yet?" 
 "We yarned together a spell this morning when 
 the brig put in." 
 
 "What vessel is that? I have been afraid Bart 
 Gerry had something to do with her." 
 
 "Not a bit of it, lad, and she's set both him an' 
 Captain Jim into regular fits. They're fidgetin' 
 'round like a couple of calves what have lost their 
 mother, and I reckon either of 'em would give a 
 good stiff price to know just why the brig is here." 
 "I saw a boat put ashore from her this morning." 
 "Yes, they landed, an' at first we allowed it was 
 to look for water ; but that couldn't have been true, 
 seein's how they had no casks with 'em." 
 
192 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "How long did they stay on the island ? I didn't 
 dare watch them for fear of being seen." 
 
 "Well, you bet our captain an' mate kept a mighty 
 sharp lookout. As you know, they come ashore a 
 bit after sunrise, an' it was nigh to noon before we 
 saw 'em agin. It seems like as they'd picked up 
 somebody belongin' to Manuel's tribe, who'd told 
 'em of this 'ere treasure, 'cause I don't allow they'd 
 stay ashore just for the sake of a lark." 
 
 "Does Petro know anything about it?" 
 
 "He claims not to, an' I reckon he's tellin' the 
 truth, 'cause he's terribly worked up about it. 
 Takin' it all in all, every blessed soul aboard the 
 ♦Flying Scud' is feelin' mighty uncomfortable just 
 now." 
 
 "I should think it would be an easy matter for 
 Captain Jim to find out about the brig by going on 
 board to make a visit." 
 
 "Bless your soul, lad, he tried that game about 
 noon, an' nothin' come of it. He made out we'd put 
 in here to refit, owing to our topmast havin' been 
 sprung. That was one of Bart Gerry's schemes, an' 
 we set about sendin' down the spar right soon after 
 breakfast, so the next time you see the 'Flying Scud' 
 she'll look as if a typhoon had struck her. Well, 
 Captain Jim he hemmed and hawed, accordin' to his 
 own story, talked about the island, said he'd never 
 
A NEW ARRIVAL. 193 
 
 been here before, an' wanted the other skipper to 
 post him ; but never a word did he get as to why the 
 brig put in here. Takin' it all in all, he felt a good 
 deal worse when he come back than when he went, 
 cause why? If the brig was here for water, or any- 
 thing of that kind, her skipper wouldn't have made 
 any bones about sayin' so, an' it shows he don't 
 count on lettin' anybody else know his business." 
 
 "Was anything done this afternoon?" 
 
 "No, except the brig has got all her boats in the 
 water, and it's the opinion of Gerry that they'll land 
 here to-morrow morning to make a search for the 
 Aymara treasure. I wouldn't wonder if the mate 
 was right. There's a queer look to the whole busi- 
 ness, anyhow." 
 
 Winn had no remark to make. His mind was so 
 entirely occupied with the coming of the brig and 
 her possible mission that he could think of little else, 
 until Joe said suddenly : 
 
 "I told you Petro and I was alone quite a spell 
 this morning." 
 
 "How did that happen? I shouldn't suppose 
 Gerry would have allowed it." 
 
 "That precious mate ain't any too fond of workin'. 
 Since you've died, according to his way of thinkin', 
 somebody's bound to look after the cabins. Cap- 
 tain Jim set me to work there this mornin', an' while 
 
194 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 he an' the mate watched the brig, I had plenty of 
 time to yarn with Petro. I reckon what weVe de- 
 cided on will astonish you, lad." 
 
 ''What is it ?" Winn asked with mild curiosity, his 
 mind so full of these newcomers that he could give 
 little thought to anything else. 
 
 ** If it so be we can make the plan work, you'll see 
 both of us ashore here to-morrow night." 
 
 "I thought you didn't believe it was safe for Petro 
 to try to make his escape, because the crew would be 
 sent after him again, and he would be worse off, hav- 
 ing once run away." 
 
 "That was my idea before I had had a chance to 
 talk with him ; but now I'm looking at the thing dif- 
 ferent. He allows that if I can get hold of a couple 
 of revolvers, we'll be able to hold our own in this 
 ^ere cave so long as the 'Flying Scud' can lay at an- 
 chor, an' the whole thing looks straight enough. 
 You see, she's bound to put to sea for a spell any- 
 how, as soon as the wind hauls 'round, an' that 
 would give us a chance to keep up our stock of pro- 
 visions. He says there are plenty of crabs an' oys- 
 ters, an' with what I'd bring, it seems as if we'd be 
 well fixed. Of course, our precious officers are 
 bound to know we're here, an' the chances are they'll 
 find this place ; but two men could hold it against a 
 hundred when you come to think of it, an' Petro has 
 
A NEW ARRIVAL. 195 
 
 an idea in his head that he must come ashore, if it so 
 be I can get him off." 
 
 "If the crews of both vessels are searching for the 
 treasure, there doesn't seem to be any question but 
 that they will find it after a spell." 
 
 *Tetro swears they can't, an' though he don't tell 
 me where it is, I've got my suspicions that the gold 
 is somewhere around this 'ere place, else he wouldn't 
 be in sich terrible straits to get here." 
 
 "I can't see how you are going to get him out of 
 the cabin while Captain Jim an' Bart are on watch." 
 
 ''It may be I'm takin' a bigger contract than I can 
 carry out ; but there's a plan in my head now which 
 stands a good chance of goin' straight, an' if it does 
 we'll be here before midnight to-morrow." 
 
 It was only natural Winn should be delighted at 
 the prospect of having company in his voluntary im- 
 prisonment, yet at the same time such a proposition 
 as Joe had made seemed in the highest degree dan- 
 gerous, and had it been left to him he would most 
 likely have decided against it, at least until matters 
 assumed a more threatening aspect in regard to 
 Petro. 
 
 However, his opinion had not been asked, nor was 
 it likely his advice would be welcome, therefore he 
 contented himself by inquiring concerning the pro- 
 posed method of escape. 
 
196 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "Last night Bartlett was put on watch at the com- 
 panion-way, an' Petro allowed full swing of your 
 cabin an' the saloon," Joe said in reply to this ques- 
 tion. "I'm countin' on goin' aboard within an hour. 
 I'll report to our officers that the crew of the brig 
 have begun diggin' just beyond where we were 
 workin'. That will settle in their minds that the 
 craft put in here on account of the treasure, an' I'm 
 allowin' one or both of 'em will come ashore this 
 very night to see for themselves. Now, in case that 
 happens, I'll offer to stand watch in the cabin, an' 
 then all will go smooth, because it's only a question 
 of seein' to it that the dory is alongside under the 
 bull's-eye in your room, where it won't be a hard job 
 to lower into her a pretty fair supply of stores. Be- 
 fore the treasure-hunters get back I should contrive 
 to sneak Petro over the rail without the crew's 
 knowin' of it, for I'm reckonin' on their turnin' in 
 the same as usual. Of course, everything depends 
 on Captain Jim an' Gerry doin' as I've said. If it 
 should happen they didn't, why I'll have to cook up 
 some other plan, that's all. Petro sends word that 
 you're to go through this 'ere tunnel that leads out 
 on the shore an' wait there for us, so's to help bring 
 ashore what stores I get away with." 
 
 "But about the weapons?" 
 
 "I bought a revolver an' two hundred cartridges 
 
A NEW AERIVAL. 197 
 
 of Bartlett this afternoon, an' if I can't pick up an- 
 other one, I'll take the liberty of lookin' over the cap- 
 tain's room to see what he's got. After all that's 
 been done since we left Fairhaven, I shouldn't call it 
 stealin' to lug away anything I can put my hands 
 on." 
 
 By this time there was no room in Winn's mind 
 for thoughts of the brig or the doings of her crew. 
 
 Excited by the details of the proposed venture, he 
 was in a state of nervous agitation which prevented 
 him from remaining in one position many moments 
 at a time. 
 
 Walking back and forth in front of Joe, he ques- 
 tioned him again and again as to the plan, until the 
 sailor said almost impatiently : 
 
 "I reckon we've yarned long enough about it, lad, 
 an' it's time for me to be goin' on board. Don't be 
 disappointed in case we shouldn't show up right off, 
 because everything must go our way before we make 
 the attempt; but some fine night we'll do it, an' 
 you're to be at the entrance Petro spoke about, from 
 sunset to sunrise till you see us. Here's the re- 
 volver an' ammunition I bought from Bartlett. 
 There's no sense in luggin' the stuff 'round any lon- 
 ger. Hide it somewhere in the cave, an' take pre- 
 cious good care of the cartridges, for they may be 
 needed before we have finished with Bart Gerry." 
 
198 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Then, without a single word by way of adieu, Joe 
 hurriedly took his departure. 
 
 Winn, who was eager to go with him as far as the 
 shore for the purpose of passing the time, if nothing 
 more, wrapped the weapon and ammunition in his 
 jacket, deposited the bundle at a safe distance from 
 the fire, and hurried out into the thicket. 
 
 The sailor had made good use of his legs, for by 
 the time the boy gained the beach, he was a hundred 
 yards or more from the shore, pulling vigorously to- 
 ward the schooner to unfold his alleged discoveries 
 concerning the movements of the brig's crew. 
 
 Winn watched him until the tiny boat was swal- 
 lowed up in the gloom, and then he retraced his 
 steps, so agitated concerning the proposed escape and 
 desertion as to be hardly conscious of what he did. 
 
 Mechanically he followed the true course to the 
 tunnel, and before entering gathered a bundle of 
 such wood as he believed would serve the purpose of 
 a torch, and then went into the cavern. 
 
 It was an extremely difficult task to coax the green 
 wood into a flame, even by aid of embers from the 
 camp-fire, and when he had done his best the blaze 
 was so fitful that it served rather to intensify the 
 darkness. 
 
 As nearly as he could judge by sense of touch, this 
 second tunnel was similar to the one with which he 
 
A NEW ARKIVAL. 199 
 
 was already familiar. It may have been narrower, 
 but yet it was sufficiently high to admit of his walk- 
 ing erect, and the floor was covered with white sand 
 like that which formed a carpet for the chamber. 
 
 When he emerged into the open air, however, 
 everything looked strange. 
 
 There was no foliage to conceal the aperture, but 
 instead a mass of white boulders and rocks with 
 needle-like points arose between him and the sea, 
 having in the dim light the appearance of tomb- 
 stones. 
 
 He drew back with a shudder, for there was some- 
 thing sinister in the scene which troubled him, and 
 not until after he had remained motionless several 
 moments as if to regain courage, did he dare venture 
 forth. 
 
 It was not a simple matter to gain the edge of the 
 water, even though the distance was hardly more 
 than a hundred feet. 
 
 Half a dozen times did he make an attempt, and 
 then it was only by a long detour to the southward 
 that he was able to find a practicable passage. 
 
 To clamber over the monument-like rocks would 
 have been almost impossible, and when finally he 
 stood at the very edge of the sea he realized how 
 thoroughly well this entrance to the cavern was 
 guarded by Nature. 
 
200 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 With a single man in either tunnel, a hundred 
 could be held at bay, and now Winn understood that 
 Petro had good cause to believe he would be safe in 
 the subterranean dwelling, even though the most 
 persistent efforts should be made by the crew of the 
 ''Flying Scud" to recapture him. 
 
 
 "/{j*/. 
 
 ^X*^. 
 
 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 BESIEGED. 
 
 Winn's vigil was a weary one, and many times 
 before it came to an end he believed Joe had failed 
 in his purpose. 
 
 As he stood at the mouth of the tunnel looking 
 out over the waters, he fancied he could picture in 
 his mind the scene which was being enacted on board 
 the "Flying Scud." 
 
 He saw before him Petro and Joe Savage, either 
 wounded unto death, or tied hand and foot as a pun- 
 ishment for the attempt to escape and desert, and by 
 this lively play of imagination he gave himself a 
 most uncomfortable night. 
 
 Agitated and expectant as he was, every moment 
 spent in waiting seemed fully ten, and thus before 
 midnight had come he was looking toward the east, 
 believing the harbinger of the new day was near at 
 hand. 
 / The two vessels which lay at anchor off Cocos 
 Island appeared in the moonless night to be but faint 
 smudges of black against the grayish sky, and save 
 for the fact that he knew their location, Winn would 
 
 201 
 
203 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 have failed to distinguish them as objects on the 
 water. 
 
 More than once his eyes, weary with watching, 
 caused him to fancy he saw a tiny Hne of black mov- 
 ing on the swell, and each time he discovered his 
 mistake a certain portion of hope fled, until despair 
 had well-nigh seized upon him. 
 
 Owing to his being stationed at this point on the 
 shore, it was impossible to see the cove, and there- 
 fore he remained wholly in ignorance as to whether 
 the captain or mate, or both, had been tempted by 
 the report which Joe Savage undoubtedly made, to 
 come on shore. 
 
 At the moment when it seemed useless to continue 
 the vigil, a faint splashing of water caused hope to 
 revive once more in his breast, and the noise sounded 
 more and more distinct until he could finally see a 
 moving object. 
 
 This time it was not fancy, but reality, and it 
 seemed to Winn as if his heart absolutely stood still 
 while he peered out over the surf at that which grad- 
 ually assumed definite shape until it had finally re- 
 solved itself into a boat manned by two men. 
 
 Joe's plan had been successful ! 
 
 Petro was free once more, and Winn would no 
 longer be the sole occupant of the island during the 
 lonely hours of night. 
 
BESIEGED. 203 
 
 It was as if fully half his troubles were suddenly 
 rolled away, and only with the greatest difficulty 
 could the boy prevent himself from crying aloud in 
 his joy. 
 
 As soon as might be old Manuel's faithful friend 
 stepped ashore from the dory, and Winn ran knee- 
 deep into the surf to greet him. 
 
 "This is no time for hand-shakin', lad," Joe Sav- 
 age said when Winn would thus have welcomed him. 
 *'We're not so far out of the woods that we can 
 afford to crow yet awhile. I count on tryin' to hold 
 possession of this 'ere boat, so bear a hand while we 
 take her into the bushes." 
 
 "But if she is found the crew of the Tlying Scud' 
 will know you are on the island," Winn said, as if in 
 alarm, and Joe replied with a low laugh : 
 
 "Bless you, lad, where do you reckon they'll think 
 I am, if not on the island, after it's found I've given 
 them the slip? They won't be sich bloomin' idjuts 
 as to think Petro an' me put to sea in a dory for a 
 voyage 'round the Horn." 
 
 Winn now understood that they were taking no 
 chances in thus attempting to hold possession of the 
 boat, and during half an hour or more he did his full 
 share in the laborious work necessary to secrete the 
 small craft. 
 
 If those whom Captain Jim should send in search 
 
204 THE TKEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 came upon the dory at the very point where the men 
 had landed it might give them a clue as to the en- 
 trance of the tunnel, therefore Joe proposed that she 
 be carried along the shore westward for half a mile 
 or more before he was willing to trust her to the 
 keeping of the thicket. 
 
 During all this time hardly a word was spoken by 
 any of the three, save when it became necessary to 
 give some command, and in silence they dragged the 
 little craft as far inland as Joe thought best, after 
 which Petro led his companions by a roundabout 
 way to the seaward tunnel. 
 
 Once in the circular cavern, Winn set about build- 
 ing a fire, but Joe stopped him by saying : 
 
 ''We're not out of the woods yet, lad. Both Cap- 
 tain Jim an' Bart Gerry are most likely on the island 
 this very minute, so it stands us in hand to be mighty 
 careful. I reckon there's no danger our talk will be 
 overheard ; but whatever yarn-spinnin' goes on must 
 be done in the darkness." 
 
 Petro and the sailor had brought from the 
 schooner such stores of provisions that all three were 
 heavily laden when the cargo was taken from the 
 dory, and it seemed to Winn as if they had food suf- 
 ficient to keep the larder well supplied for at least six 
 months, although as a matter of fact there was not 
 more than one-sixth as much as the boy fancied. 
 
BESIEGED. 205 
 
 "Did you get another revolver?" he asked, 
 eagerly. 
 
 ''Yes, an' as many cartridges as will serve us if we 
 are besieged a couple of months." 
 
 "But Petro, how did you get him away?" 
 
 "It was done as your friend here mapped out," 
 Garcia replied. "The story which he told the offi- 
 cers was sufficient to send them ashore in great haste, 
 and within half an hour after they pushed off the 
 dory was laden and we on board of her." 
 
 "Wasn't anybody on watch?" Winn asked in sur- 
 prise. 
 
 "One man who was forward asleep and your 
 friend, Joe, were left in charge of the schooner, 
 therefore my escape was not difficult." 
 
 "It went off as smooth as if the captain an' mate 
 were tryin' to give us the show we wanted," Joe 
 added with a chuckle. "I did think I was good for 
 nothin' but to pull an' haul on some bloomin' rope all 
 the rest of my life ; but the way this little affair has 
 been worked out I'm beginnin' to believe I could 
 hold up my end with Bart Gerry in the way of devil- 
 try. Petro has escaped, I've deserted an' you're 
 supposed to be dead. The last part of it won't 
 trouble Bart any, but he'll be precious hot under the 
 collar when he knows what happened while he was 
 on a tom-fool's errand. If it should so chance that 
 
206 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 he gets me in his clutches agin I'll be likely to suffer ; 
 but we ain't alio win' that'll come about, eh, Petro ?'' 
 
 "We can hold our own here, even though twice 
 the number of sailors which the 'Flying Scud' car- 
 ries should attempt to capture us," Garcia replied, 
 confidently. "The provisions we brought from the 
 schooner, together with such as I have stored away, 
 and an ample supply of water will enable us to stand 
 a long siege without suffering, while a man in either 
 passage can hold at bay a hundred without exposing 
 himself to danger." 
 
 "Yes, it looks mighty fine when you figger it out ; 
 but I'm one as always counts that the weather may 
 change, an' it ain't dead certain we shan't find our 
 reckonin' wrong. I'm not tryin' to throw cold 
 water — only contrivin' against the bad luck that will 
 come if we get to feelin' cocksure everything is goin' 
 our way." 
 
 Then Joe fell to speculating as to the reason of the 
 brig's visit, and asked Petro if it was possible any 
 other than he or Manuel could have given informa- 
 tion regarding the treasure. 
 
 "All of our people know it was brought to Cocos 
 Island, and each of those who aided in the work 
 would have been capable of making such a chart as 
 that drawn up by Manuel himself," Petro replied, 
 gravely. "It is reasonable to believe the brig was 
 
BESIEGED. 207 
 
 brought here by those who hoped to possess them- 
 selves of the wealth, for had they come after water, 
 or to refit, they would have set about such work im- 
 mediately. It would not be strange if some of my 
 race had incautiously told to strangers what we did 
 in 1 82 1, and having learned, perhaps ever so little, of 
 what should have been kept a secret, these men have 
 fitted out an expedition." 
 
 "With so many hunting, it seems almost certain 
 the new hiding-place will be discovered," Winn said, 
 thoughtfully. "If you left any signs of the 
 work — — Of course you buried it again?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Then why shouldn't the place be found?" 
 
 "That is impossible while we remain here." 
 
 "Do you mean to say " 
 
 "I have buried the treasure in this cavern. The 
 white sand of the floor could easily be replaced after 
 an excavation had been made. To seek it, one has 
 but to begin beneath the spot on which I have kept a 
 fire burning. You see, comrades, I give to you this 
 last secret of the Aymara treasure, believing sin- 
 cerely in your honesty, and having faith that should 
 my days be cut short as were Manuel Telceda's, you 
 will take the wealth to our people, withholding for 
 yourselves so much as will reward you amply for 
 doing the service." 
 
208 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 During several moments it seemed impossible for 
 either Joe or Winn to speak. 
 
 They had supposed, and quite naturally, that 
 Petro simply changed the location of the treasure, 
 burying it in much the same manner as it had been 
 buried before. 
 
 Now, however, they understood why he was so 
 eager to make a stand in the cavern, and also real- 
 ized that should enemies succeed in making their 
 way into that place, they would hardly expect to find 
 that for which they sought in what seemed like solid 
 rock. 
 
 "It's a precious good idea, our comin' ashore as 
 we did," Joe finally said. "If I'd known all this be- 
 fore, I shouldn't have advised you to stay on the 
 Tlying Scud' even as long as you did, although I 
 ain't anyways certain how you could have gotten 
 away from her sooner." 
 
 "All is as it should be," Petro said, contentedly. 
 "We have come in good time ; we are well supplied 
 with food, and have weapons and ammunition suffi- 
 cient to hold our own. It is as it should be." 
 
 Winn could not content himself with congratula- 
 tions as to the present, but persisted in speaking of 
 the future, of what might be done by the men on 
 board the "Flying Scud," so far as apprehending 
 their late prisoner and the deserter, or regarding the 
 
BESIEGED. 209 
 
 possible chance that the commanders of both vessels 
 would join forces in an attempt to come upon the 
 store of gold and silver. 
 
 This last possibility Joe would not entertain for a 
 moment. 
 
 "Since Bart Gerry knew how much was hidden 
 here he has been the same as money-crazy, an' 
 wouldn't agree to give up a single dollar, accordin' 
 to my way of thinkin'. There's more chance of a 
 fight between them than there is that they'll go into 
 partnerships. Now we'd be fools to say the mate 
 will simmer right down an' not try to do anything 
 toward gettin' us into his clutches agin. Of course 
 that's bound to come, an' it stands us in hand to be 
 ready. Petro is the captain now, an' if he gives us 
 an idee of how he counts on holdin' this place, we'll 
 be better fitted for the work in case Bart jumps on 
 us sudden-like." 
 
 'T do not see that there is any need to form a plan. 
 I'll take up my station in the passage by which we 
 entered, for it is there the greatest danger threatens. 
 Joe will stand watch at the other entrance and the 
 boy shall move to and fro between us to bring food, 
 water or whatever may be needed. In addition to 
 this, he shall do his share of the work as sentinel, by 
 taking our places when it becomes necessary for us 
 to sleep." 
 
210 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 'That sounds all well enough, an' I reckon it is. 
 Leastways I'm satisfied with it, an' now seein's we're 
 like to be pretty busy to-morrow it wouldn't be a bad 
 plan for you an' me to turn in, Petro. Winn hasn't 
 been doin' so much work but that he can look out for 
 things a spell." 
 
 "I couldn't sleep if I tried, just now," Winn said, 
 decidedly, and instantly the two men threw them- 
 selves at full length upon the sand as if accustomed 
 to summoning slumber at any instant. 
 
 Determined to do his full share of the labor, and 
 in such a manner as to leave no opportunity for cen- 
 sure, the boy set about guarding the cavern by going 
 through the passage which led to the thicket of 
 thorns, and there pacing to and fro, listening intently 
 meanwhile for any sound which should betoken the 
 coming of enemies. 
 
 As the day began to dawn he crept through the 
 foliage until he was at the head of the cove, which 
 afforded the only landing-place on the island, and 
 saw two boats, manned, as he judged, by the crew, 
 put off from the schooner, heading directly toward 
 where he was standing. 
 
 Now^ had come the time when his comrades should 
 be awakened, and Winn ran back swiftly. 
 
 "The crew of the 'Flying Scud' are coming!" he 
 cried as he entered the cavern, and both men arose, 
 
BESIEGED. 211 
 
 although with no very great show of excite- 
 ment, 
 
 ''Have they landed yet?" Joe asked in a matter- 
 of-fact tone. 
 • ''No; they've just put off from the schooner." 
 
 "Then we've got plenty of time, for it don't stand 
 to reason they are goin' to find this 'ere cave without 
 some search, an' we'd better get breakfast, eh, 
 Petro?" 
 
 For reply the Indian began building a fire, and 
 never before had embers so costly a foundation. 
 
 "What about the smoke?" Winn asked. ".We 
 might as well tell them where we are as to let it be 
 seen.'* 
 
 "There is none left by the time it reaches the outer 
 end," Petro replied, quietly. "I have spent much 
 time making certain of that fact. We need not fear, 
 save in the night when the fire-light is reflected by 
 the walls of the passage, and one standing at the 
 very entrance might possibly perceive a glint of it, 
 as I myself have done. Therefore we will prepare 
 our meals properly.'* 
 
 Not until breakfast, and a palatable one it was, 
 had been eaten did Petro assume authority as com- 
 mander, and then he said quietly to his compan- 
 ions: 
 
 "It is as well that we take up our stations now. It 
 
212 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 would fill us with shame if, while we loitered here, 
 the men made their way through the passage." 
 
 "There'd be somethin' worse than shame I'm 
 afraid," Joe said, with a laugh, and, displaying his 
 revolver, he went to the post already assigned him. 
 
 Petro disappeared in the opposite passage, and 
 Winn was left to his own devices. 
 
 For a time he occupied himself by visiting the sen- 
 tinels in turn, with the idea that they might require 
 his services, but when two hours or more had been 
 spent in this manner and he was not called upon for 
 either food or water, he continued his duties in a 
 more leisurely manner. And it was well he did so, 
 for the day passed without an alarm. 
 
 When night came Petro, much against Joe Sav- 
 age's wishes, left the cavern on a reconnaissance, and 
 two hours later he returned with the information 
 that the sailors probably went on board their vessel 
 at nightfall. 
 
 He had neither seen nor heard anything to be- 
 token the presence of enemies, and was so positive 
 the search would be abandoned during the hours of 
 darkness that he advised his companions to spend 
 the night in slumber. 
 
 Joe was the first to awaken next morning, and 
 Winn opened his eyes only when the sailor had come 
 back from spying out the enemy. 
 
BESIEGED. 213 
 
 "Bart Gerry hasn't given up the battle yet a 
 while," he said to Petro as he re-kindled the fire. 
 *'Both boats are puttin' off once more, an' one is 
 comin' from the brig. If I didn't know that prec- 
 ious mate so well, I'd say he'd gone into partnership 
 with the other craft; but it don't seem possible." 
 
 The forenoon was spent much as had been the 
 previous day, and Winn was beginning to feel confi- 
 dent? they were secure in their hiding-place, when 
 suddenly a loud cry as of triumph rang through the 
 landward passage. 
 
 The boy was in the circular chamber when startled 
 by this token that their refuge had at last been dis- 
 covered, and started at full speed to station himself 
 by Petro's side; but before the distance had been 
 traversed a pistol-shot rang out, sounding in that 
 confined place like the discharge of a cannon. 
 
 Immediately following it came a cry of pain, and 
 a few seconds later Winn heard Petro shout: 
 
 "I shall defend myself to the last, as is my right, 
 and he who attempts to enter takes his life in his 
 hands." 
 
 By the time Winn was where he could see the 
 sentinel who had thus made proclamation of war, all 
 was still, and save for the fact that the odor of gun- 
 powder hung heavy in the air, he would almost have 
 doubted whether he really heard anything. 
 
214 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "Did you see any one when you fired?" he asked 
 breathlessly. 
 
 "1 shouldn't have discharged the revolver unless 
 there had been a target before me. One of your 
 men came by accident, I think, upon the entrance, 
 and ventured in. I believed it wisest to do some 
 execution rather than hold a parley, for he who 
 strikes first strikes best, and they understand now 
 that I will defend myself to the death, whereas had 
 I simply said so, the word might have been doubted.'* 
 
 "Did you hit him?" 
 
 "I could have killed the man, but preferred to 
 inflict a wound. It will be many weeks before he 
 uses his left arm again." 
 
 "I don't suppose it could have been Gerry?" 
 
 "Neither him nor the captain. You had better 
 go and tell Joe Savage what you have just learned ; 
 he will be uneasy, and we cannot afford to have him 
 leave his post just now." 
 
 Winn acted upon this suggestion, and when the 
 sailor heard the story he said emphatically : 
 
 "I reckon that 'ere Petro is goin' to turn out a 
 first-class kind of a fellow, even if he does come 
 from a no-account tribe in a no-account country. 
 Our men will think twice before they give him a 
 chance to shoot again, especially if him as has been 
 wounded tells the truth 'bout how we're situated. 
 
BESIEGED. 215 
 
 The battle is opened now, an' we've got to fight it 
 out, lad, for there's no backin' down after blood is 
 shed." 
 
 "Do you believe men who have signed articles as 
 sailors are goin' to stand up an' be shot at?" 
 
 *'Not willingly, lad; but Gerry will egg 'em on, 
 you may be sure, an' by threats or promises of more 
 money, I reckon he can get some of them to take a 
 hand in the scrimmage. I wish we knew more 
 about the crew of that 'ere brig." 
 
 Another pistol-shot was heard, and Winn needed 
 no bidding to send him back again to Petro's side. 
 
 As before, nothing could be seen. 
 
 The smoke of burning powder filled the passage 
 as with a cloud, obscuring even a view of the foliage 
 just beyond, and Petro gave the desired information 
 before the boy could ask for it. 
 
 ''Another man, who evidently needed more assur- 
 ance than the blood of his comrade could afford, 
 showed himself. Whether my bullet struck him I 
 am unable to say, because of the smoke. Tell Joe 
 Savage he need have no fear regarding me unless I 
 should call him by name. Then bring me some 
 water; the smoke parches my throat." 
 
 Winn obeyed these instructions quickly, and when 
 the message was repeated, Joe said grimly : 
 
 "Although I don't call myself any soldier, I 
 
216 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 reckon I'm man enougn not to leave my post until 
 I*m certain it's necessary. You can tell Petro that 
 I'll stay right here till he yells, an' if that time does 
 come, my lad, reckonin' from what I've already seen 
 of the man, we shall be in a mighty tight box." 
 
 The remainder of the day passed without further 
 alarm, but the occupants of the cavern knew full 
 well that they were besieged, and there was no longer 
 any reason to believe Bart Gerry would call off his 
 forces during the night. 
 
 Unquestionably some of the "Flying Scud's" 
 crew would remain where they could watch the en- 
 trance of the tunnel, and every precaution was taken 
 by those who were thus forced to defend them- 
 selves. 
 
 At sunset, according to Petro's command, Winn 
 relieved Joe, that the latter might gain some sleep, 
 and at midnight the sailor was aroused to serve in 
 Garcia's stead. 
 
 Thus it was each of the men slept five hours, and 
 Winn remained on duty all night. 
 
 Petro, after preparing breakfast and serving Joe, 
 insisted that the boy should take his turn at resting, 
 and Winn's eyes were so heavy that, despite the 
 dangers which surrounded him, he was soon lost in 
 the blissful unconsciousness of sleep. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 A PARLEY. 
 
 It was nearly noon when Winn awoke and 
 visited first one sentinel and then the other to learn 
 if there had been any change in the condition of 
 affairs. 
 
 Petro reported that the enemy remained so near 
 the entrance that at times he could hear the hum of 
 conversation; but after the lessons already received 
 none were so reckless as to expose themselves as a 
 target. 
 
 Joe, who was seated on the sand with his back 
 against the wall of the passage, smoking contentedly, 
 announced it as his belief that the underground 
 dwelling would not be discovered by an approach 
 from the shore. 
 
 ''A fleet of boats might be pulled on a line with 
 the coast, an' their crews wouldn't see the entrance 
 to this 'ere passage because of the rocks that mask 
 it in. I'll go bail none of the 'Flying Scud's' men 
 will care to take an excursion this way on foot, 
 especially when there isn't any particular reason why 
 they should do so. I reckon Bart Gerry is restin' 
 
 217 
 
218 THE TREASURE OP COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 easy in the idea that there's only one hole to this 
 cave, an' allows he's keepin' us hived in. If it so be 
 we wanted to give 'em the slip, it could be done in 
 the night, an' without a great bit of bother." 
 
 "We'd be obliged to leave the treasure behind if 
 we should run away." 
 
 "That's true, lad, but many a man has been willin' 
 to turn his back on gold when his life was in dan- 
 ger, though I ain't sayin' it in the nature of croakin', 
 'cause I allow we're in pretty good shape here. The 
 wind must haul into the eastward soon, an' then it's 
 a case of gettin' the 'Flying Scud' under way." 
 
 Winn prepared dinner and carried a generous 
 supply to each of the sentinels, after which he moved 
 leisurely back and forth between the two posts, 
 eager to do even more than his full share of guard- 
 duty; but to this Petro would not listen. . 
 
 "It is enough if you relieve us now and then, for 
 that labor, in addition to cooking the food, will 
 make up your full share." 
 
 With this Winn was not content, and began to 
 argue the question, urging that he was as well able to 
 bear fatigue as any of the party, until a hail from 
 without brought the conversation to a very sudden 
 close. 
 
 "Hello in there!" shouted a voice which Winn 
 recognized as Bart Gerry's. 
 
A PAKLEY. 219 
 
 ''Hello in there !" he repeated after waiting a few 
 seconds in vain for a reply, and Petro asked in a 
 tone of irritation, as if it vexed him to so much as 
 reply to such a man.as the mate had shown himself 
 to be : 
 
 ''What do you wish?" 
 
 "A five-minute talk with you." 
 
 "To what end?" 
 
 "That can soon be told after you agree to give 
 me the chance." 
 
 "You seem to be taking it, whether we are willing 
 to grant the request or not." 
 
 "But I want to come where you are, an' have a 
 quiet chat. I'll agree to go away quietly whenever 
 you say the word." 
 
 "I am not disposed to believe one who has al- 
 ready done what you have," Petro replied sharply. 
 
 "I'll agree to give up all weapons, an' put myself 
 in your power, as a proof that I'm talkin' on the 
 square." 
 
 Petro hesitated an instant, and Winn, fearing lest 
 he was about to agree to the proposition, shook his 
 head energetically as he whispered : 
 
 "You can't put any dependence in what he says." 
 
 "I have already had sufficient proof of that, my 
 boy, and do not intend to take any chances." 
 
 "Well, what do you say?" Bart asked impatiently. 
 
220 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "There is no reason why you should enter the 
 passage, and I give fair warning that I am ready to 
 shoot at the first target which presents itself. You 
 can do your talking where you are, and I'll listen so 
 long as it pleases me." 
 
 That Gerry was not satisfied with such permis- 
 sion could be told from the fact that it was several 
 seconds before he made any reply, and then he said 
 in a tone of ill-temper : 
 
 *'I reckon I'm a fool for tryin' to do you a good 
 turn ; but I'll keep on now I've begun, even if you do 
 choose to put on so many airs. Of course, you 
 know that a brig has lately anchored off here?" 
 
 ''Yes, we know it," Petro replied curtly. 
 
 "Well, that craft is on the same errand as we are, 
 an' it ain't likely the treasure will long remain hid- 
 den if all hands make a thorough search. Nor is it 
 reasonable to suppose you can hold out many days 
 with the crews of both vessels against you, and we 
 shall make a trade with them of the brig unless you 
 offer better inducements." 
 
 "If we are so wholly in your power, why waste 
 time bargaining with us?" Petro asked ironically, 
 holding his weapon in readiness for instant use in 
 case the mate of the "Flying Scud" should be so 
 venturesome as to show himself. 
 
 "I'm willing to tell you our side of it, an' give you 
 
A PARLEY. 221 
 
 all the advantage of workin' both ends of the trade. 
 We've come for this treasure, an' are goin' to get it, 
 even though we stay a twelve-month. You know 
 where it is, an' can save us a long time of searching 
 for I'm willin' to admit that perhaps it'll be weeks 
 before we find it. But with both crews workin' it 
 shouldn't take many days, for the pile must be too 
 bulky to be shifted around very often. What good 
 is it to you here? If we left this island to-morrow 
 you might stay on it till you died without seein' a 
 chance for gettin' away, an' allowin' we give up 
 beaten, how much better trade can you make with 
 the next captain who puts in here?" 
 
 ^'I was willing to give you that which Manuel 
 Telceda promised, and it would have repaid you for 
 the venture a thousand times over; but it was not 
 enough according to your ideas; you demanded the 
 lion's share, and, intending to possess the secret by 
 force, made me a prisoner." 
 
 ''There's no need of harkin' back to what has been 
 done. Here's the way we stand now, an' we'll live 
 up to the bargain : You shall show us where the 
 treasure is, an' we'll take the whole on board the 
 Tlying Scud' as soon as our crew can ship it. We'll 
 carry you, an', if it's any inducement, the sneak who 
 deserted, to whatever part of the world you choose, 
 and the money shall then be divided into two equal 
 
232 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 parts, you takin' one, an' we the other. Can you 
 make a better bargain than that with any one?" 
 
 "What assurance have we of even making that 
 bargain with you, when once the treasure is on 
 board your vessel ?" Petro asked, as if on the point 
 of yielding. 
 
 "You have my word, an' that should be enough. 
 As the matter stands we'll be in a position to take 
 the whole of it if we join forces with the captain of 
 the brig. Accept my offer, an' you get half, which, 
 accordin' to Manuel Telceda's story, is more than 
 any one man needs." 
 
 "Your word is too slight a staff for an honest man 
 to lean upon," Petro replied sharply. "After the 
 past experience I had rather you were my enemy 
 than my friend; therefore, unless you delight in 
 hearing yourself talk, we'll say no more about it. 
 You can join forces at once with the captain of the 
 brig, if it so be he is willing; but never with me." 
 
 "You'd better take time an' think the matter over 
 before puttin' an' end to the bargainin'," Gerry cried 
 threateningly. "If I leave this place an' go to the 
 captain of the brig, the offer will never be repeated ; 
 but in course of a few days we shall come upon the 
 treasure whether you will or no." 
 
 "It would have been as well had you never made 
 the offer, for it is but a waste of breath to talk with 
 
A PARLEY. 223 
 
 me after showing, as you have, what you are capable 
 of doing/* 
 
 "Then you are willin' to take the chances?" 
 
 *'I am ready to accept any chance rather than treat 
 with you or any whom you may send. He who 
 plays the pirate by making a prisoner of one over 
 whom he has no authority, and does not hesitate to 
 threaten with torture a refusal to betray a sacred 
 trust, is not to be depended upon, however desperate 
 may be the situation. I cannot force you away from 
 where you are, but I shall cease to reply; therefore 
 you had best treat with the captain of the brig. He 
 may be a better companion for you than I should 
 prove, for as yet he doesn't know you as well." 
 
 "You'll wish your answer hadn't been quite so 
 high an' mighty, Mr, Petro Garcia, before this busi- 
 ness is ended," Gerry shouted in a rage. "Fve 
 given you a fair show; but it's the last, an' from this 
 moment the Aymara treasure is as much lost to you 
 as if you were a thousand miles from here, an' we 
 with it in our possession." 
 
 Petro remained silent, and the parley was ended, 
 for at that instant what appeared to be a man's head 
 was seen at the entrance of the passage, and with 
 the quickness of thought the report of a revolver 
 rang out, followed by a mocking laugh which told 
 that Gerry had had recourse to the old Indian ruse, 
 
224 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 having probably thrust out a cap on a stick to draw 
 the fire of the besieged. 
 
 *'It was but a farce," Petro said to Winn with a 
 grim smile, ''and as such a fitting conclusion to your 
 mate's proposition. Had his offer been accepted, it 
 is more than likely we would be marooned here on 
 the island, while the schooner sailed away with the 
 wealth of my people." 
 
 ''It's certain he wouldn't have kept his word, no 
 matter what it was," Winn replied in a whisper, not 
 daring to speak aloud lest his voice be recognized, 
 and the crew of the "Flying Scud" be thus told that 
 he was yet in the land of the living. 
 
 Winn had no very good idea as to how it might 
 further their ends for him still to be believed dead, 
 but from motives of prudence he desired that the 
 secret should be kept yet a little longer. 
 
 "Go and tell Joe Savage what you have just 
 heard. The sound of voices has perhaps made him 
 uneasy, and a sharp lookout must be kept from that 
 passage, for if the mate spoke truly as to joining 
 forces with the captain of the brig, they may soon 
 begin searching for another entrance to this 
 place." 
 
 Winn ran at full speed through the cavern, pass- 
 ing directly over the hidden hoard which had already 
 provoked so much trouble and inhumanity, and when 
 
A PARLEY. 325 
 
 arrived at Joe's post of duty, repeated as nearly as 
 was possible all that had been said. 
 
 "In the first place Bart Gerry was lyin', accord- 
 in' to my way of thinkin'/' the sailor said when the 
 story came to an end. "I don't believe the skipper 
 of the brig has made any offer to him, although I'm 
 not sayin' sich a scheme hasn't come into Gerry's 
 head ; but whether it can be worked or not is another 
 matter. If he'd been so certain of findin' the gold 
 there wouldn't have been any talk made. We've got 
 it, lad, an' we'll hold it in spite of all they can do." 
 
 "Yet you must admit, Joe, that Gerry told only 
 the truth when he said we might wait for years 
 without having a chance to leave this island, and 
 who shall say that the next men we talk with won't 
 prove as hard at a bargain as those in command of 
 the Tlying Scud'?" 
 
 "All that may be true, lad; but I ain't allowin' 
 we'll stop here sich a dreadful while after these vil- 
 ains find out they're beaten, because if us three can't 
 manage to make a craft of some kind that will at 
 least carry us an' a good share of the gold to Port 
 Refuge on Direction Island, which is one of this 
 'ere group, then we're pretty poor sticks. I've been 
 thinkin' the matter over for an hour, an' see our way 
 out of it clean. I'd be willin' to take my chances in 
 the dory. What would prevent us from takin' away 
 
226 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 gold enough to buy a small schooner? It wouldn't 
 cut any figger in the pile, if it's as big as Manuel an' 
 Petro make out. Once let us beat this gang off, an' 
 we'll work through in great shape. You can tell 
 Garcia that these 'ere vessels won't stay at anchor 
 twenty- four hours longer." 
 
 "What makes you think that?" 
 
 *'The weather, lad. Look out !" and Joe pointed 
 to a bank of clouds which could be seen far down 
 to the eastward. "I'm countin' on havin' the island 
 to ourselves for a spell, or Captain Jim ain't the 
 sailor I've always taken him to be." 
 
 Although as yet Winn had suffered no hardship 
 in being thus virtually kept a prisoner within the 
 cavern, the knowledge that he would probably soon 
 be at liberty was most pleasing, and he returned at 
 full speed to acquaint Petro with the supposed 
 fact. 
 
 During the remainder of the day nothing was 
 heard of those who would possess themselves of the 
 Aymara treasure by no other right than that of 
 might, and before the sun set there was no longer 
 any doubt as to the correctness of Joe's prediction. 
 
 Already the wind had sprung up from the east, 
 and the sky was filled with ominous-looking clouds. 
 
 As a matter of course nothing of this could be 
 seen from the passage where Petro stodd guard, 
 
A PARLEY. 227 
 
 while it was clearly apparent at Joe*s end of the 
 tunnel. 
 
 Winn reported the fact to the old man, who said, 
 after a moment's thought : 
 
 "It is necessary we should know when the vessels 
 put to sea. You shall stand guard here, and I will 
 venture out along the coast." 
 
 "Let me do that!" Winn cried pleadingly. "I 
 can make my way among the rocks as well as you, 
 and there is no reason why I shouldn't have some 
 share in the dangers." 
 
 "If one be cautious there is no danger in going 
 along the shore until the vessels may be seen, for at a 
 distance of a hundred yards to the southward of the 
 entrance the eastern coast is in full view." 
 
 "I'll go, an' stay outside till those villains show 
 what they mean to do," Winn replied quickly, and 
 before Petro could remonstrate, had he been so dis- 
 posed, the boy was running through the chamber. 
 
 Joe was not as willing Winn should venture out 
 as Petro appeared to be, and some considerable dis- 
 cussion was necessary before he would allow the boy 
 to pass. 
 
 He finally yielded to Winn's entreaties, however, 
 and cautioning him to err on the score of prudence, 
 rather than that of recklessness, went with him to 
 the entrance. 
 
 ^. ■ 
 
228 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ''Keep the revolver in your hand, lad, an' if it 
 should so chance that you find anybody hangin' 
 'round nearby, come back at once. Don't think it's 
 manly to fight rather than run away at such a time, 
 for our game is to keep under cover until the pirates 
 are tired out." 
 
 There was little need for Joe to have spent his 
 breath in such advice. 
 
 Winn threaded his way among the rocks along the 
 coast until he was where the cove lay in full view, 
 and during this short journey had neither seen nor 
 heard the enemy. 
 
 Thus far the second entrance to the cavern yet 
 remained a secret, and the guardians of the Aymara 
 treasure could leave at will what Gerry probably 
 believed to be their prison, should occasion require. 
 
 The boy was well rewarded for the labor, and 
 labor it surely was to make one's way amid that 
 mass of needle-pointed rocks which lined the 
 coast in such numbers as to form a perfect laby- 
 rinth. 
 
 By the time he had gained the spot where both 
 vessels could be distinctly seen, those on board the 
 brig were already making preparations for depar- 
 ture. Her boats were alongside, the anchor hove 
 short, and even as he watched she was gotten under 
 way, not a moment too soon, for this portion of 
 
A PAELEY. 229 
 
 Cocos Island was fast becoming a most dangerous 
 lee-shore. 
 
 Then Winn saw the "Flying Scud's" boats put off, 
 and to his surprise one of her men remained on shore. 
 
 He believed he recognized this solitary figure on 
 the beach as Bartlett ; but the distance was too great 
 to admit of his seeing clearly. 
 
 At all events, one, if no more, was to be left be- 
 hind, and after a short time of reflection Winn real- 
 ized that even though the vessels were forced to put 
 to sea, the inland entrance to the cavern must not be 
 left unguarded. 
 
 ''Bart Gerry counts on starvin' us out,'' he said to 
 himself when, having waited until the schooner fol- 
 lowed the brig, he made his way back toward the 
 tunnel. "It's mighty lucky I came, else one of us 
 might have walked straight out, believing all hands 
 had gone away, an' then there would have been 
 trouble." 
 
 "Gone, eh, an' left a guard behind?" Joe said 
 grimly when Winn made his report. "Count on 
 starvin' us, eh ? Well, this is one of the times when 
 Bart Gerry is out of his reckonin'. It wouldn't be 
 a bad idee if we should turn to an' capture these 'ere 
 guards, would it?" 
 
 ' "I don't see what you could make by it, an' for 
 my part I'd rather have them outside the cave." 
 
230 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "Still it could be done if we were so minded. I 
 was shipmates once with a duck what had been on a 
 treasure-huntin' cruise same's we're meddlin' with, 
 an' he got into a tight corner where he had to do 
 pretty much the same thing we oughter do this 
 minute." 
 
 "I'd rather hear your shipmate tell the story than 
 try it myself," Winn said with a laugh, as he con- 
 tinued on to make his report to Petro. 
 
 The latter gave no sign either of pleasure or dis- 
 appointment when told that which the boy had seen ; 
 but his face lighted up as Winn repeated Joe's re- 
 marks. 
 
 "It is most likely that two have been left behind," 
 the old man said musingly. "There's little chance 
 a search will be made for the other entrance to the 
 cave, more especially while the wind is in this quar- 
 ter, for the surf runs high on that side of the island 
 at such times. Ask the sailor to come here, and do 
 you remain on duty there for a while." 
 
 There was an expression of thoughtfulness on 
 Winn's face as he obeyed this command, and after 
 he had repeated the order to Joe he added: 
 
 "I believe Petro is thinking of doing exactly as 
 you suggest, an' I'm mighty sorry." 
 
 "Why, lad?" 
 
 ^'Because in case you should be successful, in 
 
A PAELEY. 231 
 
 addition to standing watch, we shall have two pris- 
 oners to guard, an' of course they'll know I wasn't 
 drowned. If one or both escape after the * Flying 
 Scud' comes back, the secret will be out." 
 
 "I can't see how that could do you harm. Bart 
 Gerry wouldn't be any more anxious to get hold of 
 us than he is now ; it's only the gold he's after, an' 
 in case he should get the best end of this matter we 
 wouldn't be allowed to trouble him. Because why? 
 Because we'd be marooned here, that you can depend 
 on. What a rare joke to take Bartlett prisoner with 
 his own revolver, eh ?" 
 
 ''We shouldn't be any better off if we did it, an' I 
 claim it's takin' needless risks; but there's no sense 
 in my talking, because if you and Petro agree on 
 anything, it'll be done in spite of all I can say." 
 
 "That's where you're wrong, lad. You've got as 
 much voice in this 'ere business as either of us ; but 
 of course if it was a case of two against one, you'd 
 have to give in. I don't allow there's much need 
 of keepin' very sharp watch here; but at the same 
 time Fd advise that you don't go to sleep while Fm 
 away, for nobody can say what might happen." 
 X Then with a look of content on his face, as if he 
 believed matters would be arranged to his liking, 
 Joe went up the passage in obedience to Petro's 
 summons. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 TURNING THE TABLES. 
 
 If Winn could have heard the conversation be- 
 tween his two comrades he would not have felt 
 wholly at ease, for immediately the sailor was suffi- 
 ciently near Petro to be able to speak without fear 
 of being overheard, he said : 
 
 "So you are counting on trying your hand at tak- 
 ing prisoners, eh ?" 
 
 "Do you not think it can be done?" 
 
 "Done? Of course it can. What's to prevent, if 
 we set about the business in proper fashion ? Who- 
 ever is on guard outside would no more think there 
 was danger of our creeping up behind them than 
 they would of a man's falling from the moon. 
 Done? Why, Petro, the thing is the same as done 
 when you say we'll do it." 
 
 "I didn't intend that we should do it," the old 
 man replied with a smile. 
 
 ** I allowed from what Joe said that you'd about 
 the same as made up your mind to try the plan, and 
 a mighty good one I thought it was. If those two' 
 fellows keep watch at this end of the cave, we're 
 hived in till the Tlying Scud' gets back, which may 
 
 232 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 233 
 
 be a week or more, accordin' to the looks of the 
 weather now." 
 
 "1 beHeve as you do in regard to that; but it was 
 my intention to attempt the capture alone." 
 
 •'Alone? What's the need of that? Why 
 shouldn't I have a hand in the business?" 
 
 "Because, even though we are so certain the plan 
 is a simple one, it may fail, and we shouldn't take 
 too great risks. Besides, both entrances to this 
 place must be guarded meanwhile, and the boy can- 
 not do it alone." 
 
 "Then why shouldn't I be the one to play the 
 game ?" 
 
 "Because I believe I can do it best," Petro replied 
 with a smile, but yet firmly. "Listen. You shall 
 remain here, standing so near the entrance that you 
 can come out quickly at the first call for help. I, 
 who know the way, will go through the other pas- 
 sage, and creep upon the men from the rear. If it 
 so chance only one is on duty, the work will be done 
 in short order. If both are there it may be more 
 difficult ; but I shall succeed." 
 
 "I'd like to have a hand in it myself, for more of 
 a lark than anything else; but I'm bound to admit 
 you know your way around the island better'n I do, 
 and will most likely pull through where I might fail, 
 because of my clumsiness. If you are really count- 
 
234 THE TEEASURE OP COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ing on doin' it, my idea is that there's no time to be 
 lost/' 
 
 •'I will go now. Half an hour must be spent in 
 making my way around from the coast, and at the 
 end of that time you are to stand within a few feet 
 of the entrance; but not so near that there is any 
 danger they could, by coming into view suddenly, 
 shoot you down." 
 
 Without any words of adieu, and as if he was 
 bent on the performance of the simplest task, Petro 
 walked down the passage until he was stopped by 
 Winn, who asked nervously: 
 
 *'Are you really goin' to try an' capture those fel- 
 lows?" 
 
 ''Yes, lad. I have discussed the plan with Joe 
 Savage, and he thinks as I do, that the attempt 
 should be made. In order to husband our store of 
 provisions we must gather a certain quantity of food 
 from the outside, and it cannot be done while those 
 men are at liberty." 
 
 "But if you should " 
 
 "There is no fear I will run into danger, lad, and 
 by thus giving so many words to the subject we are 
 making it appear of more importance than really is 
 the case. Let me pass, and in an hour or less we 
 shall have two of Captain Robinson's crew in our 
 keeping." 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 235 
 
 It seemed as if Petro feared to hold any lengthy 
 conversation with the boy, for having thus spoken he 
 almost rudely pushed his way past, and Winn said to 
 himself as the old man disappeared among the monu- 
 ments of rock : 
 
 "I ain't so certain we'll have two of Captain Jim's 
 men in our keeping. Petro seems to think it an easy 
 matter to capture them; but he may find that they 
 have something to say about it. I wish I could talk 
 to Joe for a few minutes; it is going to be tough, 
 waiting here an hour, fearing each moment that I'll 
 hear what proves he has been worsted." 
 
 It was not possible, however, for him to hold any 
 communication with the sailor, except by deserting 
 his post of duty, and this last he would not have 
 done even though the provocation had been twenty 
 times as great. 
 
 Although Joe Savage had professed to believe the 
 proposed plan was one which could easily be carried 
 into execution, he was far from feeling comfortable 
 in mind after Petro had left him. 
 
 He realized fully that the slightest miscalculation 
 or mishap might prove fatal, and as the moments 
 went by his doubts and fears increased until it be- 
 came difficult to remain inactive while his comrade 
 was voluntarily running into possible danger. 
 
 "There's one thing in our favor, and that can't be 
 
236 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 gainsaid. If he comes upon 'em from behind, the 
 odds are in his favor, an' the thing is the same as 
 done; but suppose only one is on guard while the 
 other, prowlin' round, plays on Petro the same trick 
 he is counting on carrying through ?" 
 
 The moments passed slowly, and although the 
 sailor listened intently from time to time, standing 
 within less than two feet of the entrance to the 
 passage, not so much as a whisper could be 
 heard. 
 
 *'They are either keepin' quiet in the hope we'll 
 show our noses, or else there's only one of them 
 here," Joe said to himself, and just at that moment 
 a scuffling of feet could be heard on the dry leaves 
 outside. 
 
 There was a muttered exclamation, and Joe found 
 it difficult to repress the cry of exultation which rose 
 to his lips as Bartlett, with Petro walking close at 
 his heels, holding a revolver against the man's head, 
 came into view. 
 
 ''Half the work is done without turning a hand," 
 Joe said in a triumphant whisper, as he began to 
 search his former shipmate for the purpose of dis- 
 arming him. Then to the prisoner he added : "So 
 long as you walk straight, Bartlett, an' don't try to 
 give the alarm, we'll treat you in proper fashion ; but 
 once turn rusty, and Bart Gerry's style of usin' a 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 237 
 
 man won't be a marker alongside of the way we'll 
 dish it out. Who was on duty with you?" 
 
 "Carleton," the sailor replied surlily. 
 
 "Where is he now?" 
 
 "He went down to the cove when the schooner 
 sailed, and hasn't got back." 
 
 "Was he the only one left ashore ?" 
 
 "So far as I know; but there might have been 
 somebody from the brig." 
 
 "Why do you think so ?" 
 
 "Because it's pretty near certain they put in here 
 for the treasure, and it seems reasonable they might 
 have wanted to keep their eyes on it same as we 
 did." 
 
 "But you haven't had your eyes on it yet, my 
 hearty, an' accordin' to my way of thinkin' you 
 never will." 
 
 "Can you look after this man so far as to make 
 certain he won't escape, or shall I find something 
 with which to fetter-^him ?" Petro asked. 
 
 For reply Joe took from his pocket a silk neck- 
 kerchief, and as if having had much experience 
 in such work, tied Bartlett's elbows behind him in 
 such fashion that it was not possible for the latter to 
 use his arms. 
 
 "I reckon he'll stay where he is," Joe said an- 
 grily. "If he agrees to hold his tongue we won't 
 
238 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 truss him up any more; but I warn him that at the 
 least show of crookedness I shall shoot mighty quick, 
 because this is a case of workin' to save my own life." 
 
 Petro did not wait to hear any further threats 
 from Joe, but hastened down the passage once more, 
 bent on making a second capture, and as soon as 
 Winn heard his footsteps he cried eagerly : 
 
 "Did you give up tryin' to get the man ?" 
 
 ''I have caught one, and am now after the other. 
 Be patient half an hour longer, and then there will 
 be nothing to prevent your moving around the island 
 at your pleasure, at least so long as the 'Flying Scud' 
 is absent." 
 
 Then Petro disappeared among the wilderness of 
 rocks again, and Winn regretted that he had not 
 asked which of the sailors was a prisoner. 
 
 Meanwhile Joe Savage was adding to his fund of. 
 information regarding the treasure-seekers on board 
 the ^'Flying Scud," and the prisoner, who did not 
 appear particularly distressed at thus having been 
 deprived of his liberty, answered all questions with 
 apparent willingness. 
 
 'T reckon Bart Gerry stormed considerable when 
 he found I'd taken French leave?" 
 
 "I was below when he and Captain Jim came 
 aboard; but from what we heard next day I reckon 
 he didn't take it very mildly." 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 239 
 
 "And he counts on getting hold of me again, I 
 reckon ?" 
 
 ''That's the idea, and it looks to me as if he would 
 do it, too. See here, Joe, you an' I've been ship- 
 mates on more'n one cruise, an' there's no reason 
 why we should be at odds just because you an' the 
 mate don't hitch up. I believe you're wrong in 
 sidin' with this 'ere foreigner. Because why ? Be- 
 cause he can't hope to hold out agin the whole of the 
 crew." 
 
 "He seems to be doin' it pretty well so far, don't 
 he?" 
 
 "Wait till the wind hauls 'round in the west again, 
 an' you may sing a different tune. It can't take a 
 great spell to starve you out of this place, an' from 
 what I've heard said by Captain Jim an' the mate, 
 they're ready to stay here six months, but that they'll 
 do it." 
 
 "Six years ain't long enough, Bartlett. It may 
 be before you leave this 'ere hole in the ground, that 
 you'll have a better idea of it than is in your head 
 now. I tell you we're snug just so long as it suits 
 us to stay." 
 
 "Suppose the crew of the brig are bent on the 
 same errand as Captain Jim is ?" 
 
 "It don't make any difference if there's a hundred 
 brigs with the crews of 'em tryin' to smoke us out. 
 
240 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 It can't be done. What does the crew say to hangin' 
 'round here on a treasure-seekin' expedition when 
 they shipped for a tradin' voyage?" 
 
 ''Well, to tell the truth, they don't like it." 
 ''Will all hands be willin' to stay six months if 
 Bart Gerry happens to say so?" 
 
 ''That's to be seen. None of 'em believe it'll take 
 more'n a week to get the best of you, and once that 
 foreigner is on board the 'Flying Scud' again, he'll 
 tell what he knows." 
 
 "Then you men ain't afraid of the law ?" 
 "How could the law touch us here where there 
 ain't any?" 
 
 "I don't reckon it could, my hearty; but there's 
 such things as naval ships floatin' 'round this sec- 
 tion of the world, an' even if you don't run across 
 one of them, you've got to get home some time. Tak- 
 ing an American citizen prisoner; torturing him 
 into tellin' what you want to know, an' then robbin' 
 him ain't safe work for sailormen. Them as fol- 
 lows Bart Gerry will find out so. I figgered this 
 whole thing in my mind, and says I to myself, says 
 I, 'Joe Savage, the sooner you take yourself away 
 from the " Flying Scud," the better it'll be for you, 
 an' there's no need of waitin' for wages, 'cause you 
 want to show right from the start that you wasn't 
 concerned in the business that's likely to lead them 
 
TUENING THE TABLES. 241 
 
 as have a share in it to State's prison/ So I'm here, 
 an' you're with me, Bartlett, an' goin' to stay one 
 spell, anyhow. Now what's it to be? A friendly 
 kind of a visit, or do you want to turn rusty an' 
 make all the trouble for us you can ?" 
 
 "Why, as for the matter of that, I'm willing to be 
 as friendly as you say, so long's I can't help myself. 
 I count on your feedin' me, an' sich as that; but I 
 ain't the fool to kick when there's nothin' to be made 
 by it." 
 
 "Then you'll find yourself used in proper fashion, 
 as I said before, an' the time will come, Bartlett, 
 when you'll thank Petro Garcia an' me for what 
 we've done this day." 
 
 Judging from the expression on the sailor's face 
 he had no very great faith in this last assertion ; but 
 was wise enough to hold his peace, and Joe gave 
 proof of his friendly feelings by filling a pipe, light- 
 ing it, and placing it between his former shipmate's 
 teeth. 
 
 **Now we'll sit down comfortable-like an' wait 
 for Carleton to be brought in, for he's bound to 
 come, my hearty, when a man like Petro is after 
 him." 
 
 Bartlett made no reply, and in silence the two 
 remained, one sitting on the ground with his back 
 against the wall of the passage, and the other stand- 
 
242 THE TREASURE OP COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 ing near the entrance where he could answer to any 
 appeal for assistance. 
 
 Five minutes later the sound of careless footsteps 
 told that Petro had brought his venture to a success- 
 ful termination, otherwise he would have approached 
 more cautiously. 
 
 The second man had been made prisoner, and was 
 marched into the tunnel ; but did not appear to take 
 his capture at heart as had his shipmate. 
 
 "Hello, Joe !" he cried cheerily. "I've been troub- 
 lin' my head because Bartlett an' I were to stand 
 long watches; but your friend has put an end to all 
 that, an' now I reckon we'll live on the fat of the 
 land, for accordin' to my way of thinkin' you had a 
 pretty good idea of how matters were goin' before 
 you gave up your berth on board the 'Flying Scud.' " 
 
 "Glad to see you, shipmate," Joe replied with a 
 laugh, "an' you ain't makin' any mistake about the 
 way we're fixed here. How did Petro get hold of 
 you?" 
 
 "li. wasn't any hard job, seein's I hadn't an idea 
 you fellows could leave this 'ere place while Bartlett 
 stood watch. I was tryin' to knock down a cocoa- 
 nut or two when he come up behind with his re- 
 volver, and I accepted the invitation without making 
 too much talk. To tell the truth, old man, I ain't 
 sorry you've done this thing, for the course our cap- 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 243 
 
 tain and mate have been steerin' hasn't been to my 
 likin'." 
 
 "Fm glad to see you've got some sense about you, 
 Carleton. Of course it ain't to your Hkin', nor to 
 the Hkin' of any honest sailorman. Now I've 
 trussed Bartlett up to keep him with us ; but if you'll 
 give me your word that there'll be no tryin' to skin 
 out, we won't use force. You can join this little 
 family party, an' I shan't have to waste my neck- 
 kerchiefs usin' 'em for ropes." 
 
 "I'm willin' to be lashed up, or run 'round loose- 
 like, just as you say; but I'll agree to obey orders 
 till further notice." 
 
 "Then we'll get along as pleasant as three kit- 
 tens, an' if any scratchin' is done, Bartlett's the one 
 who'll have to show his claws, in which case we 
 shan't try to handle him any too tender, that's cer- 
 tain. Do you happen to know if you two are the 
 only ones left here to starve us out ?" 
 
 "All the brig's crew went on board when she 
 weighed anchor, an' I'll give you my word there's 
 no more of us." 
 
 Petro, who had lingered in the passage until this 
 remark was made, now hastened toward Winn's 
 post of duty, and returned with the boy a few mo- 
 ments later. 
 
 The expression on the faces of the two men when 
 
244 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 the lad, whom they had believed to be dead, made his 
 appearance, would have been comical but for the 
 terror displayed. 
 
 "Thought he'd gone to feed the sharks, did you, 
 mates?" Joe said with a hearty laugh. 'T allowed 
 I could pull the wool over Bart Gerry's eyes; but 
 didn't suppose all of you would swallow it so easy. 
 The lad is no more of a thief than you are, an' 
 here's the whole yarn." 
 
 Then Joe told in a few words of what he himself 
 had learned regarding the mate's plot, and how 
 simple a matter it proved to outwit him. 
 
 'That's the kind of a man you shipped under, 
 though you ain't to blame for signin' articles, 'cause 
 you didn't know how black he really was; but now 
 you've got my word an' the boy's, an' can see for 
 yourselves what Bart Gerry is willin' to do for the 
 sake of a few dollars." 
 
 Carleton stood for a moment as if in deep thought 
 and then approaching Winn, held out his hand as he 
 said heartily: 
 
 "I'm sorry, lad, that I had a hand in what was 
 done against you on board the schooner; but with 
 the captain and mate accusin' us in the forecastle of 
 robbin' them, it ain't surprising that we should have 
 hit upon you as the thief. I'm glad you got out of it 
 so well, and hope you hold no ill-will against me." 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 245 
 
 "Of course I don't," Winn replied promptly, as 
 he shook hands with the sailor. ''Any one would 
 have believed as you did, for who could suppose that 
 the captain and mate of a vessel would do such a 
 thing?" 
 
 ''And they accused me of being the thief !" Bart- 
 lett cried vindictively. 
 
 "That was only to shut your eye, and make you 
 do what you did toward fixin' the crime on this boy," 
 Joe said. "But there's enough of this chinnin'. 
 Let's call all hands to supper, Petro, an' make kind 
 of a feast out'er this 'ere gatherin', seein's how 
 everything is friendly and sociable, so to speak." 
 
 Once more Winn acted as cook, and after a plen- 
 tiful amount of the cabin stores had been eaten, the 
 two prisoners appeared quite as well content with the 
 situation as did their captors. 
 
 The meal finished, and when each man had filled 
 his pipe, Carleton made a proposition : 
 
 "Look here, mates, I allow you're countin' on 
 keepin' us in this 'ere cave till Captain Jim an' the 
 mate either get the treasure, or give up trying to find 
 it, eh?" 
 
 "That's about the size of it, my hearty," Joe re- 
 plied. 
 
 "I've had enough of such business as has been 
 goin' on aboard the Tlying Scud,' an' if it so be 
 
246 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 you're willin' to take me into your mess, Joe Savage, 
 I'll ship from this out. Don't think I'm tryin' to 
 get a finger in the treasure we've heard so much 
 about, because I ain't. I'll give up the wages due 
 me, an' take hold here with you as able seaman, 
 cook's mate, or whatever lay you're willing to give." 
 
 Instead of speaking Joe leaned forward to clasp 
 his shipmate by the hand, after which he looked in- 
 quiringly toward Petro. 
 
 "If you answer for him it shall be as he wishes," 
 the latter replied. 
 
 "Answer for Dave Carleton? Of course I will, 
 and for Bartlett, too, if it so be he is minded to 
 make the same offer." 
 
 "It seems hard for a man to give up his wages 
 after comin' around the Horn; yet I ain't certain 
 but it's the best trade I can make," Bartlett said 
 thoughtfully. 
 
 "Then it's a go." 
 
 "It's a go," Carleton added, and Bartlett gravely 
 repeated the same words. 
 
 "It was not for such a purpose that I made prison- 
 ers of you two," Petro said slowly, "yet right glad 
 am I that you have thus decided, for it will make our 
 work less difficult. There is treasure on this island, 
 and its hiding place is known to me — it can be found 
 by none other. You shall not lose your wages, men. 
 
TURNING THE TABLES. 247 
 
 for if we succeed in carrying this wealth to the 
 United States, so much of it shall be yours as will 
 pay you twice over from the day you left port until 
 we arrive there." 
 
 ''I wasn't figgerin' on anything of that kind, Mr. 
 Garcia," Carleton said half laughingly; ''but you 
 have made the offer of your own free will, an' I 
 shall hold you to it, expecting meanwhile to do what- 
 ever duty a sailorman can do on shore by way of 
 giving you fair returns for your money." 
 
 "Then we've signed new papers, have we ?" Bart- 
 lett asked, and Carleton said with a laugh : 
 
 ''That we have, mate, and knowing Joe Savage as 
 well as I do, seein's he goes bail for Mr. Garcia, ac- 
 cordin' to my idea we've made a mighty good trade 
 in shiftin' berths." 
 
CHAPTER XVL 
 
 LAYING IN STORES. 
 
 When night came the threatened storm had burst 
 upon the isknd; but it occasioned neither inconve- 
 nience nor discomfort to the occupants of the cavern, 
 who, assembled in the circular chamber, which was 
 illuminated by the cheery blaze, listened contentedly 
 to the bowlings of the tempest. 
 
 Once the prisoners had signified their desire to 
 become comrades and the details of the matter were 
 settled, all hands set about laying in a store of fuel, 
 and before the rain began to fall there was such a 
 stock of wood piled up directly over where the treas- 
 ure was buried, as would suffice to keep the fire 
 burning for many days. 
 
 It was only natural that during the evening the 
 conversation ran mainly upon the Aymara treasure, 
 and Petro Garcia told his comrades a story similar 
 to that related by Manuel Telceda . 
 
 In fact, he confided freely in these new recruits, 
 save as to revealing the present location of the 
 hoard, and more than once repeated the promise 
 made relative to payment for their services. 
 
 248 
 
LAYING IN STORES. 249 
 
 Having once seen the second outlet, Carleton and 
 Bartlett felt no uneasiness regarding the ability of 
 the party to hold possession of the cavern, however 
 many enemies might be on the outside, and therefore 
 little time was spent in speculating upon what would 
 be done by the crews of the brig and the 'Tlying 
 Scud." 
 
 As if positive they would triumph in due course of 
 time, the men talked only of the future, and laid 
 plans for leaving the island once it should be possible 
 to work outside unmolested. 
 
 The three sailors appeared to have no doubt but 
 that in case the dory was found by a searching party, 
 a craft of some kind could be fashioned, and Joe's 
 proposition that they make no other attempt than 
 to reach Port Refuge, where he believed it would be 
 possible to purchase a vessel, met with the approval 
 of all. 
 
 "It ain't as if we hadn't a dollar," he said com- 
 placently. 'Tf we find a vessel for sale, it's only a 
 question of whether we want her or not, because 
 Petro can supply us with as much good hard gold 
 as we need. Once Bart Gerry an' the likes of him 
 have been driven off or tired out, this 'ere will be no 
 more than a picnic for us. We'll get a snug little 
 craft, provision her in such fashion as sailormen 
 never dreamed of, an' sail along toward home ac- 
 
250 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 cordin' as the wind may blow, without any too much 
 pullin' an' haulin'. There'll be no question of tryin' 
 to make a fair wind out of a foul one, because we can 
 heave-to whenever we feel inclined. I've often 
 thought about goin' to sea in such fashion as that ; 
 but until I struck this racket, never believed it would 
 be possible." 
 
 Thanks to the word-pictures painted by the sailor, 
 all hands, including Winn, began to look upon their 
 troubles as having already come to an end, and 
 anticipated for the future months of unalloyed hap- 
 piness and comfort. 
 
 Although believing themselves the only human 
 beings on the island, it was proposed that "anchor 
 watch" be kept, and by common consent Petro 
 Garcia, as the oldest member of the party, was to be 
 exempt from such duty. 
 
 At first he objected most strenuously to such divis- 
 ion of the labor, insisting that, despite his age, he 
 was fully capable of doing a full share of the work ; 
 but Joe, who considered himself second in command, 
 refused to listen to his remonstrance. 
 
 *'When the wind hauls 'round so that our precious 
 friends can come back, you shall stand watch and 
 watch with the rest of us; but until then I'll allow 
 that we three — meaning Bartlett, Carleton and my- 
 self — can look out for things, an' never feel it." 
 
LAYING m STOEES. 251 
 
 "Don't you reckon me in?" Winn asked. 
 
 "The cook ain't called upon to stand watch, lad, 
 an' that's the berth you're to occupy from this time 
 out, unless it so be we find a better one at Keeling 
 Island, when you can go into the cabin as a pas- 
 senger." 
 
 For the first time since leaving Fairhaven, Winn 
 began to think of the Aymara treasure as a reality 
 in which he owned a share. 
 
 The confidence of the sailors that they would be 
 able to purchase a vessel, and their speculations re- 
 garding the homeward voyage, which all appeared 
 to consider a foregone conclusion, caused him to 
 look upon the hoard as he never had done before, and 
 while the others spent their time deciding this 
 question or that concerning the future, he was trying 
 to realize what his position would be when he re- 
 turned to Fairhaven with more money than the rich- 
 est man in town could call his own. 
 
 His waking dreams were exceedingly pleasant on 
 that evening, and it seemed to him as if there was 
 no longer anything to be feared from the unprin- 
 cipled men who were willing to commit almost any 
 crime in order to gain possession of the gold. 
 
 He quite forgot for the time being that a long 
 and possibly bloody struggle must ensue before they 
 could carry out the plan proposed by Joe. 
 
252 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 That night he slept sweetly, visited by rose-col- 
 ored dreams, and on being awakened next morning, 
 set about the duties of cook as if the labor was a real" 
 pleasure. 
 
 As he worked the boy learned from the conversa- 
 tion of the men that the storm was at its height, and 
 that the day would be spent in comparative idleness. 
 
 While they were at breakfast Petro told how they 
 could add to the stores by gathering shell-fish and 
 cocoanuts, and Dave Carleton proposed that as soon 
 as the storm had abated sufficiently he and Joe would 
 make a fishing voyage in the dory. 
 
 ''Bartlett an' I brought ashore a couple of lines, 
 thinkin' we might do something in the way of fishing 
 if the 'Flying Scud' was blown very far off the 
 coast, and accordin' to the appearance of things she 
 ain't likely to be back for a spell. We've got salt 
 enough among the stores the captain sent ashore to 
 cure all we can catch, I reckon." 
 
 ''I ought to be kicked for not thinkin' of your pro- 
 visions last night," Joe said regretfully. ''I reckon 
 the salt won't be worth much after it has been out in 
 this storm twelve hours." 
 
 "There's no danger of its spoiling, for I saw to it 
 that it was well protected from the water by a spare 
 sail Gerry sent ashore," Bartlett replied, "and if it 
 so be you're willin,' we'll bring the grub in this 
 
LAYING IN STOEES. 253 
 
 morning. It better be stored here than outside, an' 
 a little wettin' won't do either of us any harm, my 
 hearty." 
 
 After a leisurely-eaten breakfast was finished the 
 three sailors set about bringing in the provisions 
 lately sent ashore from the 'Tlying Scud," and when 
 this had been done the quantity of stores in the cav- 
 ern was most reassuring as the men thought of the 
 siege which they must expect would be begun by 
 their enemies. 
 
 Once during the day Winn ventured out for no 
 other purpose than to prove to himself he could do 
 so without danger ; but the foliage was so laden with 
 water, and the deluge from the heavens so great, 
 that he gladly returned to the shelter of the cavern. 
 
 Not until the following morning were the clouds 
 dispersed, and then all hands set about with a will 
 to lay in additional stores, for none could say how 
 much food might be needed before their enemies 
 would allow themselves beaten. 
 
 Petro and Winn gathered cocoanuts and oysters. 
 Bartlett undertook the labor of collecting fuel, 
 while Joe Savage and Dave Carleton carried into 
 execution the latter's plan of a fishing cruise on 
 board the dory. 
 
 When night came all were weary from their 
 labors; but it was a pleasant rather than a painful 
 
254 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 fatigue, because of the success with which they had 
 been rewarded. 
 
 Not less than two weeks' stock of fuel was stored 
 nearby the spot that served as a fireplace. As large 
 a quantity of shell-fish as could be eaten before it 
 spoiled was within the shelter of the cavern, and just 
 outside, where they could be exposed to the full rays 
 of the sun, were a large number of fish prepared 
 for drying. 
 
 ''One more such day's work, and we'll have a 
 three-months' supply," Joe said in a tone of satisfac- 
 tion, and Petro added :\ 
 
 "We already have on 'hand what will serve until 
 the wind forces the vessels to sea again. The ques- 
 tion now which should be considered is how long 
 before the schooner may be expected." 
 
 "It will be forty-eight hours at the least calcula- 
 tion, eh, mates?" and Joe looked questioningly at his 
 comrades. 
 
 "Make it twice as long, an' you won't be far out of 
 the way," Bartlett replied; but Dave Carleton was 
 inclined to believe that within the time mentioned 
 by Joe the "Flying Scud" would again be in the 
 cove, providing the wind should be favorable. 
 
 On the following day the work was continued 
 until they had made such an addition to the stores 
 that it would be folly to collect more. 
 
LAYIN"G IN STORES. 255 
 
 The fish were cured; the dory was brought into 
 the cavern, which last was not a difficult task, now 
 there were so many laborers, and on this second 
 night the entire watch was stationed at the entrance 
 of the cove, for the wind was blowing gently from 
 the west, and no man could say how soon either the 
 brig or the schooner would reappear. 
 
 On the third morning after the departure of the 
 "Flying Scud" Petro and Winn stationed them- 
 selves at the western coast of the island, Bartlett was 
 left on guard at the shore-end of the tunnel, while 
 Joe Savage and Dave Carleton stood watch near 
 the cove. 
 
 It was agreed that at the first sight of a sail he 
 who discovered it should make his way at once to 
 the thicket of thorns at the entrance of the cavern, 
 and there shout to his comrades until all were 
 warned. 
 
 It was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon when 
 the first vessel was descried by Winn, and he and 
 Petro had but just gained the rendezvous agreed 
 upon, when Joe and Dave came up with the intelli- 
 gence that they also had seen a sail bearing directly 
 toward the island, but whether it was the brig or the 
 schooner could not be determined. 
 
 "Both vessels are returning, and will arrive at an 
 anchor about the same time," Petro said musingly. 
 
256 THE TKEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "That is to say, by to-morrow morning we shall be 
 besieged again." 
 
 "There's no need of our goin' into the cave before 
 nightfall," Joe said carelessly, "for I allow the craft 
 I saw won't be up until after midnight, and I don't 
 count on housin' myself in when there's no call 
 for it." 
 
 Winn noticed, however, that the men remained 
 nearabout the entrance of the cavern, making fre- 
 quent trips to the shore, as if desirous of being with 
 their comrades leven though all knew full well no 
 danger threatened until after many hours had 
 elapsed. 
 
 Each member of the party seemed to have a desire 
 for companionship, born most likely from the knowl- 
 edge of coming danger. 
 
 The night watch was set at both entrances of the 
 cavern, and as great precaution taken against sur- 
 prise as if the enemy had already landed. 
 
 Winn did not fall asleep as readily on this night as 
 he had previously, but when slumber closed his eye- 
 lids the repose was undisturbed until Joe's voice 
 awakened him. 
 
 That the morning had come he knew as he looked 
 down through the passage which led to the sea, and 
 he was therefore in a measure prepared for the in- 
 formation brought by the sailor. 
 
LAYING IN STORES. _ 257 
 
 ''The 'Flying Scud's' crew are ashore huntin' for 
 their mates," Joe announced. ''For the last half 
 hour I've heard 'em callin', an' perhaps it mightn't 
 be a bad idea for Bartlett and Dave to tell 'em what's 
 happened." 
 
 Now, for the first time, Petro made positive objec- 
 tion to a plan proposed by Joe Savage. 
 
 "There's no reason why we should aid in their 
 search. Let them guess at what really did happen, 
 as they will after a time, and it may be better for 
 Captain Robinson and his mate to believe that we 
 hold them unwilling prisoners." 
 
 Therefore it was that no parley was held with the 
 searching party from the schooner. 
 
 Petro took it upon himself to guard the main pas- 
 sage of the cavern, nor would he be relieved until 
 Winn announced that dinner was ready. 
 
 During all this time the occupants of the cavern 
 had ample evidence that they were again besieged. 
 
 Twice a pistol-shot had been sent at random into 
 the passage, and once Bart Gerry himself, while pru- 
 dently keeping his body screened from view, shouted 
 to Petro, evidently with the idea of continuing the 
 bargain he had previously declared was concluded 
 forever, so far as he was concerned. 
 
 No reply was made to his hail, however, but when 
 one of the men from the outside incautiously ex- 
 
258 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 posed himself, Petro gave token of being on watch 
 by inflicting a flesh wound, as could be told from the 
 scream of pain which followed the report of the re- 
 volver. 
 
 An hour after dinner had been eaten the besieged 
 gained, without an effort on their part, much valu- 
 able information. 
 
 Joe Savage was on guard in the passage which 
 opened upon the thicket of thorns, and Winn, his 
 work having been finished, sat beside him. 
 
 From the mouth of the tunnel nothing save the 
 foliage could be seen, but the sentries knew that 
 something more than ordinary was taking place out- 
 side, because of a hurried tramping to and fro, ex- 
 clamations of surprise now and then, and voices 
 raised as if in anger. 
 
 'They must be fighting among themselves," Winn 
 suggested. "At all events, that is what it sounds 
 like." 
 
 "I reckon hot words are being thrown about care- 
 less like, but don't believe there's any row there," 
 Joe replied. "I allow I've got a pretty good idea of 
 what's up," and he crept a few inches nearer the 
 mouth of the tunnel. 
 
 Winn stood close by his side, and in a few mo- 
 ments the two heard a man shout, half ironically : 
 
 "The captain of the brig wants to talk with the 
 
LAYING IN STORES. 259 
 
 skipper of the Tlying Scud/ and I reckon you come 
 pretty nigh being that, Mr. Gerry.'* 
 
 ''There's one on Bartholomew," Joe whispered, as 
 he made strenuous efforts to repress his mirth. 
 
 "Captain Robinson is on board, as you well 
 know," Gerry replied; "but I am in command while 
 we're ashore." 
 
 "The captain of the brig wants to see you," the 
 first speaker added. 
 
 "He can come here, if that's the case, or else stay 
 where he is. I shan't jump at his beck and call." 
 
 "Who may you be, sir?" the listener heard the 
 stranger's voice ask of the man who had just an- 
 nounced his intentions. 
 
 "I'm the first mate of the schooner 'Flying 
 Scud.' " 
 
 "I think I heard'you say the captain was on board, 
 but that you commanded while ashore." 
 
 "I did say so, whether you heard it or not," was 
 the angry reply. 
 
 "If you are the first mate, perhaps my question 
 can be answered as well by you as by the captain. I 
 wish to know why you came to anchor off this isl- 
 and." 
 
 "Seein's we were here when you arrived, I reckon 
 you'd better give your reasons for anchoring here." 
 
 "There's no good cause why I should." 
 
360 THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "And there's -no call for us to make any explana- 
 tion," Gerry replied. 
 
 "I reckon, lad, they're likely to get up a first-class 
 row between themselves, and if that captain is any- 
 where near as cross-grained as Bart Gerry, there will 
 be fun outside before long." 
 
 Then followed a brief time of silence, which was 
 broken by Gerry, who said offensively : 
 
 "I don't reckon you've got any more claim on this 
 island than we have." 
 
 "I think you are mistaken," was the quiet reply; 
 "and, owing to such belief, propose that you finish 
 your business here within twenty-four hours and 
 then weigh anchor." 
 
 "Oh, you do, eh?" Bart replied, with an angry 
 sneer. "Perhaps you will be so good as to tell me 
 what you propose to do in case we shouldn't be 
 frightened by your bullyin' ?" 
 
 "I shall take immediate steps toward enforcing 
 my command." 
 
 If Bart Gerry had had a trifle more sense he would 
 have understood that this man who spoke so quietly 
 was more to be feared than a blusterer, and might 
 possibly have answered less intemperately. 
 
 He lacked this grain of wisdom, however, and 
 said, defiantly: 
 
 "You may find it a harder job than you count on. 
 
LAYING m STORES. 261 
 
 to drive us away. I propose to hold on so long as 
 pleases me, and now that youVe opened the subject, 
 I demand two things : First, that you explain your 
 business here, and, secondly, that you prevent your 
 men from following mine, as they've been doin' since 
 mornin'." 
 
 "And if I refuse to comply with your demands, I 
 presume you will use force." 
 
 **That I certainly shall, an' without much parley." 
 
 "You may begin whenever it seems best. My 
 crew outnumbers yours by at least two to one, and I 
 do not think there is a man among them who would 
 be unwilling to join in a scrimmage. It is my inten- 
 tion to enter this place, which you seem to be guard- 
 ing, and if force is to be employed, now is the proper 
 time to make a show of it." 
 
 "Don't allow anything I've said to prevent you 
 from goin' in there," Bart said, with mock polite- 
 ness, and from the rustling of the foliage the listen- 
 ers understood that he had moved a short distance 
 from the entrance. 
 
 Joe had no desire to fire upon the master of the 
 brig without a warning, neither did he intend to ad- 
 mit him, therefore he shouted : 
 
 "Have a care, captain ! The first man who ent-ers 
 this* passage will come mighty near dying ! We are 
 on guard here and prepared to shoot." 
 
262 THE TREASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 There was an interval of silence, during which 
 Winn fancied he could picture to himself the sur- 
 prise written upon the face of the brig's captain at 
 thus suddenly discovering the cavern had an occu- 
 pant. 
 
 "Who have you there?" the listeners heard the 
 newcomer ask, and Bart replied, with a short laugh : 
 
 ''You seem to be in a fair way of findin' out for 
 yourself." 
 
 A moment of silence, and then the captain shouted: 
 
 "Ahoy there! who is waiting?" 
 
 "Them as counts on stayin' to keep others out," 
 Joe replied. "For further information apply to Mr. 
 Bart Gerry, who can tell you what success we've had 
 so far in holding our own." 
 
 "Is that one of your men?" the sentinels heard 
 the captain ask. 
 
 "He was ; but he'll belong to nobody if I ever get 
 my hands on him." 
 
 "It isn't difficult to fancy that your purpose here 
 was known to your crew, and some of them have 
 gotten the best of you." 
 
 "It won't take me a great while longer to show 
 who has the best of it," Bart replied with a roar, and 
 Joe, thoroughly enjoying the position of affairs, 
 would have still further aided in the conversation 
 but that Winn checked him. 
 
LAYING m STORES. 263 
 
 "If you leave them alone, they may quarrel among 
 themselves, and there's no reason why you should 
 pitch into the captain of the brig until we know more 
 about him." 
 
 ''I reckon we know enough already, lad," Joe re- 
 plied; and at that moment they were joined by 
 Petro, who had heard the sound of voices and came 
 through the passage to learn the cause. 
 
 'Trom the position of affairs, I fancy I can under- 
 stand what you are trying to effect here," Winn 
 heard the captain of the brig say. "It doesn't suit 
 my purpose to have you remain, therefore I give you 
 warning to return to your schooner at once. The 
 man in the cave, whom I presume is a deserter, shall 
 be put on board your vessel to-morrow morning, 
 after which I expect you to weigh anchor." 
 
 It seemed to the listeners as if Gerry was in such a 
 rage that words would not come freely at his com- 
 mand, for he stammered and shrieked several sec- 
 onds at least before being able to make an intelli- 
 gible reply. 
 
 "It is you and your crew who shall leave this isl- 
 and! There's no need of mincin' matters now. 
 You've come, hopin' to find the treasure. We were 
 here first, an' have a better claim upon it. What's 
 more, there's no need to waste any time chinnin', for 
 we've had all the warning needed, an' now it's my 
 
264 THE TEEASURE OP COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 turn to threaten. Call off your men an' leave this 
 island within an hour." 
 
 "My men may be as ready for a scrimmage as 
 yours, and we will see which crew can fight the 
 best." 
 
 "How did you know that the Aymara treasure, 
 was buried here ?" 
 
 "I might be willing to tell you for the sake of find- 
 ing out how you learned about it, but won't go into 
 explanations simply because you demand them. 
 However, this much you may know: I came here 
 with full authority from the owners of the hoard." 
 
 "You are a liar 1" 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 A BATTLE. 
 
 To those who were in the tunnel it seemed as if no 
 more than a single second elapsed from the time Bar- 
 tholomew Gerry incautiously applied to the captain 
 of the brig such an epithet as every honest man must 
 resent, before they heard what could have been none 
 other than the sound of a blow, as the fist of one 
 man came in sudden and forcible contact with the 
 face or body of the other. 
 
 In an instant there was such a medley of shouts, 
 cries of anger and trampling of feet that it was pos- 
 sible for the listeners to have a very good idea of 
 what was being done. 
 
 "They're havin' a rough an' tumble fight!" Joe 
 cried, gleefully. ''Bart Gerry has been so long in 
 the habit of callin' men liars, without havin' run 
 across one who was willin' to take it up, that he must 
 have been considerably surprised when the captain 
 let out on him so sudden. 'Cordin' to what we can 
 hear, I wouldn't wonder if the mate had started con- 
 siderable of a row." 
 
 Unconsciously those in the tunnel moved nearer 
 
 265 
 
266 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 and nearer the entrance in the effort to hear all that 
 might be said, until they stood fully exposed to view, 
 and not one of their enemies appeared to be aware 
 of the fact. 
 
 Even Petro himself advanced several paces out- 
 side the entrance, and Winn remained close by his 
 side. 
 
 The guardians of the Aymara treasure had good 
 reason to feel the liveliest interest in the struggle 
 which was going on before their eyes, for upon the 
 result of it they would be able to form a very good 
 idea of what might be expected to happen in the 
 future. 
 
 There was no reason for believing that the captain 
 of the brig would be any more generous an enemy 
 than Bart Gerry had shown himself, and yet it is 
 probable each of the spectators hoped the strangers 
 would be victorious. 
 
 It was a battle, rather than a rough and tumble 
 fight, as Joe had suggested. 
 
 The crew of the "Flying Scud," under the leader- 
 ship of Bart Gerry, were drawn up in line with their 
 backs against the mound or elevation which marked 
 the entrance to the cavern, and facing them in some- 
 thing resembling soldier-like array, were the men 
 from the brig. 
 
 Each of the schooner's crew had more than one 
 
A BATTLE. 267 
 
 antagonist, owing to the disparity of numbers, and 
 it was not difficult to foresee the result of the en- 
 counter. 
 
 Bart Gerry alone was evenly matched. The cap- 
 tain, whom he had insulted, was bent on punishing 
 him unaided, and therefore it was that he presented 
 a better appearance than did his men. 
 
 '*If Bart was out of the way, Fd pitch in to help 
 our crew, for it seems cowardly to remain idle when 
 they are gettin' the worst of it," Joe Savage said in 
 a tone of suppressed excitement. "As matters 
 stand, our old mates must take their punishment be- 
 cause of the company they're in." 
 
 Winn had not removed his gaze from the com- 
 batants, yet he knew rather than saw that Dave 
 Carleton had abandoned his post of duty in order to 
 witness the encounter, but at the moment this act did 
 not seem to him as anything for which the man 
 should be censured. 
 
 If the treasure-seekers would fight among them- 
 selves, much trouble might be saved those who con- 
 sidered themselves the lawful guardians of the hid- 
 den wealth. 
 
 Less than ten minutes sufficed for the brig's cap- 
 tain to punish Bartholomew Gerry severely. 
 
 That mate's courage had oozed away after two or 
 three heavy blows were delivered full upon his face. 
 
268 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 and he who should have remained to animate his 
 men was the first to seek safety in flight. 
 
 He started toward the shore as rapidly as his legs 
 would carry him, and a few seconds later his crew 
 followed. 
 
 One party of treasure-seekers was in full flight, 
 closely pursued by the other, and the spectators be- 
 lieved the battle was ended ; but before the fugitives 
 were fully hidden by the foliage Captain Jim and one 
 man appeared in view. 
 
 "He heard the rumpus, an' has come to lend a 
 hand," Dave Carleton said, approvingly. "Now we 
 shall see somethin' different in the way of fightin', 
 for Jim Robinson ain't a man what'U cry baby, no 
 matter how big odds are against him." 
 
 "If he'd come five minutes ago there might have 
 been some show for the schooner's crew; but now 
 it's too late," Joe muttered. "I'm glad that bloomin' 
 mate got a heavy dose, but mighty sorry to see our 
 mates downed so soon." 
 
 The presence of their captain served to give the 
 crew of the "Flying Scud" renewed courage, and 
 during ten minutes more they held the strangers at 
 bay; but press of numbers soon told against them, 
 and step by step Captain Jim was forced to give way. 
 
 "Be careful not to go too far from the cavern," 
 Petro cried warningly as Joe Savage unconsciously 
 
A BATTLE. 269 
 
 followed the combatants, and was in turn followed 
 by his comrades. 
 
 There was little fear they would be in any danger 
 from their enemies, for both parties were so deeply 
 engaged with each other as to give no heed to any- 
 thing else. 
 
 Even if the little group of spectators was ob- 
 served, no evidence had been given of such fact, and 
 while the schooner's crew was so hotly pressed they 
 would not be able to work mischief on those whom 
 they wished to capture. 
 
 Petro's warning was sufficient, however, to recall 
 Joe Savage to a realization of what part he and his 
 comrades were taking in the struggle, and he said 
 sharply : 
 
 ''Keep close together, boys. Although I don't 
 think there's any chance those fellows will trouble 
 us, we must be prepared, if we count on seein' the 
 end of the scrimmage." 
 
 Winn remained close by Joe's side, and all four 
 halted a hundred yards or more from the line of surf, 
 where they had a good view of the finish. 
 
 The crew of the "Flying Scud" had long since 
 ceased to act on the offensive, and had quite as much 
 as they could do to defend themselves while pushing 
 off in the boats. ; 
 
 At one time four sailors were standing knee-deep 
 
270 THE TREASURE OP COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 in the water fighting bravely, but the end was not 
 prolonged. 
 
 Captain Jim succeeded in taking all his men off, 
 although every member of the crew had been pun- 
 ished more or less severely, while the representatives 
 of the brig appeared fit to begin another battle with- 
 out loss of time. -^ 
 
 A loud shout of triumph went up from the victors 
 as the last fugitive was taken aboard, and then half 
 a dozen pistol-shots were fired by Captain Jim's 
 party ; but, so far as Winn could see, none of the bul- 
 lets took effect. 
 
 "I don't understand why they didn't begin shoot- 
 ing before," he said to Joe. 
 
 '*A fight with bare fists ain't any very serious mat- 
 ter, if the law looks into the business ; but when men 
 try to kill each other outright it's apt to make a deal 
 of trouble, an' I reckon neither captain was willin' to 
 take the chance. But we musn't hang 'round here 
 any longer. The brig's crew are ripe for mischief, 
 an' if they get a sight of us we may have more of 
 this scrimmage than is good for us. Come on." 
 
 With a firm grip on Winn's hand, Joe turned and 
 ran at full speed toward the entrance of the cavern, 
 where Petro was awaiting them. He did not so 
 much- as give a single backward glance to ascertain 
 if Bartlett and Carleton were following. 
 
A BATTLE. 271 
 
 These two men showed that they were sincere in 
 the promises made to the guardians of the treasure, 
 for instead of attracting the attention of their for- 
 mer comrades, as might readily have been done, and 
 thus effected their escape with but Uttle difficulty, 
 they followed close at Joe's heels. 
 
 Petro was standing near the clump of thorn 
 bushes when his comrades returned, but he did not 
 appear to think it necessary to inquire how the battle 
 had ended. 
 
 "Have all the men left the island?" he asked, and 
 Joe explained that the brig's crew yet remained. 
 
 *'Then it is necessary we stand guard as before. 
 Now that they have no one to interfere with them, 
 the captain will attempt to learn the secret of this 
 place. We have more to fear from him than from 
 those who have been beaten." 
 
 "I'll go bail we shan't see one of the Tlying 
 Scud's' crew again till they've had a chance to repair 
 damages," Joe replied with a cheery laugh. 
 
 "The mate will not remain idle, even though he 
 has had the worst of the encounter," Petro replied, 
 gravely. "If he can incite his men to the act, there 
 will be bloody work before twenty-four hours have 
 passed." 
 
 Joe shook his head as if to say he did not believe 
 even Bart Gerry would dare to go to such lengths. 
 
272 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 but Winn understood that Dave Carleton fully 
 shared Petro's opinion. 
 
 *'We've got the right to expect a hot time from 
 now out, for this 'ere captain will do more in an hour 
 than Bart Gerry could in a day. 'Cordin' to what 
 I've seen of him, he don't spend much time yarnin', 
 but pushes straight ahead, an' it stands to reason he's 
 bound to know why we're holdin' the fort in here." 
 
 Bartlett expressed the opinion that there was noth- 
 ing more to be feared from those on board the "Fly^ 
 ing Scud," at least, until the brig had left the cove, 
 and in this Joe agreed with him. 
 
 Even though all were not of the same mind re- 
 garding what might be done by their enemies, every 
 member of the party believed that the utmost vigil- 
 ance was necessary, and in a few moments after re- 
 turning from the battle-field the guardians of the 
 treasure were in a position to protect themselves and 
 their rights. 
 
 Joe involuntarily went to the seaward end of the 
 tunnel to stand guard; Petro remained at the oppo- 
 site entrance, while Winn set about preparing sup- 
 per, for night was near at hand. 
 
 "It stands us in hand to keep mighty sharp watch 
 every hour of the twenty-four," Dave Carleton said, 
 as he lazily threw himself down on the sand where 
 he could observe the movements of the cook, "an' it 
 
A BATTLE. 273 
 
 ain't goin' to be pleasant work, for it's a case of ex- 
 pectin' a pistol-shot at any minute." 
 
 Bartlett nodded his head gravely as he replied : 
 
 "At the same time I allow we're better off here 
 than we would be on board the schooner. The mate 
 must be mighty lively by this time." 
 
 "He's like a bear with a sore head, an' all hands 
 will be kept jumpin', unless he's used up so bad that 
 he can't come on deck." 
 
 "I don't reckon he stayed long enough for that. 
 When the brig's captain got in three or four good 
 clips, his spirit was broken, an' from that minute he 
 only figgered how he could best get out of the 
 scrape. I'll warrant he's in better shape than any 
 other man aboard." 
 
 "Right you are, my hearty, an' " 
 
 The conversation was interrupted at this point, as 
 from the mouth of the tunnel, where Petro was sta- 
 tioned, could be heard the hail : 
 
 "Ahoy inside!" 
 
 The old man hesitated to reply, and the hail was 
 repeated. 
 
 Winn, Bartlett and Dave were half-way up the 
 tunnel when the sentinel finally cried : 
 
 "Ahoy! What's wanted?" 
 
 "I've come to find out why you're skulking in 
 there. If it so be you're hidin' from the officers of 
 
274: THE -tEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 the schooner, you'll have a free foot now, for I'm of 
 the opinion they won't venture ashore very soon 
 again." 
 
 ''We came in here to protect ourselves from them, 
 but yet are not of the mind to trust ourselves with 
 you." 
 
 "Why are you afraid ?" 
 
 "I did not say we were. It is our desire to be left 
 to ourselves ; therefore we do not give provocation to 
 any man, but ask, as is right, that we be left alone." 
 
 "Do you know anything about the treasure which 
 is buried here ?" 
 
 '^'We have heard what our captain believed he 
 knew." 
 
 "Did he find anything?'^ 
 
 "Not to our knowledge." 
 
 "He has done considerable digging." 
 
 "But found nothing." 
 
 "Why did you leave him ?" 
 
 Petro hesitated, and understanding that the old 
 man was unwilling to tell an absolute falsehood, 
 Dave took up the conversation. 
 
 "We deserted because we hadn't shipped for sich a 
 voyage as this turned out to be, an' didn't allow to 
 hang 'round here while he searched over every foot 
 of the island, as the mate said would be done." 
 
 "Yet you are not so well off here as you would be 
 
A BATTLE. 375 
 
 on the schooner, and will be forced to remain as long 
 as your vessel does." 
 
 ''We don't have to use the pick and shovel all 
 the blessed day." 
 
 "What objection have you to my coming inside?" 
 
 Dave was at a loss for the wisest reply, and Petro 
 again acted as spokesman : 
 
 "So long as you are outside and we inside, there 
 is no great danger of our being worsted. We choose 
 to hold the advantage." 
 
 This seemed to puzzle the captain, for the listeners 
 heard him mutter as if to a companion : 
 
 "That fellow is a regular sea-lawyer, and most 
 likely has put his mates up to deserting." 
 
 "We should be the last to grumble because of 
 what he has done, for the fight might have had a dif- 
 ferent ending if the schooner's crew had been 
 larger." 
 
 "Tm not grumbling, but don't intend these fel- 
 lows shall keep me at arm's length in this fashion. 
 If they had deserted from their vessel simply be- 
 cause of a desire to shirk work, they would not hesi- 
 tate to let us in. There is something here that we 
 ought to know." 
 
 Then those on the outside spoke in a tone so low 
 that the remainder of the conversation could not be 
 overheard by the little party in the tunnel, and five 
 
.276 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 minutes elapsed before the captain had anything 
 more to say to the deserters. 
 
 "Look here, my men," he began, "I don't make any 
 claim to command you, nor will I waste time by ex- 
 plaining that you're liable to arrest in case you 
 should fall in with the officers of the schooner in a 
 foreign port. ,My business is much the same as 
 your captain's, with this exception: I've got legal 
 authority to take away the treasure, and he hasn't. 
 I am come on a peaceful voyage, although ready to 
 fight for my rights rather than not have them to the 
 letter. I have no desire to work you harm, but must 
 see what you have in there. Allow me to enter 
 alone, and if there is nothing inside but your pro- 
 visions or luggage, I'll go away at once, promising 
 never to molest you in the possession of the place." 
 
 Winn expected Petro would agree to this proposi- 
 tion without hesitation. 
 
 So far as outward appearances went there was 
 nothing in the cave other than what men in their 
 professed situation would naturally gather, and it 
 seemed to the boy that they would be the gainers by 
 granting the captain's request. 
 
 There appeared to be, so he argued in his mind, 
 little possibility the visitor would suspect treasure 
 was hidden in the cavern, for there were no signs 
 betokening that the sand which formed the floor had 
 
A BATTLE. 27"? 
 
 ever been disturbed, therefore no harm could come 
 from an inspection. 
 
 Carleton and Bartlett, who were ignorant that the 
 wealth of the Aymaras was beneath their feet, also 
 expected to hear the desired permission given, and 
 the surprise of all three was great when Petro re- 
 plied emphatically : 
 
 "Men do not give an enemy the opportunity to ex- 
 amine a stronghold, and for that very reason we 
 refuse." 
 
 "But I am not an enemy. On the contrary, I will 
 defend you against your own captain, if you have 
 just and sufficient cause for desertion." 
 
 "There is no reason why the case should be sub- 
 mitted to you. We are able to hold our position 
 here, and intend to do it." 
 
 "Look here, my man," and from the tone of his 
 voice it was evident that the captain was losing his 
 temper ; "I have asked no more than is my right, and 
 by a refusal you cause me to suspect that matters 
 with you are not as you would have me believe." 
 
 "The commander of the schooner is the only one 
 who has even the semblance of authority to question 
 our acts, and we even go so far as to claim that he 
 shall not interfere with us; therefore it is hardly rea- 
 sonable to suppose we will put our faith in stran- 
 gers."' 
 
278 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "Since you refuse to show that you have no part 
 of the treasure I have been sent here to reclaim, I 
 intend to make the visit by force, and if any one is 
 used roughly, the fault will be on your heads. 
 Come in there I shall, even though I spend a month 
 in doing so." 
 
 Petro did not reply to this outburst, and after a 
 brief pause the captain of the brig added : 
 
 ''You have fair warning of my intentions, and this 
 is the last parley I will hold with such mutinous, 
 scoundrels. The next time I shall force my way in- 
 side." 
 
 "Remember that we are ready to shoot down the 
 first who shows himself at the entrance, after which 
 nothing more need be said." \ 
 
 The rustling of the foliage told that the captain 
 had moved away, and Dave Carleton said decidedly : 
 
 "I reckon he means what he says, an' it stands us 
 in hand to keep both eyes open. There's a good bit 
 of difference 'twixt him an' our bloomin' mate." 
 
 "It will be more difficult to keep him out than it 
 was to prevent the mate's crew from entering. 
 Winn, you had better tell Joe Savage what has taken 
 place. If he heard the voices he'll be eager to learn 
 what has been said and by whom." 
 
 Winn started at once to obey this suggestion, 
 which was little less than a command, and Dave 
 
A BATTLE. 279 
 
 Carleton accompanied him, saying as they walked 
 through the tunnel : 
 
 "Joe may want to have a chin with Petro, an* I*d 
 best go with you to take his place." 
 
 The sailor had been made decidedly anxious be- 
 cause of the loud conversation, which he could hear 
 only as a distant hum, and when Winn repeated to 
 the best of his ability all that had been said, he asked 
 in perplexity : 
 
 "Why didn't Petro let the captain look at the cave, 
 if that was all he wanted ?" 
 
 "That's what puzzles me," Dave replied. "It 
 seemed as if it would be the easiest way out, for 
 there's no reason why the crew of the brig should 
 interfere with us — at least, they don't know of 
 any." 
 
 "The old man is mighty careful, an' perhaps what 
 he's done is for the best, so we won't grumble over 
 it," Joe said, after some reflection. "We know to a 
 ty-ty that Petro means square by us, an' his head is 
 longer than all of ours put together." 
 
 Dave would have dismissed the question but that 
 Joe asked him to stand guard at that end of the tun- 
 nel, and motioned for Winn to follow him. 
 
 "I reckon Petro didn't dare to let that skipper into 
 thie cave for fear he'd suspect where the gold was 
 buried," the sailor said when he and the boy were so 
 
280 THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 far up the passage that there was no chance Dave 
 could overhear the conversation. 
 
 "It isn't Hkely he'd think it any more than Cap- 
 tain Jim did/' 
 
 "There's no telhn' what might happen if a keen- 
 eyed man was to look around our hiding-place. 
 He'd say to himself, says he, 'What's these 'ere 
 bloomin' sailors doin' underground when they can 
 go outside, where it's pleasant ?' An' then he might 
 come precious nigh to guessin' the truth. But even 
 if there wasn't any fear of that, I'd say Petro was 
 right." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 "Because so far he always has been, an' a man 
 with the nerve to do what he did in order to get on 
 this 'ere island, can't go very far wrong whatever he 
 may do." 
 
 When the two arrived at the tunnel leading from 
 the landward side of the cave they found Petro on 
 the alert, weapon in hand, listening for the slightest 
 sound which should tell of the enemy's coming. 
 
 By his side crouched Bartlett in much the same at- 
 titude, and Joe asked in a whisper : 
 
 "What's up ? You two look as if you'd good rea- 
 son for expectin' trouble in mighty quick time." 
 
 Instead of replying, Petro motioned for the new- 
 comers to remain silent, and during five minutes or 
 
A BATTLE. 281 
 
 more Winn listened more intently than perhaps he 
 had ever done before; all that time not so much as 
 the rustling of a leaf could be heard. 
 
 Joe began to speak again, but Bartlett checked 
 him with an angry gesture, and at the same instant 
 Winn heard that which caused the blood to bound in 
 his veins. 
 
 It was a sharp clicking noise as if metal had fallen 
 upon rock, and he understood that the enemy were 
 creeping upon them. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 THE ATTACK. 
 
 WiNN''s comrades also heard the ominous sound 
 which had attracted his attention, and therefore were 
 in a certain degree prepared for what followed. 
 
 It was the method of attack which took them by 
 surprise. 
 
 ''They are gettin' ready to make a rush, an' count 
 on bein' able to shoot us down at the first volley," 
 Joe whispered to Petro, and the latter nodded his 
 head in token that he was of the same opinion. 
 
 An instant later he crouched upon his knees, mo- 
 tioning for the others to follow his example, and 
 with every weapon in readiness the little party 
 awaited the assault. 
 
 It came, but not in the same fashion as had been 
 anticipated. 
 
 Suddenly, and while the enemy yet remained hid- 
 den from view, a volley of reports rang out, and bul- 
 lets struck both sides of the tunnel at the same mo- 
 ment. 
 
 Those on the outside had divided into two parties, 
 one of. which discharged their weapons from the 
 
 282 
 
THE ATTACK. 283 
 
 right and the other from the left, in such a manner 
 that there was a cross-fire from the very edge of the 
 tunnel on either side to a distance of fifteen or six- 
 teen feet into the passage. 
 
 Owing to the fact that the defenders of the cavern 
 were upon their knees, none of the bullets took effect, 
 and the old man said in a low tone as soon as the 
 echoes had died away sufficiently for his voice to be 
 heard : 
 
 'The next time that game is tried I believe they 
 will attempt to rush in under cover of the smoke. 
 We'll draw back a dozen paces, out of range of the 
 bullets, and there remain standing ready to resist the 
 assault which I am convinced must soon come. 
 Winn, go and tell Carleton he is to remain at his 
 post at all hazards, and if the enemy shows himself 
 there, let him discharge two chambers of his revolver 
 as a signal." 
 
 The boy obeyed as quickly as possible, and found 
 the sailor half way up the tunnel, instead of at the 
 entrance where he should have been. 
 
 Winn repeated Petro's words, and Dave said in a 
 tone of irritation : 
 
 "There's little fear they will find this entrance, an' 
 I can be of more service there than here." 
 
 "Petro seems to believe different, and it would be 
 folly for us to leave this end unguarded. If the 
 
284 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 enemy should discover it, and no sentinel remained 
 here, we'd soon be worsted." 
 
 *'You take my place an' let me go where there is a 
 chance something will be done," Dave Carleton said, 
 eagerly. 
 
 Winn hesitated, and the sailor was on the point 
 of running forward, when the boy said quickly : 
 
 "We are a pretty poor lot if we can't obey orders, 
 an' your post is here. I'll tell Petro what you say, 
 an', if he's willing, come back to relieve you." 
 
 Then, as if fearing Dave might persist in doing as 
 he desired, Winn ran rapidly back, arriving at the 
 landward side of the cavern just as a second volley 
 was fired from the outside. 
 
 Now it was shown that Petro's supposition re- 
 garding the methods to be employed by the enemy 
 was correct, for in an instant after the reports rang 
 out the mouth of the tunnel appeared to be literally 
 choke'd by a body of men, and a dozen bullets or 
 more came hurtling straight through the passage. 
 
 Winn stood where he could not discharge his 
 weapon without fear of hitting his comrades, and he 
 was the only one whose revolver was not emptied 
 into that oncoming mass. 
 
 Several sharp cries of pain were heard. The dis- 
 charge of the weapons continued until it became a 
 regular fusilade, and the only wonder was that every 
 
THE ATTACK. 285 
 
 man within that narrow passage had not been 
 wounded or killed. 
 
 The enemy were checked, however, thanks to the 
 spirited resistance, and before the smoke cleared 
 away sufficiently for the besieged to have a full view 
 of the tunnel, not one of the brig's crew could be 
 seen. 
 
 *'Has anybody been hurt ?" Joe Savage asked anx- 
 iously when it was known that the enemy no longer 
 opposed them. 
 
 ''I'm all right," Bartlett replied, as if surprised 
 that such was the case. 
 
 "I was so far back that some of you must have 
 stopped the bullets before they could reach me," 
 Winn added. 
 
 Petro remained silent, and going up to him 
 quickly, Joe asked : 
 
 ''Are you hurt, old man ?" 
 
 "Nothing to speak of. A bullet grazed my rib, I 
 believe." 
 
 "Come back here an' let me see what has been 
 done." 
 
 "It is nothing," Petro replied, carelessly, and 
 Winn noted with alarm the fact that he pressed his 
 hand closely against his side. 
 
 "It's bad enough to start the blood flowing in 
 quite a stream," Joe said sharply as he literally 
 
2S6 THE TBEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAXD. 
 
 forced the old man back into the cavern and with 
 Winn's aid began pulling away the clothing from the 
 wound- 
 
 Petro protested that it was *only a scratch," until 
 the wound had been exposed to view, and then it was 
 seen that the bullet had penetrated his side — still re- 
 mained there. 
 
 "This seems like to be dangerous," Joe said with 
 an air of solicitude as he gently pressed the flesh here 
 and there to ascertain the location of the ball. 
 
 "It will amount to nothing," Petro insisted, "and 
 while you waste your time on me the enemy may 
 make another rush. Get back into the passage; I 
 will att«id to myself." 
 
 "I reckon they've got a dose thatll keep *em quiet 
 for a spell," Joe replied indifferently, "an' I don't 
 count on leavin' you till I know more about this 'ere 
 wound- Winn, stand alongside Bartlett an' keep 
 your eyes open. I can get back there in time to be 
 of se^v^ce after the first shot is fired." 
 
 Petro made no further remonstrance, probably be- 
 cause he realized how useless it would be, but sub- 
 mitted patiently to Joe's rude attempts at surgery. 
 
 Winn joined Bartlett, and the two stood half way 
 between the cavern and the outer entrance to the tun- 
 nel, with revolvers in hand, prepared for and expect- 
 ing a third attack. 
 
THE ATTACK. 287 
 
 "Has the old man got much of a hurt?" the sailor 
 asked, and Winn replied in tremulous tones : 
 
 VJoe is trying to find out. It would be terrible if 
 anything should happen to Petro." 
 
 "When we started in on this kind of business a 
 man took his chances of something such as has come 
 to him, but it would be mighty tough if either of us 
 four should be knocked out of time just now when 
 we're like to have our hands full of fightin'." 
 
 Bartlett's words did not tend to make Winn feel 
 any more comfortable in mind. The sailor spoke 
 much as if he anticipated the worst, and for the time 
 it was to the boy as if this old friend of Manuel Tel- 
 ceda's had received his death-wound. 
 
 Then, much to the relief of both sentinels,- Petro 
 walked slowly into the passage, as though returning 
 to duty, and Winn breathed more freely when he 
 noted the fact that the old man advanced unaided. 
 
 "Are you feelin' better ?" he asked, eagerly. 
 
 "I shall be better soon," was the evasive reply. 
 "The wound was more painful than dangerous, I 
 fancy ; but Joe Savage is a good surgeon. Have you 
 heard anything from the outside?" 
 
 "Not so much as a whisper," Bartlett replied. "I 
 reckon they got a full dose that time." 
 
 "It isn't safe to believe so. I can't think the cap- 
 tain of the brig will be disheartened by one failure." 
 
288 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "I reckon not ; but he's got what'U last him for a 
 spell, anyhow, an' unless Fm way out of my reck- 
 onin', you won't be called upon to do anything 
 more'n stand watch until to-morrow. Then some 
 new game will be tried." 
 
 It surely seemed as if Bartlett was correct in this 
 supposition. 
 
 Night was rapidly approaching. 
 
 The captain of the brig had been tempted to make 
 the assault only because of his suspicions regarding 
 the actions of the men — not from any positive opin- 
 ion that the treasure was hidden in the cave, and it 
 seemed probable he would think twice before repeat- 
 ing the attempt. 
 
 The first attack had unquestionably resulted in the 
 disabling of several of his crew, and he could not 
 well afford to weaken the force further while the^ 
 "Flying Scud" was in the cove, for Captain Jim 
 would not be slow to take advantage of his oppor- 
 tunity should the brig's crew be so reduced in num- 
 bers as to make the odds more nearly equal. 
 
 During half an hour or more Petro, Bartlett and 
 Winn remained on guard at this entrance to the tun- 
 nel without hearing or seeing anything to cause 
 alarm. 
 
 Joe had gone to visit Dave Carleton immediately 
 after dressing the old man's wounds, and was not yet 
 
THE ATTACK. 289 
 
 returned when night shrouded the entrance to the 
 cavern in darkness. 
 
 Now Winn was reminded that his duties as cook 
 yet remained to be performed, and after acquainting 
 Garcia with his intentions, he set about the work of 
 preparing supper. 
 
 While thus engaged, Joe Savage came into the 
 cavern and asked sharply as he approached the boy : 
 
 ''Is Petro on guard?" 
 
 "He's in the tunnel with Bartlett." 
 
 "Has he complained of his wound?" 
 
 "I notice that he holds his hand over it. Do you 
 think it severe ?" 
 
 Joe evidently wished to avoid the subject, for in- 
 stead of replying, he asked how soon the meal would 
 be ready ; but Winn pressed him for an answer until 
 he finally said solemnly : 
 
 "I believe, lad, that the old man has got what he 
 won't recover from." 
 
 "Do you mean that there is danger of his dying?" 
 Winn asked in alarm. 
 
 "Now don't get excited, lad. It would have been 
 better, perhaps, for me not to have said anything; 
 but if I'd held my tongue you might have believed 
 the case to be worse than it really is. I'm not sayin* 
 I think he's like to die right away, but yet it wouldn't 
 surprise me if death should come at any minute. I 
 
290 THE TKEASURE OF COCOS ISLAJ^D. 
 
 couldn't find the bullet, an' so long as it is inside of 
 him there's danger. Howsomever, we won't cross 
 the bridge till we come to it." 
 
 *'But suppose Petro should die while we are so 
 hard pressed," Winn persisted in a tearful tone. 
 
 "It would weaken our force fully one-half, for 
 that old man has got a mighty long head on his 
 shoulders ; but even then we shouMn't be beaten, be- 
 cause it's only a question of time when both the brig 
 and the schooner have got to put to sea without the 
 treasure." 
 
 "They might find it by gaining possession of this 
 cave." 
 
 "I don't allow they'll do that this year, at all 
 events. See here, my lad, if you go to borrowin' 
 trouble, things will appear mighty hard. It's only 
 by lookin' on the bright side that we can better our 
 condition. Trouble ain't warded ofif by worryin'. 
 On the contrary, it's made to seem a good deal big- 
 ger. So keep up a stout heart, an' you'll live to 
 think of this 'ere time as something that wasn't so 
 very serious after all." 
 
 "That day can never come," Winn replied, 
 gravely. "No one could be in a more dangerous 
 situation than we are." 
 
 "That's where you are makin' a mistake, my lad, 
 as you'll live to find out." And as the best method 
 
THE ATTACK. 291 
 
 of putting an end to this unprofitable conversation, 
 Joe left the cavern to" visit the sentinels in the tunnel. 
 
 When the cook announced that supper was ready 
 Petro and Bartlett came into the cavern, the former 
 immediately lying down near the fire and pretending- 
 to eat ; but Winn noticed that he took up fragments 
 of the food only now and then, masticated it slowly, 
 as if it was distasteful to him, and appeared to have 
 great difficulty in swallowing even the smallest 
 morsel. 
 
 The sentinels were served with supper at their 
 posts of duty, and then, at Joe Savage's suggestion, 
 the boy was put on guard in the eastward tunnel, in 
 order that the men miglit gain some rest before dan- 
 ger was to be apprehended, for the general impres' 
 sion of all seemed to be that between midnight and 
 sunrise would prove the most perilous time. 
 
 It was a lonely vigil which Winn kept during the 
 four hours, and made particularly so by the sorrow- 
 ful thoughts which would persist in forcing them- 
 selves upon his mind. 
 
 The night air was so sultry as to be oppressive, 
 and more than once did the boy feel forced to lean 
 forward outside the entrance in order to breathe 
 freely. 
 
 There was a strange color in the sky; although 
 the moon was obscured, it seemed as if the clouds 
 
292 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 gave off a certain dull glow, while a moaning wavS 
 heard in the air, even when one could not feel any 
 wind. 
 
 At about eleven o'clock Joe Savage came to re- 
 lieve Winn, and the boy's first question was concern- 
 ing Petro. 
 
 ''He's been sleeping for two hours or more, and I 
 allow so long as he can get rest it's the best thing 
 for him, so we're shiftin' watches as quietly as pos- 
 sible. Hello, what's going on?" and Joe stepped 
 nearer the entrance as he gazed alternately at the sky 
 and the inky waters. 
 
 "It's the hottest night I ever knew." 
 
 'There's something more than heat here." And 
 the old sailor sniffed as he perceived a distinct odor 
 in the hot air. "I reckon, lad, it's a case of both ves- 
 sels getting under way this night." 
 
 "What do you mean, Joe?" 
 
 "If I was the skipper of a craft, at anchor off 
 Cocos Island in the Indian Ocean, I'd say to myself 
 there was a typhoon breaking, and would take pre- 
 cious good care I had plenty of water under my 
 keel." 
 
 "But you once told me such storms came up 
 slowly." 
 
 "We've got no means of saying how long this has 
 been going on, lad, for since morning we've had 
 
THE ATTACK. 293 
 
 other things to take up our attention. It may be Fm 
 wrong, but I wouldn't be afraid to bet a full half of 
 all I'll get out of the Aymara treasure that there'll be 
 such a breeze spring up 'twixt now an' daylight as 
 you never saw before." 
 
 "I only hope you are right," Winn replied with a 
 long-drawn sigh as there came to his mind the 
 thought that if they could be left alone just now it 
 might be possible to minister to Petro's wounds with 
 better effect than while they were forced to remain 
 constantly on the alert against an attack. 
 
 ''Hold on a minute, and let me see what Dave 
 thinks of this 'ere glow. He's a pretty good hand at 
 tellin' the weather, an' I'd trust him before I would 
 half of them barometers what jump up an' down 
 without sayin' it's a change for better or worse." 
 
 Joe walked softly through the tunnel, lest he 
 should disturb Petro's slumbers, and a few moments 
 later returned with Carleton. 
 
 "Look out there, Dave, an' tell me what you think 
 of things generally." 
 
 The sailor did as he was bidden, and during five 
 minutes or more remained silent, while he turned 
 this way and that, sniffing audibly in every direc- 
 tion. 
 
 "Well, what have you got to say?" Joe asked im- 
 patiently as his comrade delayed speaking. 
 
294 THE- TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "This 'ere is about the size of it, my hearty, ac- 
 cordin' to the way I figger it out from that sky and 
 the whine of the water : If all hands belongin' to the 
 brig ain't aboard of her before sunrise, they'll stand 
 a precious good chance of being left behinS, because 
 she's going to get under way mighty soon, if her 
 skipper is half the man I take him to be." 
 
 "Typhoon, eh?" 
 
 "That's what I make out of it. See here, Joe, 
 suppose me an' the boy take a look around ? With 
 you an' Bartlett to stand guard, I reckon we can get 
 from here to the cove 'long shorelwithout much risk, 
 and it'll be a precious good thing for us to know 
 whether any of 'em who made it hot for us a spell 
 ago are left behind." 
 
 - Joe Savage remained as if in deep thought for an 
 instant and then said decidedly : 
 
 "It won't do anyhow, Dave. If Petro was the 
 man we knew him to be this morning, I'd say it 
 would be a good thing if he took a look around ; but 
 for you and Winn, who don't know the place, to try 
 anything of the kind, it ain't safe. Besides, if all 
 we've allowed comes to pass, we'll be needed in this 
 'ere cave before you could go an' get back." 
 
 "I tell you there'll be no more fightin' to-night, Joe 
 Savage. The captain of the brig isn't a fool, an' 
 knows by this time that he can't afford to lay 'round 
 
THE ATTACK. 295 
 
 Cocos Island much longer. Even if the weather 
 wasn't quite so threatening he'd likely up anchor be- 
 cause it ain't a case of givin' him the slip while he's 
 gone. We're bound to be here, an' he ain't takin' 
 any chances of losin' the treasure by puttin' to 
 sea." 
 
 ''I don't believe you'd better go, Dave, and for 
 more reasons than one. Petro is in such shape that 
 he's likely to be took bad any minute, and with only 
 two of us here we couldn't 'tend to him unless by 
 leavin' one of the tunnels unguarded, which, you 
 must agree, wouldn't be safe." 
 )^ "Then Winn an' me will turn in," Carleton re- 
 plied with a gesture of impatience, and taking the 
 boy by the arm, he went swiftly into the cavern, 
 where could be seen by the faint light of the fire, 
 Petro Garcia reclining as if in profound repose. 
 
 It seemed to Winn, when he was aroused suddenly 
 by a heavy, booming noise, as if he had been asleep 
 several hours, and he started up in alarm, hearing 
 nothing of his companions, but with the reverbera- 
 tions as of distant cannonading ringing in his ears. 
 
 The fire had died away until only a few smoulder- 
 ing embers remained. 
 
 The darkness was profound. 
 
 Feeling his way toward the tiny sparks which be- 
 tokened the location of the fireplace, he kindled so 
 
296 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 much of a blaze as permitted him to distinguish ob- 
 jects in the cavern. 
 
 Petro remained as if asleep, in almost exactly the 
 same position as when the boy saw him before, but 
 the other members of the party were absent. 
 
 A gust of wind suddenly filled the cavern, sending 
 the embers in every direction, and the noise which 
 had aroused Winn increased until he believed it was 
 caused by thunder. 
 
 Remembering what Joe and Dave had predicted, 
 he ran to the tunnel which led toward the shore, buf- 
 feted by the wind which swept along the narrow pas- 
 sage with such force that advance was absolutely dif- 
 ficult, and after really severe effort he came upon 
 Bart and Joe. 
 
 "Is there a storm?" he asked, and Joe replied 
 grimly : 
 
 "Aye, lad, such a one as I venture to say you've 
 never seen. Dave wasn't far wrong when he al- 
 lowed a typhoon was close at hand; but both of us 
 were mistaken in reckoning that the captain of the 
 brig had sense enough to leave port early in the 
 evening." 
 
 "Can you see the vessel ?" Winn asked in surprise. 
 
 "Aye, lad, now and then. Look yonder, and 
 when the spray falls you'll see the craft tryin' to 
 crawl off a lee-shore. God grant she'll do so, even 
 
THE ATTACK. 297 
 
 though them on board are willin' to shoot us down ; 
 but the chances are against her." 
 
 Winn went forward to the very entrance. He 
 had joined his companions within a dozen feet or 
 more of the outer end, and had hardly gained this 
 point of vantage when suddenly there came a crash 
 as of thunder, and he was dashed violently backward 
 by a volume of water. 
 
 The two sailors assisted him to his feet, and Joe 
 said in a voice which sounded very much as if 
 choked by laughter : 
 
 "I didn't think to warn you, lad, that the sea is 
 breaking in on us, for I allowed you'd know that 
 much. Howsomever, it's only a wettin' you've got, 
 and on a night like this it don't count." 
 
 ''How can it be possible for the waves to come so 
 high?" Winn asked in surprise. "The level of the 
 sea is twenty feet below this cavern." 
 
 "Aye, lad, and the surf is pilin' up twice that 
 height. There's no need of keepin' guard here until 
 after daybreak; but I'm bound to hold on till that 
 'ere craft crawls away from the shore." 
 
 Standing so near the outer edge that at times he 
 was knee-deep in the water, Winn strained his eyes 
 to make out the shape of the brig, and finally saw 
 what he believed to be her — a huge dark mass which 
 was obscured every few seconds by the spray flung 
 
\ 
 
 298 THE TEEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 up from the rocks, and so near the shore that it 
 seemed certain she would beat upon it the next in- 
 stant. 
 
 "li that's the brig, here comes the schooner!" 
 Carleton cried as he stepped quickly to Winn's side, 
 and the boy saw another dark spot rising and falling 
 violently, at times thrown up in bold relief against 
 the almost luminous sky and again swallowed by the 
 inky blackness of the waters. 
 
 "Both skippers were mad to have held on so long," 
 Joe muttered, and Dave added : 
 
 "I reckon they allowed there wouldn't be any 
 great weight to the wind, an' the island might act as 
 a breakwater. The odds are that this 'ere smother 
 sprang up in the west, an' has circled 'round before 
 these treasure-mad captains had an idea of what was 
 before 'em." 
 
 ''Will they work off shore, think you ?" Joe asked 
 anxiously, and Carleton replied sharply: 
 
 'The odds are mightily agin 'em. God help the 
 craft that comes ashore on this graveyard of a reef." 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 PETROLS DEATH. 
 
 The sailors and Winn remained as near the en- 
 trance of the tunnel as was safe while the waves beat 
 upon that portion of the coast with such fury, all 
 three fascinated by the momentary glimpses they 
 had of the laboring vessels. 
 
 It might have been an hour, or only a few mo- 
 ments, so little heed did they give to the passage of 
 time with that wild scene before them, when Winn 
 fancied he heard a strange noise from the cavern. 
 
 It was not possible to distinguish any sounds 
 above the roar of the tempest, save during those brief 
 lulls when it seemed as if all nature had paused in its 
 violent work to gain strength for a fresh outburst; 
 but his quick ear had caught the feeble cry, and he 
 said in alarm : 
 
 "I believe Petro is trying to call us !" 
 
 "Go in and see, lad. If we're needed, sing out, 
 an' we'll be there in a shake," Joe replied, pushing 
 the boy toward the chamber, but not so much as 
 turning his head because of the spell which held him 
 as if in fetters. 
 
 299 
 
300 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Winn had no more than time to traverse the short 
 distance twice before he was confronting his com- 
 rades again, saying hurriedly : 
 
 "I beHeve Petro is dying ! He didn't speak to me, 
 but groaned terribly, and his face is white." 
 
 Instantly Joe and Dave were running through the 
 passage at full speed, and on gaining the wounded 
 man's side understood that Winn had not given a false 
 alarm. 
 
 The old man was stretched out at full length, one 
 hand gripping hard over the wound, while with the 
 other he convulsively dug the sand away as if trying 
 to come at something beneath the surface. 
 
 His eyes were open and staring, and a crimsoned 
 froth oozed from his lips. 
 
 *'Bring water ! Quick !" Joe cried as he raised the 
 sufferer's head gently, stroking his brow as he would 
 have soothed a child. 
 
 Winn was the one who obeyed the sailor's com- 
 mand, and he tried in vain to induce the old man to 
 drink; but it was as if the spirit had already left its 
 earthly shell. 
 
 Joe, forcing the almost rigid jaws apart, poured a 
 small quantity of the liquid down Petro's throat, and 
 a few seconds later the anxious watchers were re- 
 lieved by seeing the sufferer's eyes move, as a faint 
 tinge of blood crept into his cheeks. 
 
PETEO'S DEATH. 301 
 
 "It was lucky you heard him just as you did," Joe 
 said in a whisper. "If he'd been left alone five min- 
 utes longer, I reckon the end would have come." 
 
 "Are you feeling better ?" Winn asked in a tremu- 
 lous voice, and the old man replied by a faint move- 
 ment of the head. 
 
 "Heat some of that 'ere canned soup," Dave 
 Carleton said sharply, his sorrow giving him a sem- 
 blance of anger. "He didn't eat at supper time as 
 much as would be needed by a full-grown sparrow, 
 an' a little nourishment now is better than too much 
 water." 
 
 Winn looked toward Joe as if asking his opinion, 
 and the latter replied to the mute question : 
 
 "It can do no harm, at all events, an' may pull him 
 together a bit." 
 
 As soon as might be the boy did as he was bidden, 
 and Petro swallowed several mouthfuls as if the 
 warm liquid gave him relief. 
 
 Then, after motioning for Joe to raise him higher, 
 he asked in a voice so faint that it was hardly more 
 than a whisper : 
 
 "Is a tempest raging?" 
 
 "Aye, Petro, a typhoon, an' both vessels are 
 makin' a lee-shore of the island, with but little chance 
 of bein' able to clear the reefs." 
 
 "God grant them safe delivery," the old man whis- 
 
302 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 pered as he closed his eyes, and after that no word 
 was spoken for several moments, when Petro asked 
 feebly : 
 
 ''Are you all here?" 
 
 ''Bartlett is on guard in the landward tunnel ; but 
 there's little need for watchin' this night," Joe re- 
 plied. 
 
 "Let the man be called." 
 
 Winn went hurriedly to summon Bartlett, return- 
 ing with all speed after this had been done. 
 
 "All hands are here now," Joe said as he motioned 
 the sailor to draw near. "Did you want to say 
 something, Petro?" 
 
 "You believe I am dying, do you not?" 
 
 Joe stammered, not wishing to answer the ques- 
 tion directly, and the old man said, speaking in a 
 louder tone, as if eager that all should hear : 
 
 "You need not hesitate to say it. I know that but 
 few moments remain to me in this world, and before 
 I go there is a last favor you can grant me." 
 
 "Don't use up too much strength talking but hint 
 at what you mean, an' it'll be the same as if you'd 
 made a long yarn of it." 
 
 "You know where the Aymara treasure is 
 buried?" 
 
 Joe nodded. 
 
 "You know the boy is Manuel Telceda's heir, and 
 
PETEO'S DEATH. 303 
 
 that Manuel left with him fullest instructions as to 
 what should be done with the gold, if the good God 
 permits it to be taken away from here by those who 
 respect the rights of my people?" 
 
 "Hold on a bit, an' see if I can't do some of this 
 talkin', for you're too weak to keep this thing up 
 very long," Joe interrupted. *'You want us to agree 
 that we'll carry out the orders written down by old 
 Manuel ?" 
 
 "Yes, and to do so you must find my people." 
 
 "It shall be done," the sailor said promptly. "I 
 know where Manuel found those he talked with 
 when the 'Flying Scud' came to anchor off the Vene- 
 zuelan coast, an' that's the first port we'll make after 
 leavin' here." 
 
 "Buy a vessel as you proposed. Work her your- 
 selves, or, at the most, do not hire more than one 
 man, lest the gold prove such a temptation that more 
 crime be committed. If you find my people, divide 
 the wealth among them as Manuel has directed, 
 keeping for yourselves as much as he set down 
 should be paid to all those who assisted in the re- 
 moval." 
 
 "You want us to follow the orders he gave Winn 
 in writin'?" Joe interrupted when the old man's 
 voice failed him. 
 
 "Yes, and you will consult your own judgment as 
 
304 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 to how you can best take the treasure from this 
 island." 
 
 ''We promise, Petro, an' there ain't one of us as 
 will go back on the agreement." 
 
 ''Let each in turn say 'I swear to carry out to the 
 best of my ability the written instructions set down 
 by Manuel Telceda and given to Winslow Burbridge 
 for safe keeping.' " 
 
 "Joe was the first to repeat the words, holding up 
 his right hand as if to show he considered the for- 
 mality a lawful oath, and in turn the others followed 
 his example. 
 
 Petro appeared satisfied with these pledges, and 
 motioning Winn to come nearer, he said as the boy 
 clasped his cold hand : 
 
 "You shall take for yourself, lad, a full portion, 
 and also the one Manuel would have held, as your 
 own. That which was to be given the captain and 
 mate of the 'Flying Scud' you will divide among 
 your three companions, except that from it shall be 
 paid to the ofiicers of the schoonef such an amount 
 as represents their outlay in making the voyage. I 
 leave to you the direction of the affair, as did my 
 friend Manuel, and may the Aymara treasure bring 
 to you and yours such happiness as was denied its 
 rightful owners." 
 
 Then Petro covered his face with the coat Joe had 
 
PETRO'S DEATH. 305 
 
 thrown over him, and his companions believed he 
 wished to shield his eyes from the dancing fire-light 
 which swayed hither and yon under the strong wind 
 which swept through the tunnels. 
 
 With his head resting upon a pillow formed by 
 filling with leaves the bag in which Winn had 
 brought his store of provisions from the 'Tlying 
 Scud," the old man's comrades left him, in the hope 
 he might sleep, and all went through the seaward 
 tunnel to learn if the brig and schooner were yet 
 struggling within sight of the island. 
 
 Standing at the entrance of the passage, gripping 
 each other tightly, lest one or more should be swept 
 away by the raging waters which leaped up into the 
 tunnel as if eager to find a victim, the guardians of 
 the treasure searched with their eyes the pall of 
 blackness that hung above the waters. 
 
 The peculiar luminous hue had disappeared from 
 the heavens, and the clouds but served to add to the 
 gloom of night. 
 
 Only here and there, where the foam of the sea 
 gave forth a certain ghastly whiteness, could any- 
 thing be discerned among the howling, roaring, 
 seething mass which seemed to fill the air. 
 
 "They may have crawled off while we were talk- 
 ing with Petro," Joe said, after making certain it 
 was impossible to distinguish objects even close at 
 
306 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 hand. "It didn't look as if there was any very good 
 show of doing that when I last saw 'em." 
 
 ^'There's no hope for either craft or crew that 
 strikes the shore this night," Dave said solemnly, 
 and Winn was seized with a nervous trembling he 
 could not repress as he thought of the possible fate 
 which had overtaken those who were so lately eager 
 to shed blood. 
 
 The scene with Petro had completely unnerved 
 him, and the howling of the tempest caused a parox- 
 ysm of fear such as he had never known before. 
 
 "Come away, lad," Joe said, soothingly, as he led 
 the boy into the cavern. "It will do you no good to 
 listen to the devil's music that comes with the 
 gale." 
 
 "I must be a terrible coward if I can't stand the 
 noise of a storm," Winn replied in a hysterical tone. 
 
 "I'm not so certain of it, lad, for in my time I've 
 seen old sailormen, reg'lar shell-backs, who have 
 turned pale in spite of the browning laid on their 
 faces by the weather, when they were in the centre 
 of a typhoon, an' that's about where we are this 
 minute." 
 
 "Do you think either vessel weathered the point ?" 
 
 "There's about one chance in a hundred both are 
 afloat now ; but that's all." 
 
 "Don't you think any of the men could save them- 
 
PETROLS DEATH. 307 
 
 selves T' and Winn was seized with an inward shud- 
 dering that Hterally caused his teeth to chatter. 
 
 "No Hving thing — not even a fish — could come 
 through that surf onto the jagged rocks an' live so 
 long as a single minute. The sailor whose craft 
 strikes Cocos Island this night could not be saved 
 even though fifty men stood ready to lend a hand, 
 for he'd be beaten to death by the waves before you 
 could say 'Jack Robinson.' " 
 
 By this time the two were in the cavern and saw 
 Petro as they had left him. 
 
 "The old man is still asleep, an' it's the best medi- 
 cine he can have," Joe whispered, and Winn stepped 
 softly to the invalid's side in order to replace the coat 
 which had slipped a few inches from his face. 
 
 As he stooped he uttered a shrill cry of mingled 
 pain and fear, for in the glassy, staring eyeball and 
 the drooping jaw he recognized the presence of 
 death. 
 
 Joe Savage understood the situation without need 
 of a glance, and at once gathered the boy in his 
 arms, carrying him through the tunnel which opened 
 landward, while he said, much as if speaking to a 
 child : 
 
 "You're needin' a stiff upper lip now, lad, and 
 knowing that the old man has slipped his cable with- 
 out so much as a struggle should help you to it. We 
 
308 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 had reason to believe he couldn't live many hours, 
 when he last spoke to us, an' there's big cause for 
 thankfulness because he's been spared sufferin'." 
 
 There was death in the air that night; its chill 
 shadow seemed everywhere around, and Winn Bur- 
 bridge was not the only one of that little party who 
 felt its presence. 
 
 When Dave and Bartlett learned the saddening 
 news, they gathered in the cavern with Joe and 
 Winn, after the lifeless body, covered with such a 
 shroud as they could give it, had been laid reveren- 
 tially near the wall on the side opposite the fireplace, 
 and during the remainder of that long, dismal night 
 no member of the little party either spoke or slept. 
 
 If they raised their eyes but slightly it seemed im- 
 possible to shut out from view the ominous-looking 
 form, and with every new gust of wind each heard 
 the requiem of those who had been drowned while 
 their hands were yet stained with the blood of their 
 fellows. 
 
 It was a most blessed relief to all when the pale 
 light of the new day crept through the eastern pas- 
 sage, flecking the white sand with tiny patches of 
 sunshine and betokening life and peace. 
 
 "Come outside, lad ; we'll have a look at the cove," 
 Joe said abruptly, and as the boy arose to his feet the 
 sailor whispered to Dave and Bartlett. 
 
PETRO'S DEATH. 309 
 
 Without giving particular heed to the fact, Winn 
 noted that these two remained in the cavern after he 
 and Joe left it, and for a moment he wondered when 
 they intended to follow. 
 
 Then his attention was attracted by the ravages 
 of the tempest. 
 
 On every hapd could be seen the work of the wind. 
 Huge palms were shattered or uprooted. Branches 
 of trees, sea-weed and bits of wreckage had been 
 strewn in every direction. 
 
 Joe first led the way to the excavation from which 
 Petro had taken, at the expense of such a vast 
 amount of labor, the Aymara treasure. 
 
 One would have said an army of men had been 
 employed to fill it in, for hardly more than a depres- 
 sion in the soil marked what had so lately been a 
 huge pit. 
 
 ''Typhoons are terrors when they let themselves 
 loose," the sailor said grimly, ''an' a craft don't have 
 much chance even with plenty of sea-room, which 
 wasn't the case with the two we saw last night." 
 
 "Are you going to the cove?" 
 
 "Do you think it's best ? There may be many an 
 ugly thing there which you'll be none the better for 
 seein'." 
 
 "Let us go," Winn said curtly, trying to repress 
 the nervous twitchings of his lips. 
 
310 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 There was no longer any fear in the minds of 
 either that they might meet an enemy, although it 
 was possible, even probable, that some of the brig's 
 crew had been left behind to keep watch at the en- 
 trance of the cave. 
 
 After all that had occurred the most bitter foes 
 could not but be friendly while the scent of death 
 was yet strong in the air. 
 
 Spars, broken timbers, tangled rigging and frag- 
 ments of canvas covered the white sand, all giving 
 evidence of the tragedy which had been enacted al- 
 most within hail of those who ministered to old 
 Petro's simple wants. 
 
 "That tells the story, lad. Yonder lays the 
 schooner's figure-head, an' jest beyond is the brig's 
 galley; I know it by the stripe of red paint around 
 the edges, lookin' as. if the cook had wiped his hands 
 there after a bit of butcherin'. It was almost the 
 first thing I saw when the craft came to anchor." 
 
 *Then there can be no question but that both were 
 wrecked, and every man " 
 
 Winn stopped suddenly as if alarmed by the men- 
 tal picture before him, and Joe said gravely : 
 
 *Tt's an endin' sich as sailormen must expect, an' 
 for my part I don't think it the worst that can come 
 to a man. But see here, lad, instead of moonin' on 
 what's been done, s'pose we look ahead a bit? It 
 
PETRO'S DEATH. 311 
 
 ain't with us as it was last night, for then it seemed 
 as if we might be cooped up in the cave a twelve- 
 month, with the chances that then we'd give in 
 beaten for the sake of gettin' clear of this bloomin' 
 island. Now it's a case of goin' when we take a 
 fancy, an' 'cordin' to my way of thinkin', we'd best 
 set about figgerin' how we want to start." 
 
 ''Let's leave the very minute it's possible, Joe!" 
 Winn cried excitedly, as if until that moment he had 
 not realized what an able ally the typhoon had 
 proven to be. "Yd rather abandon all the treasure 
 than stay here another day !" 
 
 "I don't reckon we can put to sea quite so soon as 
 that, an' besides, we're bound to carry away the gold 
 whether you hanker after it or not, else how'll we 
 keep our word with Petro?" 
 
 ''What is to be done? You said the dory was 
 good sea-boat enough to take us to Port Refuge." 
 
 "When I made sich talk I had in mind tryin' to 
 slip away from them as was bent on holdin' us here. 
 Now that there's nothin' to fear, we'd be bloomin' 
 idjuts to start in an egg-shell of a craft when here's 
 another close at our hands." 
 
 "What do you mean?" Winn asked in perplexity, 
 looking quickly around as if expecting to see a vessel 
 of some kind. 
 
 "With this lot of timbers we can soon put together 
 
312 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 what'll serve to carry not only ourselves, but the 
 treasure as well, an' then there'll be no call to come 
 back to this place. We'll build a snug little sloop of 
 thirty tons — or as large as we shall need — an' then 
 if it so chances we don't find a schooner at Port 
 Refuge for sale, we can jog along to Australia, 
 where there ain't much doubt about gettin' what we 
 want." 
 
 ''But it'll take years to build a regular vessel." 
 "Not as long as you think, my hearty. First we'll 
 turn to an' save this wreckage, an' then lay the keel 
 of our craft. A month should be long enough for 
 the work." 
 
 "A month !" Winn exclaimed in dismay, and then 
 realizing that he was playing a peevish, childish part, 
 he added with some semblance of cheeriness : ''Why 
 don't we begin the work at once, instead of sitting 
 here idle?" 
 
 "Wait till Bartlett an' Dave come to lend a hand." 
 
 "I wonder why they are stopping so long " 
 
 Winn ceased speaking very suddenly as the truth 
 dawned upon him, and after a long pause he asked 
 almost timidly: 
 
 "Are they Have — they " 
 
 "I thought it was best, lad. It would do you no 
 good, and they will bury the old man as tenderly as 
 his own father could have done. Since it must be, 
 
PETRO'S DEATH. 313 
 
 the sooner it's over the better, for our business is to 
 care for the living, not spend time mournin' over 
 them as have got through with all the hard knocks 
 an' hard fare of this world." 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 SHIP-BUILDING. 
 
 When Bartlett and Dave finally made their ap- 
 pearance there was an expression of something very 
 like sorrow on their faces, and both advanced sol- 
 emnly in an orderly fashion, as if still participating 
 in the obsequies. 
 
 Winn asked no questions. 
 
 Even if Joe had not already explained the purpose 
 of their remaining in the cave, the boy would have 
 understood full well the sad business which had oc- 
 cupied them. 
 
 An air of constraint and sadness hovered over 
 each member of the little party, until Joe said cheer- 
 ily, almost boisterously : 
 
 ''Now then, my hearties, there's work to be done, 
 an' in plenty, if we count on leavin' this bloomin' isl- 
 and in ship-shape fashion. Yonder's wreckage 
 enough, as I've just been sayin' to the lad, as will 
 build a craft of a size to carry us an' the treasure to 
 Port Refuge, or any other harbor where we can find 
 a schooner what's up for sale. It ain't goin' to lay 
 
 314 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 315 
 
 'round this cove very long, shipmates, an' what's 
 saved must be hauled ashore directly." 
 
 ''Do you allow we can build a craft of any size 
 unless we spend half a lifetime doin' it?" Bartlett 
 asked, moodily, and Dave replied to the question : 
 
 ''What's to hinder, mate; what's to hinder? I 
 didn't make any objection when Joe allowed to set 
 off in the dory, because it wasn't my place, an' 
 though I'd most likely have gone with him if he said 
 the word, it wouldn't have been to my likin'. Build 
 a craft ? Why, we could put together a hundred-ton 
 schooner, if it so be there are spars enough." 
 
 "I'm countin' on a broad-beamed sloop of say 
 thirty tons or more," Joe added, ''an' if we find tools, 
 the job should be done in a month's time." 
 
 Instead of arguing, as Bartlett appeared inclined 
 to do, Dave went directly toward the shore, and 
 Winn, feeling that he needed hard work to drive 
 away the gloomy thoughts which beset him, fol- 
 lowed close at his heels. 
 
 Soon all hands were busily engaged in drawing 
 up from the yet turbulent waves fragments of the 
 vessels which had been dashed to pieces against the 
 rocky shore, and the task was lightened considerably 
 when, having found a block and tackle, Joe made it 
 fast to the stump of a palm tree. 
 
 By such purchase it was possible to drag the 
 
316 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 heavier timbers from the water with comparatively 
 Httle labor. 
 
 •By nightfall, and none of the party had spent very 
 much time over dinner, there was a rude collection 
 of ropes, planks, timbers and canvas on the sand 
 above reach of the waves, in such quantity as would 
 give them ample material for the vessel they pro- 
 posed to build. 
 
 The most important find of the day was a partially 
 filled tool-chest from the brig. 
 
 Half a dozen sea-chests, wholly or partly filled 
 with their late owners' effects, two casks of beef, five 
 barrels of bread, and general stores in great variety 
 helped make up the list of property rescued from the 
 waves, and yet it seemed as if a like amount re- 
 mained afloat in the cove or stranded on the lines of 
 reef extending on either side. 
 
 "I reckon we may as well knock off for to-day," 
 Joe said, when the shadows of night began to 
 lengthen into gloom. "If all hands are as nearly 
 pegged out as I am, it's time to turn in.*' 
 
 Winn, who had done his full share of the work, 
 heard this proposition with regret. , 
 
 Above all things, he shrank from entering the 
 cavern where death was so lately a visitor, and it 
 would have pleased him better had Joe suggested 
 that they spend the night in the open air. 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 317 
 
 However, he was ashamed to give words to such 
 weak fears, and followed his comrades as they made 
 their way toward the thicket of thorn bushes, but 
 taking good care to bring up the rear rather than re- 
 main in advance. 
 
 The evening passed less mournfully than he had 
 feared. 
 
 After a hearty meal, of which all stood decidedly 
 in need, the sailors, in order to distract their young 
 comrade's attention from the past, spun yarns 
 wherein all mention of wrecks or violent death was 
 avoided, and almost before he was aware of the fact, 
 Winn's eyes were closed in slumber, from which re- 
 pose he did not awaken until the sun sent his cheer- 
 ing rays through the eastern passage to the very 
 floor of the circular chamber. 
 
 Among the goods drawn ashore on the previous 
 day was a small case of tinware, and Joe, opening it, 
 had found, together wdth other articles, several tin 
 vessels, one of which was now over the fire sending 
 forth the aromatic odor of coffee. 
 
 Breakfast was prepared while the cook slept, and 
 Winn had no more to do than take a most refreshing 
 plunge in the now placid sea, after w^hich he joined 
 his mates in making a most palatable meal. 
 
 Then the work of wrecking was continued, and 
 twice before noon came the laborers found and 
 
318 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 buried reverentially bodies of their enemies who had 
 been vanquished by the elements. 
 
 Thanks to the wind, which still held from the 
 southeast, the flotsam and jetsam remained in the 
 cove until every article which could be utilized had 
 been drawn ashore. 
 
 'T reckon we can call the wreckin' part of our 
 work done," Joe Savage said that evening as the 
 four were eating supper. 'To-morrow mornin' 
 we'll lay the keel of the new craft. I don't allow 
 she's goin' to be any great beauty, but if three sailor- 
 men can't put together what will float an' stand up 
 under a decent show of canvas, it'll be strange. 
 What say you, lads, how large shall we make 
 her r 
 
 'Tf you're countin' on carryin' away the treasure, 
 the question is, what's it's bulk ?" Bartlett said, and 
 Joe was at a loss for a reply. 
 
 ''That's what I can't so much as guess at. Ac- 
 cordin' to old Manuel's account, there was more'n 
 five million dollars in gold an' silver. How big a 
 pile do you think that would make ?" 
 
 "Seein's I never had more than a hundred dollars 
 at any one time in my life, I ain't any fit person to 
 make a guess on it," Dave Carleton said with a 
 laugh. "I'd like to know how long it'll take us to 
 dig it up, 'cause if it isn't a big job, I'd say let's have 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 319 
 
 a look at the stuff so's to make up our minds what 
 tonnage the new craft needs to be." 
 
 "If the hole in the ground that we saw here is any 
 guide, there must be a pretty considerable bulk of 
 it," Joe replied, thoughtfully. "l\e never seen it 
 myself, an' can't so much as guess how long it'll take 
 to unearth it, though accordin' to my way of thinkin' 
 we'd better not do much in that line until we're ready 
 to put it aboard. Of course, even though this island 
 is out of the track of saiHn' vessels, there's no tellin' 
 how soon some craft may come nosin' 'round, an' 
 we'd be in a fine mess with a big pile of gold an' sil- 
 ver layin' 'round promiscuous-like." 
 
 "Is it buried far from the cove?" Bartlett asked. 
 
 "About the same distance as from here to the 
 shore, I should say." 
 
 "You know where it is, of course." 
 
 "Sure, and what's more, lads, you might as well 
 have a hint of it, seein' how I reckon you're sittin' 
 atop of the pile this very minute." 
 
 Bartlett and Dave sprang to their feet as if in 
 alarm, and for the first time since Petro's death 
 Winn laughed heartily. 
 
 "The old man told us that when the time come to 
 take it away, we should start in underneath this 'ere 
 fire, an' if I was to have a guess at it, I'd say he had 
 made a hole in the rock, which wouldn't be any hard 
 
320 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 job as you can tell by whittling the wall with your 
 knife." 
 
 "Now I can understand why he wouldn't let the 
 captain of the brig in here," Dave exclaimed, as if a 
 sudden thought had come to him. "Although I 
 reckon half a dozen skippers could have laid 'round a 
 month without suspectin' that the treasure was un- 
 der their feet. The idea never come to me in all the 
 time I've been here, an' more hours than one have I 
 spent trying to guess where it was. How long do 
 you reckon our crew, or the men from the brig, 
 would have hunted over this 'ere island before so 
 much as thinkin' the stuff mightn't be outside ?" 
 
 "They'd have dug a year, unless the brig's captain 
 had an inkling of the truth 'cause Petro wouldn't let 
 him look 'round here ; but there's no need of making 
 so much talk about what don't concern us yet a 
 while. How large a vessel do we need ?" 
 
 "I'd say you struck it right when you allowed 
 thirty tons would be the size. There's no need of 
 spending any more time than is necessary, seein's 
 how we only count on usin' her till we can buy a 
 schooner." 
 
 "What shall we name her ?" Winn asked, and Joe 
 replied, thoughtfully : 
 
 "I hadn't thought there was any need of that, lad ; 
 but perhaps we might as well have a christenin' be- 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 321 
 
 fore we start. How does 'The Fairhaven Pride' 
 strike you? That will kind of remind us of home, 
 and it's a good United States name." 
 
 Winn was not particularly well pleased with the 
 combination of words, but refrained from expressing 
 his opinion because the other two members of the 
 party appeared to think it particularly appropriate, 
 and thus were two important questions settled. 
 
 P>om the following morning until the twenty-six 
 days had elapsed the details of the work performed 
 by the guardians of the Aymara treasure would 
 prove uninteresting. 
 
 Therefore it is sufficient to set down the general 
 results of this long time of severe and arduous labor, 
 during which each member of the party worked 
 most industriously throughout every hour of day- 
 light, and gave but little heed to fatigue of body, be- 
 cause each hour saw them nearer the moment when 
 they might say good-by to Cocos Island. 
 
 There was no fairer spot in the Indian Ocean, and 
 yet to those who were virtually imprisoned upon it, 
 almost any other place in the wide world would have 
 been preferable, so stained with blood and peopled 
 with ghosts of the imagination was it. 
 
 The "Fairhaven Pride" was launched on the 
 twenty-sixth day after her keel had been laid, and, 
 although her builders were by no means skilled la- 
 
322 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAl^TD. 
 
 borers, she gave promise of being a staunch and fleet 
 sea-boat. 
 
 Critics might have said she was too broad of beam 
 for her length; that the heavy timbers, where light 
 ones might have been used to better advantage, 
 caused her to look unwieldy, and, in fact, many im- 
 perfections could be found ; but those who proposed 
 to take passage in her firmly believed that were it 
 possible to carry her across the oceans which lay be- 
 tween them and their home, she would become what 
 her name implied — the pride of Fairhaven. 
 
 ''I don't lay any claim to bein' a ship carpenter," 
 Joe Savage said when the little vessel was floating 
 lightly on the waters of the cove, rising and falling 
 with the gentle swell as if courtesying to the ocean 
 to which she had just been entrusted; ''but this much 
 I hold to: There ain't three sailormen and a boy 
 in this 'ere world that could have turned out a trim- 
 mer an' a snugger craft than this same 'Fairhaven 
 Pride.' If it wasn't that we'd be cramped for room, 
 so to speak, after the treasure is on board, I'd be 
 willin' to weather Cape Horn in her, for I tell you, 
 mates, she was built to swim, and she'll do it like a 
 duck." 
 
 "If I could alter her in any way by only speakin', 
 I'd keep my mouth closed mighty tight," Dave 
 Carleton added, complacently. "'Cause why? 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 323 
 
 'Cause there ain't anything about her that you want 
 to change." 
 
 Then Bartlett gave his opinion. 
 
 *'If I'd knowed how she was goin' to turn out, I'd 
 said let's make her about a hundred tons, an' then 
 there wouldn't be the need of foolin' 'round this 'ere 
 part of the world huntin' after a schooner. We 
 might have had just what we wanted, an' not been 
 more'n three weeks longer on the work." 
 
 Even Winn admired the result of their handi- 
 work, although he had no words of praise just then, 
 perhaps because his comrades had really exhausted 
 the matter, and he turned the subject by asking: 
 
 *'When are we going to start?" 
 
 *'Just as soon as we can get our dunnage aboard of 
 her," Joe replied promptly. "I reckon the Aymara 
 treasure will answer for ballast, an' the stores are 
 certain to make up as much of a cargo as we can 
 carry comfortably. We must work lively, too, for 
 once the wind hauls 'round it'll be a case of leavin' 
 the harbor, whether we're ready or not." 
 
 'It's time to turn in," Bartlett suggested. "We'll 
 get supper, sleep as much as we can 'twixt now an' 
 daylight, an' then have a look at what has been 
 buried in the cave so long." 
 
 * 'That's my idee^ too," said Dave Carleton. 
 
 The four cast admiring glances toward the pro- 
 
324 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 duct of their handiwork, much as though saying 
 "Good night" to the Httle craft, and then went lei- 
 surely to the cavern. 
 
 The "Fairhaven Pride" had been sloop-rigged 
 while on the ways; her canvas was neatly stowed, 
 and every rope in place when she was launched. 
 
 The one thing needed was an anchor, and in the 
 absence of this very essential portion of her outfit, 
 she lay moored stem and stern to the reefs either side 
 of the cove. 
 
 It was a snug berth so long as the wind held from 
 any point of west, but once the breeze came from an 
 easterly quarter she was in danger of beating herself 
 to pieces on the rocks, and none knew better than her 
 builders how absolutely necessary it was they should 
 embark with the least possible delay. 
 
 When they left the shore to go to the cave, Winn 
 believed he should fall asleep almost instantly after 
 supper had been eaten, because of the fatigue which 
 beset him, but in this he was mistaken. 
 
 All hands aided in preparing the evening meal, 
 making it as elaborate as the contents of the larder 
 would permit, and while it was being eaten Dave 
 Carleton began to discuss the possibilities of the voy- 
 age they were so soon to make, which conversation 
 had the effect of driving all desire for sleep from the 
 eyes of the boy. 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 325 
 
 Nor was he the only one made wakeful by 
 thoughts of the near future. 
 
 Each member of the party naturally had in mind 
 the fact that should they succeed in returning home 
 he would be wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.. 
 
 With this knowledge came a new fear — that some 
 ill fate might pursue them, and the treasure, which 
 had been the cause of so much bloodshed, might yet 
 provoke more, until it is little wonder that even 
 though weary to the verge of exhaustion, all bodily 
 weakness was forgotten. 
 
 Joe, when the meal was ended, had lain down near 
 the fire, advising the others to follow his example. 
 
 'Mf we're to turn out before daybreak, there won't 
 be any too much time to bottle up the sleep that's 
 needed." 
 
 All hands did as he proposed, and during half an 
 hour or more remained recumbent upon the sand; 
 but at the end of that time a long-drawn sigh from 
 Winn was heard, and Joe asked : 
 
 "Why don't you go to sleep, lad?" 
 
 ''I can't, an' that's a fact. What with thinking of 
 how the 'Fairhaven Pride' will behave when she's 
 under way, or whether we can find a schooner for 
 sale at Port Refuge, an' if we'll succeed in getting 
 the treasure home, my eyes are open as wide as if I 
 had just wakened after a twelve-hour nap." 
 
326 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 'That's the kind of a box Vm in," Dave Carleton 
 said emphatically as he arose to a sitting posture. 
 "I might lay here till mornin' an' never come nearer 
 bein' asleep than I am this minute." 
 
 Bartlett sprang to his feet. 
 
 ''Since we all seem to be in about the same shape, 
 what's the use of layin' idle? There's work to-be 
 done, afi' plenty of it, for no man can say how long 
 it's safe fc" the sloop to remain in the cove. Instead 
 of idlin' away the time in this useless fashion, why 
 not get to work again ?" 
 
 "What can we do in the dark ?" Winn asked. 
 
 "Build a fire on the other side an' unearth the 
 treasure. If any man grows sleepy while we're at 
 the job, let him lay down; but them as can't close 
 their eyes keep at it, an' by to-morrow mornin' we'll 
 be just so much nearer gettin' under way. I've been 
 figgerin' over this five-million-dollar business, an' it 
 strikes me it'll take a good many trips 'twixt here 
 an' the cove for us to carry down that much money." 
 
 "It ain't a bad idea," and Joe also arose to his feet. 
 "As you say, we can lay down whenever we're in- 
 clined for a snooze, an' it'll be a big savin' of time." 
 
 Winn set about building the fire; Bartlett and 
 Dave went to the cove for tools with which to dig, 
 and Joe extinguished the embers that marked the 
 hiding-place of the Aymara treasure. 
 
SHIP-BUILDING. 327 
 
 When all were in the cavern once more, and it is 
 safe to say not one was free from a certain nervous 
 tremor as he believed this wealth of the Aymaras 
 was about to be uncovered for the second time in 
 three-quarters of a century, Joe outlined the method 
 of work. 
 
 'There's no reason why we should do any more 
 work than's necessary. We'll throw up this 'ere 
 sand toward the tunnel that leads to the shore, an' if 
 the whole passage is blocked before we get through 
 it won't make any great difference. I'll begin here, 
 push it back as far as I can reach ; Dave will shove it 
 on a bit further, and Bartlett wind up the job. 
 Winn's part is to keep the fire bright, so we can see 
 what we're about." 
 
 The men stationed themselves as Joe had sug- 
 gested, and everything was in readiness for the be- 
 ginning of the work, yet the sailor remained motion- 
 less. 
 
 "Why are you hangin' fire?" Dave asked, impa- 
 tiently. ''You don't allow it's goin' to pop right out 
 simply because you're standin' there waitin' to see 
 it, eh?" 
 
 "I'm a fool, that's what's the matter with me — a 
 regular old maid. Do you know, mates, there's no 
 more strength in my arms this minute than if I was 
 a baby." 
 
328 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 "What has come over you?" 
 
 "I can't help thinkin' about them as have gone 
 into the other world through tryin' to get hold of 
 this 'ere treasure, an' here we are, ready to dig it up 
 with nothin' to prevent. It seems like as though 
 something must happen before we get through with 
 the job." 
 
 ''And so there will, if you don't make haste," 
 Bartlett cried, impatiently. 'The wind will come 
 up from the eastward, the 'Fairhaven Pride' will be 
 knocked about on the reef until there ain't so much 
 left of her as you could put in your eye, and we'll be 
 held on this 'ere island till we starve to death." 
 
 Sharp words were what Joe needed to clear from 
 his brain the forebodings which had momentarily 
 unnerved him, and in another instant he fell to work 
 with a will. 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 THE AYMARA TREASURE. 
 
 Even had the work of unearthing the Aymara 
 treasure been begun in the dayHght, there would 
 have been a certain feeUng of awe in Winn's breast 
 because of all that had occurred in connection with 
 that famous hoard. 
 
 Now, however, as the men silently commenced 
 their labors in the glare of the firelight, their shad- 
 ows dancing in grotesque fashion on the white wall 
 opposite, the low moaning of the sea without, and 
 the flickering of the flames which distorted every 
 object in the chamber, affected him much more seri- 
 ously than it had Joe Savage. 
 
 During the first few moments of the work he 
 trembled violently, casting frightened glances here 
 and there, as if really believing the cavern might be 
 haunted by the ghosts of those who had given up 
 their lives while protecting or while unlawfully try- 
 ing to gain possession of the treasure. 
 
 During five minutes or more no one spoke, and it 
 seemed to Winn as if it was necessary he should hear a 
 human voice, otherwise his terror would become too 
 great to admit of his remaining in the chamber. 
 
 329 
 
330 THE TEEASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 In fact, more than once was he tempted to flee 
 from, he knew not what — to go, he knew not where. 
 
 Then Joe Savage spoke, and never had the sailor's 
 voice sounded more sweetly to the nervous boy's 
 ears. 
 
 "Petro must have done a heap of work in the 
 burying of this 'ere gold. I'm down a couple of feet 
 into the sand, and there's no sign of it yet." 
 
 "Are you certain this is the spot where he told you 
 to dig?" Dave asked suddenly, and involuntarily 
 pausing, the three men looked at each other in dis- 
 may. 
 
 The same thought was in the mind of each. 
 
 Suppose Petro, believing it necessary for the 
 safety of the treasure, had deceived even those whom 
 he professed to trust? Suppose, instead of being 
 concealed in the chamber, the hoard was elsewhere 
 on the island ? 
 
 In such case a lifetime might be spent in vain 
 search, and yet they had at their disposal no more 
 hours than the wind should blow from the westward. 
 
 "See here, this won't do, mates!" Joe said, men- 
 tally gathering himself together with an effort. 
 "It's worse than foolishness, standing here fearing 
 old Petro deceived us, when by a little work we'll 
 sooli know the truth. This 'ere sand can't be of any 
 very great depth, unless he carted a lot in from the 
 
THE AYMARA TREASURE. 331 
 
 shore, and that the old man never would have done 
 unless he had a precious good reason." 
 
 The labor was resumed, and now that there had 
 arisen in his mind a doubt as to whether they would 
 find the treasure, Winn ceased to be nervous or timid 
 regarding it. 
 
 He piled the wood higher upon the coals until it 
 sent forth a ruddy blaze, which, reflected by the 
 white walls of the cavern, made a light almost as at 
 noon-day, save for the deep, fantastic shadows cast 
 by the workmen. 
 
 Ten minutes more were spent in forcing the sand 
 from the centre of the chamber into the eastern tun- 
 nel with shovels fashioned from bits of plank, and 
 nothing had been found to indicate that the wealth 
 which they sought was hidden there. 
 
 Dave Carleton suddenly ceased his labor, and in- 
 stantly his companions followed the example. 
 
 *Tt don't stand to reason he covered this 'ere cave 
 with four feet of sand, and we're down as deep as 
 that now." 
 
 "We won't doubt the old man yet a while," Joe 
 said, speaking with an unsteady voice. 'Tf you and 
 me was to bury five million dollars, Dave, we'd take 
 precious good care it was put down so deep that the 
 first loafer who came along couldn't kick it up." 
 
 ''Don't stop to talk," Bartlett said, hoarsely. 
 
332 THE TBEASURE OF COCOS ISLAM). 
 
 "Keep on with the work. It brings a cold sweat out 
 on me just thinkin' we may be. on the wrong scent, 
 an' I can't stand still till we know the truth." 
 
 Again the work was resumed, and this time Joe 
 pushed away the sand with feverish energy, as if 
 each moment was of vital importance. 
 
 Finally, when they were least expecting it, the 
 sailor gave vent to a yell which awoke all the echoes 
 of the place, as he fell on his knees and began dig- 
 ging frantically with both hands. 
 
 "We have found it, lads! We have found it! 
 Petro didn't deceive us, for this must be it !" 
 
 The two men and Winn had run at the first outcry 
 to Joe's side, and crowding around where he 
 crouched, half buried in the excavation, they saw 
 that with his hands he had cleared away the sand 
 from the head of a small oaken cask. 
 
 It was as if all four ceased to breathe for a mo- 
 ment, and then Dave shouted hysterically : 
 
 "Up with it, mate ! up with it ! Let's make cer- 
 tain there's really gold here !" 
 
 Joe tugged and strained in vain. 
 
 Because of the sand which had lodged around it, 
 filling all the crevices between this one and, as was 
 soon ascertained, several others, he could no more 
 have lifted it out unaided than he could have forced 
 in the walls of the cavern by leaning against them. 
 
THE AYMARA TREASURE. 333 
 
 *We have got to have a block and tackle here, 
 mates. No four men can get that out with nothin' 
 but their hands." 
 
 'Tetro must have put it in alone." 
 
 "Aye, so he did. He had only to roll it in, but 
 we can't pull it up without a purchase of some kind, 
 unless it so be we dig away the sand until the entire 
 excavation is laid bare. You an' Bartlett go down 
 to the cove, Dave, an' bring up what'U answer our 
 purpose. Winn an' I'll keep on with the diggin'." 
 
 When the two sailors had obeyed it was literally 
 impossible for Joe and the boy to do as had been 
 promised. 
 
 The knowledge that they had really come upon 
 the treasure, for there was no doubt in the minds of 
 either but that the casks contained the hoard of the 
 Aymaras, brought with it such extreme agitation 
 that they were absolutely helpless in their weakness. 
 
 ''Of course these casks must be filled with gold," 
 Winn stammered. 
 
 "Aye, lad, so old Manuel said — gold and silver. 
 It's hard to believe that you, a boy from the Fair- 
 haven poor-farm and me, a sailorman as has thought 
 himself well off to get thirty dollars a month for 
 leadin* a dog's life, should be sittin' here as part 
 owners of more than five millions of money." 
 
 "It won't do us much good until we get it away 
 
334 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 from this island," Winn replied with a hysterical 
 laugh. 
 
 'True enough, lad ; but it's only a question of time 
 now. Once we get this aboard the 'Fairhaven 
 Pride' it's ours, even if the wind comes in from the 
 eastward five minutes later, an' before we've had 
 time to put the provisions aboard. We'll set sail an' 
 
 take chances of starvin' rather than I've heard 
 
 tell of men goin' money mad, an' I believe that kind 
 of a fever's getting the best of me jest now," Joe 
 concluded, with a dry laugh. ''We must hold our- * 
 selves in, Winn, for we're fast gettin' on a level with 
 Bart Gerry, who was willin' to give up his soul for 
 what's comin' to us so easy." 
 
 Then the two stared at each other in silence until 
 the footsteps and conversation of the men as they re- 
 turned with the block and tackle broke the spell 
 which bound them, and instantly they were cool, cal- 
 culating workmen once more. 
 
 Three short fragments of spars were also brought 
 to serve as a derrick, and when the tackle had been 
 put in position it was a simple matter to raise the 
 •first cask from its resting-place. 
 
 The weight told that it must be filled with some 
 metal as heavy as gold ; but this was not of sufiicient 
 assurance for the guardians of the treasure. 
 
 The head of the cask was knocked in, and the four 
 
THE AYMARA TREASURE. 335 
 
 stood around it speechless, gazing at the ingots of 
 dull yellow. 
 
 Like one beside himself, Joe threw these out, 
 uttering short, sharp cries as of frenzy, until the 
 white sand which formed the floor of the cavern was 
 covered with ingots, loose coin or vessels of various 
 shapes, all of the same precious metal. 
 
 Then, regardless of the fact that every moment of 
 time must be utilized if they would save this hoard, 
 the four gave themselves wholly up to that delirium 
 which the sudden acquisition of gold oftentimes 
 brings. 
 
 Bartlett played with the ingots as a child might 
 with pebbles ; Dave stacked the coins up one by one 
 until they toppled over with a clinking sound, which 
 caused him to laugh again and again. Winn placed 
 the oddly shaped vessels side by side, admiring each 
 in turn, and tapping them with his pocket knife to 
 make certain they gave forth the true ring, while Joe 
 moved to and fro unsteadily, now plunging his arms 
 to the elbows amid the ingots, and again drinking 
 deep draughts of water from one of the vessels. 
 
 It was a scene which had in it a most serious les- 
 son, but none who took part read aught therein. 
 
 They only knew that here was that which would 
 enrich them in this world's goods far beyond any 
 previous desire, and for the moment it was sufficient. 
 
336 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 *Winn was the first to regain his senses, and he 
 aroused the others to a thorough understanding by- 
 saying sharply : 
 
 ''If we're going to play with this gold all night, 
 it'll be a mighty poor way of spending the time, 
 when no one knows how soon we may have to leave 
 the island. There will be a chance to make fools of 
 ourselves after we're on board the 'Fairhaven Pride,' 
 heading for Port Refuge." 
 
 "You're right, lad," Joe replied, gravely. ''We've 
 shown ourselves to be worse than fools, and it's time 
 we stood 'round on the other tack. Brace up lively, 
 boys; we'll put back everything, save the coin, that 
 we'll need to pay for the schooner we count on 
 buyin', and then set about gettin' the rest of the casks 
 out. Only two can work to advantage here, but the 
 others can be rollin' the stuff down to the cove. I 
 shall feel easier in mind when it's stored in the 
 sloop's hold." 
 
 His tone as much as his words had the effect of 
 sobering Bartlett and Dave, and five minutes later 
 all traces of excitement had vanished as the work of 
 transferring the Aymara treasure was really begun. 
 
 All hands were now working with a will. 
 
 When the second cask had been hoisted out Bart- 
 lett began to roll it to the cove. 
 
 The first one Dave took charge of, and the work 
 
THE AYMARA TREASURE. 337 
 
 was carried on until the last of the precious packages 
 had been taken from the cavern. 
 
 During all this while no one so much as thought 
 of the passage of time, and not until the entire hoard 
 was stowed as ballast in the hold of the 'Tairhaven 
 Pride" did they realize that the night had passed and 
 another day had been half spent in this labor. 
 
 "If anybody'd said Fd ever have so much money 
 as would make me forget to go to sleep, or eat break- 
 fast, or feel hungry for dinner, I'd have called him a 
 bloomin' liar," Joe exclaimed when he realized how 
 many hours had been spent in the transferring of the 
 hoard. "I don't know whether it's the handlin' of 
 so much gold, or the thought that I'm what you can 
 call a rich man that has put me in this condition ; but, 
 to tell the truth, mates, I never'd know from my own 
 feelin' that I hadn't been asleep." 
 
 "I allow there ain't a man in the world what's so 
 cold-blooded that he wouldn't be knocked out of his 
 reckonin' by going through what . we've been 
 through with since last night," Bartlett added. "I 
 tell you, mates, I've been uneasy to get away ever 
 since we landed on this 'ere island ; but all I've felt 
 up to this time isn't any more'n a notion compared 
 with what's struck me now. I believe I'd go nigh 
 crazy if I slept in that cave again. What say to 
 shippin' the provisions 'twixt now an' sunrise an' 
 
338 THE TEEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 turnin' in aboard? Then, if the wind comes up, it's 
 only a quevStion of slippin' cables, an' we're off, walk- 
 in' the decks with the Aymara treasure just below 
 our feet." 
 
 'Tt can be done," Joe said, thoughtfully, "for I 
 allow 'twixt now an' sunset we'll put aboard all 
 that's worth carrying away. It's mighty lucky we 
 saved the dory, mates; for if we'd had to raft the 
 gold out from the shore it wouldn't be aboard yet." 
 
 "That's so," said Bartlett. 
 
 "Never mind the figuring on that," Winn said, 
 impatiently. "Let's provision the sloop. I'm will- 
 in' to work until to-morrow morning rather than 
 knock off again before it's finished." 
 
 "An' I allow we're gettin' just as crazy now as 
 when we first saw the gold," Dave interrupted. 
 "Not one of us has had so much as a bite since last 
 night, an' it'll only be treating our bodies right to 
 hold on long enough for dinner." 
 
 "Winn can build a fire on shore and cook what- 
 ever comes handiest, while we keep on with the 
 work," Joe replied, and to this his comrades agreed. 
 
 Probably there had never been such a scene of ac- 
 tivity on the shores of the cove. 
 
 Nearby, covered with canvas saved from the 
 wrecks, was a large store of provisions which Joe 
 and Bartlett began loading into the dory for ship- 
 
THE AYMARA TREASURE. 339 
 
 ment to the sloop, while Dave traveled back and 
 forth between the cave and the shore, bringing from 
 their old place of refuge such of the cooking utensils 
 as it was deemed best to carry away. 
 
 The sun was not more than two hours high when 
 Winn summoned his comrades to dinner, and the 
 time spent in eating the meal was sufficient to enable 
 the laborers to realize how thoroughly fatigued they 
 were. 
 
 Bartlett, who had claimed that he could not sleep 
 on the island another night, proposed that they 
 *'knock off until morning" rather than continue 
 while he was so completely ''used up," and Dave 
 seemed disposed to agree to this proposal until Joe 
 said sharply : 
 
 "Now, see here, mates, it's a matter of four or five 
 hours more, an' the work will be done. Then, 
 knowing we're ready to leave our moorin' at any 
 minute we can go to sleep, feelin' that things are 
 ship-shape for the cruise which we'll hope ends only 
 when we drop anchor in Fairhaven Bay. I ain't 
 sayin' as there's any good cause for believin' the 
 wind won't hold westerin' a good while longer; but 
 why take chances when we've got so near through 
 with the job ? I'm fagged out, an' no mistake ; but 
 it ain't goin' to kill me to keep movin' from now till 
 sunset." 
 
340 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 Winn shared this opinion, and once more the ar- 
 duous labor was resumed. 
 
 Not until the last barrel of ship's bread had been 
 put on board; two beef casks emptied of their con- 
 tents, rinsed thoroughly, filled with water, and 
 lashed to the decks amidships — not until then did 
 the guardians of the Aymara treasure cease their 
 labors, and, wearied almost to the verge of exhaus- 
 tion, each threw himself upon the deck, heedless alike 
 of the dews of the night and the hardness of the bed, 
 in his desire for slumber. 
 
CHAPTER XXIL 
 
 THE HOME PORT. 
 
 The sun awakened the crew of the "Fairhaven 
 Pride" next morning, but not until he was fully 
 above the eastern horizon, and then it was they real- 
 ized how severe had been their exertions during the 
 past twenty-four hours. 
 
 Stiff and sore in every joint, Winn began over- 
 hauling the stores, for there was little to do in this 
 work of preparing breakfast, save set out the provi- 
 sions, since, although laden with gold, the sloop did 
 not so much as boast of the smallest cook-stove. 
 
 ''A pannikin of coffee is what we most need now," 
 Joe said, after watching the boy a few seconds. 
 "An' seein's how there's nothin' to prevent, suppose 
 we pull ashore for breakfast? It's likely to be the 
 last warm meal we'll have this side of Keeling Isl- 
 and." 
 
 Bartlett showed that he approved of the plan by 
 at once loading into the dory such utensils and stores 
 as would be needed in the preparation of the meal, 
 and shortly afterward the little party, seated on the 
 
 341 
 
343 THE TKEASUKE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 sand, were partaking of the last breakfast they were 
 likely ever to eat on Cocos Island. 
 
 Then came the question as to whether they should 
 set sail at once or wait until the breeze had fresh- 
 ened, when the run could be made more quickly. 
 
 Time was of considerable importance in the navi- 
 gation of the sloop, for they had not so much as a 
 compass, and after Cocos should be lost to view it 
 would be necessary to sail by guess-work. 
 
 "I go in for leavin' this bloomin' place as soon as 
 we can cast off the hawsers," Dave Carleton said, 
 decidedly. "If you're certain whereabouts Keeling 
 lays, we ought to be sailormen enough to keep the 
 points of the compass in our heads for four an' 
 twenty hours, by which time, accbrdin' to your reck- 
 onin', we should make the land." 
 
 "I'll go bail that I've got a picture of the chart in 
 my eye this blessed minute, an' it would be strange if 
 it wasn't there, seein's how I studied over the course 
 nigh on to two days before leavin' the schooner," 
 Joe replied. "We can't have everything to please 
 us, though it would help along wonderfully if the 
 wind was a little stronger ; but s'posen we wait till a 
 gale blows up ? What then ?" 
 
 "Wouldn't the sloop weather it ?" Winn asked. 
 
 "Aye, lad, she'd do that stoutly enough; but we 
 mightn't be able to keep our reckonin', so perhaps 
 
THE HOME PORT. 343 
 
 the best we can do is to agree with Dave, an' sHp our 
 cables as soon as we get on board." 
 
 Not one of the party felt inclined to linger in this 
 port, although they had entered it poor in purse and 
 were leaving it with a vast amount of wealth. 
 
 Therefore the voyage was begun without delay. 
 
 The three men cheered loudly when the ''Fair- 
 haven Pride," with all her sails set — two jibs, main- 
 sail and a rude topsail — glided gently out of the 
 cove ; but Winn was silent. 
 
 The memories which insisted on having a place in 
 his mind at this moment caused a feeling of sadness 
 rather than of triumph. 
 
 ''Pull yourself together, lad !" Joe cried, cheerily, 
 as he noted the look on the boy's face. "This is a 
 time when all of us should be feelin' mighty good, 
 for we've got out of as tight a fix as sailormen ever 
 ran into, an' in such shape as didn't seem possible 
 even on the day we left Fairhaven." 
 
 "I couldn't help thinking of Manuel, of Petro, 
 and the wrecks," Winn said, half apologetically. 
 
 "This is the time when you should be chewin' over 
 somethin' pleasant. Watch this 'ere bloomin' sloop, 
 an' if that don't make you feel good, I don't know 
 what will. Why, my boy, she's a reg'lar clipper, an' 
 I'd like to see them as could build a better one with 
 the same tools an' timbers we had. It's a shame to 
 
344 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 think of abandonin' a craft like this an* puttin' out 
 good money for one that most Hkely can't sail half a^ 
 fast/' 
 
 *'Do you believe this sloop would stand a voyage 
 around the Horn?" Winn asked, thus showing that 
 the sad current of his thoughts had been changed. 
 
 Joe shook his head. 
 
 "Well, lad, Fm not so bloomin' certain of that. 
 If it wasn't for the sake of sailin' into Fairhaven 
 harbor on board our own vessel, I'd say we could 
 make San Francisco harbor in her." 
 
 "But what could we do with the treasure?" 
 
 "Turn it into cash, which can be carried easier, an' 
 that's a port where it could be done in great shape, 
 for a few millions in gold an' silver don't cut any 
 great figger there, while Fm allowin' it will make 
 considerable of a stir in New York." 
 
 "Then why not do as you say ?" 
 
 "It's like this, lad ; I've elected myself captain of 
 the party, so to speak, though I don't allow to do any 
 great amount of bossin', an' it'll be worth almost as 
 much as my share of the treasure to sail into Fair- 
 haven on board a craft I own. Then again, we've 
 got to call into Venezuela to find Telceda's crowd, so 
 I reckon we'd best keep her headed for Keeling." 
 
 It was destined that the first and only cruise which 
 the guardians of the treasure were to take in a craft 
 
THE HOME PORT. 345 
 
 of their own making was to be short and free from 
 excitement. 
 
 Had the sloop's crew been able to command the 
 weather, they could have had no more favoring 
 breeze. 
 
 During the following forenoon they sailed into the 
 harbor of Port Refuge, Dave Carleton regretting 
 most sincerely the absence of flags. 
 
 "This is the time when the sloop ought to be 
 dressed from truck to rail, an' then we'd stand the 
 chance of cuttin' a dash in this 'ere settlement." 
 
 "Which is jest what we don't want to do," Bart- 
 lett replied. Accordin' to my way of thinkin', we'd 
 best sneak in an' out without attractin' too much at- 
 tention, for if it was known what kind of a cargo 
 we're carryin', Pm thinkin' we wouldn't hold posses- 
 sion of it many hours. Better get an anchor an' a 
 cook-stove before we feel bad 'bout not bein* able to 
 spread ourselves. 
 
 In the absence of the first-named article, if was 
 necessary the sloop be run as near the shore as was 
 safe, and then brought up into the wind, when Joe, 
 his pockets well lined with gold pieces, went ashore 
 in the dory to purchase that which was so sadly 
 needed. 
 
 The little craft stood off and on until an hour 
 later, when the self-elected captain reappeared, ac- 
 
346 THE TREASUEE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 companied by three porters, who staggered under 
 their heavy burden. 
 
 "It ain't very much of an anchor he's got, if three 
 men can carry it," Dave grumbled, and Bartlett re- 
 minded him that it would answer as a mooring for 
 the sloop during fair weather. 
 
 ''It ain't sich a terrible easy matter to pick up 
 ship's stores in a port like this," Joe said as he pulled 
 alongside. "I've got a kedge that'll serve till 
 mornin' I reckon, an' I'm promised somethin' better 
 then." 
 
 "Did you happen to ask if there was any show for 
 buy in' a schooner ?" 
 
 "I did, my hearty, an' found that by lay in' here a 
 week or two we're likely to get what'll suit us. 
 Three hundred tons — eight years old — Ai condition, 
 an' off on a tradin' voyage now." 
 
 "What's the price?" 
 
 "They're askin' fifteen thousand dollars, but I 
 don't allow that cuts any very great figger with men 
 like us." 
 
 When the sloop had been moored the self-elected 
 captain offered to stand watch while his comrades 
 went on shore ; but no one accepted the proposition. 
 ^ They had had quite enough of the land for the 
 time being, and their one desire was to be afloat, 
 homeward bound. 
 
THE HOME PORT. 347 
 
 Before the day had come to an end a stove was 
 set up in the cabin of the sloop, a certain amount of 
 bedding brought on board, and a most bountiful sup- 
 ply of fresh meat and fruit purchased. 
 
 "There's no need of our goin' hungry or lackin' 
 anything we take a fancy to," Joe, who had acted as 
 steward, said in a tone of satisfaction. "We'll have 
 an anchor out here by to-morrow noon that will hold 
 us, no matter what weather comes, and now we may 
 as well take things comfortable-like. If anybody 
 wants to go ashore, all right, 'cause this 'ere crew is 
 bound to do as they please, except that one of us 
 must be on watch all the time." 
 
 The ten days which followed were not spent as 
 enjoyably as would have been the case under other 
 circumstances. 
 
 There v/as nothing to disturb the guardians of the 
 treasure in any way, and much of interest might 
 have been seen on the island, but for the fact that no 
 one was willing to leave the treasure-laden sloo'p, 
 save during brief intervals. 
 
 Then they awakened one morning to find the good 
 schooner "Petrel" anchored not more than half a 
 cable's length away, and Joe pointed her out as the 
 one he had proposed to purchase. 
 
 "Better make the trade as soon as you can," Dave 
 Carleton said, after eyeing her critically. "She'll 
 
348 THE TKEASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 answer us to a dot, an' we couldn't ask for any- 
 thing better." 
 
 Four days later the purchase was made, and Joe, 
 who had represented himself as one of a shipwrecked 
 crew which had been cast ashore on Cocos Island, 
 had no little difficulty in explaining how it was he 
 chanced to be in possession of so many Spanish gold 
 pieces, coined in the earlier years of the century. 
 
 "The owners put the question to me point blank," 
 he said when describing the interview. "1 began to 
 be afraid they'd find out more than it might be con- 
 venient for them to know." 
 
 ''How did you answer their questions?" 
 
 Joe smiled knowingly. 
 
 'T didn't. I says to 'em, says I, 'Here's your 
 cash, an' it's all in gold pieces. If you don't want 
 'em, say the word, an' we'll put for some other port 
 where they're willin' to sell a vessel without wantin' 
 to know the pedigree of the men what buys her.' 
 That made 'em draw in their horns, an' then they 
 begun a lot of soft palaverin' to worm the secret out of 
 me; but all I did was to say, Tf you don't want the 
 gold, we'll end this bargainin' mighty quick.' The 
 'Petrel' is held now by us four in our own proper 
 names, an' the papers will be made out as soon as 
 may be. I reckon, however, I'll have another tussle 
 with them chaps before the business is finished, for 
 
THE HOME PORT. 349 
 
 it stands to reason they're beginnin' to have an 
 inkHn' of the truth." 
 
 And Joe did have a ''tussle." 
 
 The former owners of the 'Tetrel" plied him with 
 questions regarding the gold, offering almost every 
 inducement if he would tell them whence it came. 
 But all to no purpose. 
 
 He was willing to talk with them on matters per- 
 taining to the sea, but instantly the conversation 
 turned to Spanish coins his mouth was closed, nor 
 would he so much as offer the slightest explanation 
 as to how the gold had come into his possession. 
 
 The secret was safe with Joe. 
 
 When all the necessary formalities had been com- 
 plied with the 'Tairhaven Pride" was hauled along- 
 side the "Petrel," and during the day Joe and his 
 crew made a great show of transferring their stores 
 of provisions to the schooner. 
 
 It was not until nightfall, however, that the treas- 
 ure was disturbed, and then, after making certain 
 there were no curious ones in the vicinity, the four 
 set about removing their precious cargo. 
 
 When the sun rose again it was stowed snugly be- 
 neath the stores of spare canvas and rope. 
 
 A plentiful supply of provisions was taken on 
 board, and then came the question of how the 
 ''Petrel" could be navigated when none of her 
 
350 THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 owners had any save the most cursory knowledge of 
 that art. 
 
 It was absolutely essential an experienced master 
 be engaged, one who would sail the vessel under 
 Joe's direction, and such a man was at hand in the 
 person of the first mate of a whaling-ship, who, 
 three months before, had come ashore, the sole sur- 
 vivor of his crew. 
 
 He offered to navigate the 'Tetrel" without 
 wages, in order to reach his home; but to this Joe 
 would not listen. 
 
 ''You will take master's pay or stay where you 
 are, so far as we're concerned. All we want is that 
 you put the schooner first off the coast of Venezuela, 
 an' then into Fairhaven harbor without workin' 
 yourself up to a fit 'cause we don't feel called upon to 
 explain everything about ourselves." 
 
 That settled the matter. 
 
 The master was the only addition made to the 
 crew, and it is possible to fill as many pages as have 
 already been given to the story of the treasure of 
 Cocos Island, in relating the incidents of the home- 
 ward voyage ; but it would be simply a sequel to the 
 main purpose of this tale. 
 
 Suffice it to say that in due time the schooner 
 'Tetrel" was brought to an anchorage off Cuman, 
 where Manuel had met the syrvivors of his people, 
 
THE HOME POET. 351 
 
 and there was the treasure divided according to the 
 directions he had already given. 
 
 Winn was the one delegated to meet these repre- 
 sentatives of the Aymara race, and to his surprise 
 the business did not prove to be difficult. 
 
 Once the schooner was brought to an anchor a 
 canoe put off from the shore, and the crew of the 
 'Tetrel" heard the name ''Manuel Telceda" called 
 softly as the light craft circled around the vessel. 
 
 After this it was a simple task to make known 
 their business, and within two hours the guardians 
 of the treasure were on shore in consultation with the 
 relatives of Manuel and Petro. 
 
 The four descendants whom Telceda had met 
 were yet alive, and on being told how he proposed 
 to divide the treasure, insisted it should be done ex- 
 actly as he suggested. 
 
 For certain reasons, chiefest among which is the 
 fact that both Joe and Winn object to have the 
 amount of their wealth made public, it is not well to 
 state all the particulars of this division. 
 
 It is enough to say that when the four owners of 
 the ''Petrel" sailed into Fairhaven harbor each was 
 the owner of more silver and gold than he had ever 
 believed any one person could amass, and, as may 
 not be truthfully said of some large fortunes, it was 
 all come by honestly. ^ 
 
35» THE TREASURE OF COCOS ISLAND. 
 
 How Winn and his companions employed this 
 vast wealth cannot be related here, but at some 
 future time, if the readers so elect, a faithful account 
 shall be given of what befell the four partners after 
 they had brought home the treasure from Cocos 
 Island. 
 
 [the end.] 
 
A* L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for 
 Young People by Popular Writers, 52- 
 58 Duane Street, New York .^ n^ n< 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Joe's Luck: A Boy^s Adventures in California. By 
 
 Horatio Algbr, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 The storj- is chock fall of stirring Incidents, while the amusing situ- 
 ations are furnished by Joshua Bicliford, from Pumpliin Hollow, and the 
 fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., 
 Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is cer- 
 tainly one of his best. 
 
 Tom the Bootblack; or, The Eoad to Success. By 
 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at alJ 
 ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better 
 himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr. 
 Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruflSan to kill the lad. The 
 plan fulled, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a com- 
 fortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories. 
 
 Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Dan Mordaunt and his mother live In a poor tenement, and the lad Is 
 pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of New 
 York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mor- 
 daunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house 
 where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little 
 heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities 
 that she adopts him as her heir. 
 
 Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a 
 
 Tramp. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, Is under th^ control of 
 Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away 
 and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a 
 large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws 
 him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided 
 for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony 
 is prosperous, A very entertaining book. 
 
 The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a 
 smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper 
 named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's 
 subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the 
 situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend. 
 
 Tom Temple'is Career. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village 
 to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an Important mission 
 to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that 
 the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been 
 reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUST, 52-58 Duane Street, New XQxh 
 
2 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 
 32mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for 
 himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a 
 situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a 
 wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter 
 helps the lad to gain success and fortune. 
 
 Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Alger^ Jr. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price SLOG. 
 
 Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his 
 mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John 
 Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts over- 
 land for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is told 
 in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many 
 homes. 
 
 The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12ino, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother 
 and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee 
 Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a 
 young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul 
 Is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude 
 takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and 
 is well started on the road to business prominence. 
 
 Mark Mason's Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of 
 
 a Telegraph Boy. By Horatio Ai/>er, Jb. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 
 
 $1.00. 
 
 Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who plucklly 
 won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many diflS- 
 culties. This story will please the very large class of boys who regard 
 Mr. Alger as a favorite author. 
 
 A Debt of Honor. The Story of Gerald Lane's Success 
 
 in the Far West. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 
 
 551.00. 
 
 The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and dis- 
 appointments which he passed through before he attained success, will 
 interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful 
 author. 
 
 Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts, 
 and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are 
 most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's 
 most fascinating style. 
 
 The Castaways; or, On the Florida Eeefs. By James 
 
 Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea 
 Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breezfe leaves her becalmed off 
 the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind 
 through her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to 
 the leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and 
 Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young 
 people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by th© 
 publisher, A, L. BUST, 52-58 Duane Street, Ifew York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Wrecked on Spider Island ; or, How Ned Rogers Found 
 
 the Treasure. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn 
 a livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there dis- 
 cove«B a wreck submerged In the sand, and finds a considerable amount 
 of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the 
 voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most 
 captious boy could desire. 
 
 The Search for the Silver City : A Tale of Adventure in 
 
 Yucatan. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam 
 yacht Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed 
 by fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They 
 bear of the wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, 
 and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the 
 golden images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last 
 their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so 
 full of exciting incidents that the reader is quite carried away with 
 the novelty and realism of the narrative. 
 
 A Runaway Brig; or. An Accidental Cruise. By 
 
 James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmer- 
 ing sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with 
 Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back. Bob 
 Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document 
 which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on 
 an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure 
 to be fascinated with this entertaining story. 
 
 The Treasure Finders: A Boy's Adventures in 
 
 Nicaragua. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's 
 indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The 
 boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three 
 golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest 
 difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We 
 doubt if there ever was written a more entertainrng story than "The 
 Treasure Finders." 
 
 Jack, tlie Hunchback. A Story of the Coast of Maine. 
 
 By James Otis. Price $1.00. 
 
 This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth, 
 on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. 
 From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us 
 along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses 
 its force. 
 
 With Washington at Monmouth: A Story of Three 
 
 Philadelphia Boys. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular 
 and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British 
 occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life 
 Bkillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are 
 given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without con- 
 siderable study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are 
 all of Mr. Otis' works. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUET, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. 
 
4 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two 
 
 Boys Joined the Continental Army, By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Two lads from Portmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial 
 Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting 
 incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excite- 
 ment brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, 
 and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jafifrays and 
 Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain 
 In his memory long after that which he has memorized from text- 
 booljs has been forgotten. 
 
 lA.t the Siege of Havana. Being the Experiences of 
 
 Three Boys Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By James Otis. 12mo, 
 
 ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price SI. 50. 
 "At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the Island's 
 history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the 
 assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. 
 Israel Putnam. 
 
 The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as 
 telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas 
 Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily. 
 In the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on 
 historical facts. 
 
 The Defense of Fort Henry. A Story of Wheeling 
 
 Creek in 1777. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, 
 
 illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or 
 thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women 
 who founded the settlement of Wh»,'eling in the Colony of Virginia. The 
 recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can 
 be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch 
 and his gallant comrades, the sufiferings of the colonists and their sacrifice 
 of blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers. 
 
 The Capture of the Laughing Mary. A Story of Three 
 
 New York Boys in 1776. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price $1.50, 
 
 "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the 
 Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's 
 person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They 
 do some astonishing things, and. incideutally, lay the way for an 
 American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the 
 work. Mr. Otis' books are too well known to reQuire any particular 
 commendation to the young." — Evening Post. 
 
 With Warren at Bunker Hill. A Story of the Siege of 
 
 Boston. By James Otis. 12mo, ornametnal cloth, olivine edges, illus- 
 trated, price SI. 50. 
 
 "This Is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after 
 the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life 
 In Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, 
 shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the 
 battle of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The 
 three heroes, George Wentworth. Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, 
 Incur the enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures 
 the boys will like to read." — Detroit Free Press. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUBT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. 
 
 > 
 
 ii: 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 5 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 With the Swamp Fox. The Story of General Marion's 
 
 Spies. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the 
 Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to talce command of these brave 
 men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and 
 although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox 
 is ever present in the mind of the reader. 
 
 On the Kentucky Frontier. A Story of the Fighting 
 
 Pioneers of the West. By James Otis, lamo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than 
 that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers- 
 men. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the 
 arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskla was 
 captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which 
 is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. 
 This is one of the most entertaining books for young people which baa 
 been published. 
 
 Sarah Dillard's Ride. A Story of South Carolina in 
 
 in 1780. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail of 
 the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's troops. 
 Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story, which is 
 told as though coming from a youth who experienced these adventures. 
 In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out as an 
 Incident of the plot." — Boston Journal. 
 
 A Tory Plot. A Story of the Attempt to Kill General 
 
 Washington. By James Otis. ]2mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 " 'A Tory Plot' Is the story of two lads who overhear something 
 of the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture 
 or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. 
 Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives 
 In the matter. They do so, and meet with many adventures and hair- 
 breadth escapes. The boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to en- 
 able the author to put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge 
 concerning one phase of the Revolution." — Pittsburgh Times. 
 
 A Traitor's Escape. A Story of the Attempt to Seize 
 
 Benedict Arnold, By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing 
 clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers in this 
 country. In an historical work dealing with this country's past, no 
 plot can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the 
 attempt and partial success of Benedict Arnold's escape to New York, 
 where he remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. All those who 
 actually figured in the arrest of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washing- 
 ton, are included as characters." — Albany Union. 
 
 A Cruise with Paul Jones. A Story of ISTaval Warfare 
 
 in 1776. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life 
 when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an oppor- 
 tunity to strike the enemv a hir.w. it deals more particularly with 
 his descent upon '"'■* ' -* Lady Selkirk's plate, and 
 
 the famot'" ' ^ho figures in the tale 
 
 Is or les shortly after this 
 
 par' 
 
 of price By th« 
 
OKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 tiOOKS r OR BOYS. 
 
 Corporal Lige's Recruit. A Story of Crown Point and 
 
 Ticonderoga. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1,00. 
 
 "In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an 
 old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the liing in '58, and who 
 takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad acquits 
 himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the con- 
 tinental congress,' Infuses much martial spirit into the narrative, which 
 will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point. Ticon- 
 deroga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names 
 appear In this dramatic tale." — Boston Globe. 
 
 Morgan, the Jersey Spy. A Story of the Siege of York- 
 town in 1781. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details 
 of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived 
 on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his 
 dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit York- 
 town, are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks 
 his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a 
 squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of 
 friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one 
 of the most entertaining books of the year." — Inter-Ocean. 
 
 The Young Scout: The Story of a West Point Lieu- 
 tenant. By Edward S. Ei^us. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 The crafty Apache chief Geronlmo but a few years igo was the 
 most terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven. 
 In a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid. 
 The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point. 
 Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate 
 chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly 
 escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of 
 Indian stories now before the public. 
 
 Adrift in the Wilds: The Adventures of Two Ship- 
 wrecked Boys. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price Sl.OO. 
 Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Fran- 
 cisco. Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys 
 reach the shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon be- 
 comes separated from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, 
 but is afterwards rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of 
 iSouthern California. 
 
 A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. 
 
 Ellis. 12mo. cloth, illusti?^^ price Sl.OO. 
 
 This story tells how a valtn|B|ta^solid silver service was stolen from 
 the Misses Perkinpine, two vefl^|^and simple minded ladies. Fred 
 Sheldon, the hero of this story, unH^kes to discover the thieves and 
 have them arrested. After much ^^^^BLspent in detective work, he 
 succeeds in discovering the silver D^HBand. winning the reward. The 
 story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fasi^j^ting style. Every boy will be 
 glad to read this delightful book. * 
 
 Lost in the Rockies. A Story of Adventure in th 
 
 Rocky Mountains. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1 
 
 Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, 
 
 and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced 
 
 breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures In 
 
 the ift^ies and among the Indians. 
 
 Forsf^^byall booksellers, or gei* '^-'•tnaid on receipt of price by th« 
 publisher^l ^ L. BUF'»' . '."• ■• -"" -k, , 
 
 2 R e; 9 4 
 
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 Books may be Renewed by calling 642-3405. 
 
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