In Search of Treasure

“We shall spend the day on the island,” he said. “You can come for us at six o’clock.”

“But we shall get hungry before that,” objected Titcomb.

“I thought of that, and asked the steward to put up some lunch for us,” answered Guy, pointing to a square package wrapped in stout paper.

“We shall want drink, also.”

“It will be strange if we can’t find a spring on the island.”

Guy and his two friends stood on the shore and watched the boat as it was rowed back to the ship.

“I can understand the feelings of Robinson Crusoe,” Guy said. “Here we are many thousand miles from home, on an island which has not even a name, so far as I know.”

“True; but there’s our ship, ready to carry us away when we choose. That makes the difference between us and Crusoe.”

“I should prefer that there should be a difference. I don’t care to feel myself a prisoner here.”

“What are your plans for the day, Guy? You are the leader of our expedition. Shall we begin our search for the treasure immediately?”

“To-day let us simply be explorers. I should like to see something of the island. Suppose we strike for the woods.”

“Just as you say. We shall have a delightful walk.”

The woods began about a mile from the beach, but there were scattered trees on the way.

On their branches were birds of strange plumage. They were singing, but the songs were unlike any that the three explorers had heard in America.

There were flowers, also, for on this far-away island it was the season of blooming, and their fragrance perfumed the air.

“I wonder if there are any inhabitants?” said Luke Clark.

“Probably there are no white inhabitants, and I hope there are none of a different race. They might prove dangerous, and interfere with our plans.”

“It almost seems a waste of productive power that such a delightful island should be uninhabited,” said Abner Titcomb. “Suppose it were within a few miles of Boston or New York, or near Portland, how it would attract visitors.”

“Like Peak’s Island,” suggested Luke Clark.

“Where is that?” asked Guy.

“Three miles from Portland. It is much smaller than this, but it attracts many visitors in the summer.”

“Unfortunately, we can’t move this island. Indeed, I shouldn’t want to till I have found the treasure.”

They reached the edge of the woods and plunged in. There was very little underbrush, but the trees rose straight and erect, branching at a considerable distance from the ground.

“What a fine grove for a camp meeting,” said Luke Clark. “Do you know how far the trees reach back, Guy?”

“Three or four miles, according to my description.”

“Shall we push through?”

“Yes. Back of the woods rises the small hill indicated on my plan of the island. I propose that we ascend that, and take a general view. It may be high enough for us to see the shore on the other side.”

It was not a work of difficulty to reach the hill and ascend it.

The rise was gradual, and the hill was comparatively bare of trees. Thus far they had discovered nothing that indicated any previous occupation by white men; but now on the summit of the hill they saw a pole looking somewhat like a telegraph pole.

“Do you see that, Guy?” said Abner Titcomb.

“Yes.”

“That must have been placed there by white visitors.”

“Probably by some of the pirates of whom my uncle speaks.”

“Yes; and so far it is a confirmation of his story.”

“You are right. It should be looked upon as encouraging.”

There was something else that suggested former visits. On the top of the hill, a hundred feet from the pole, was a rude seat made by a plank resting upon supports at either end.

“Let us sit down,” said Guy, “and take a general survey of the island.”

CHAPTER XXX

LOOKING FOR TREASURE

Though not very high, the hill on which Guy and his friends were seated was of sufficient altitude to command a general view of the entire island. With the exception of this hill, the surface of the island was flat, and it was possible to see its general contour.

In front, at a comparatively short distance, the Osprey rode at anchor.

“It is the sight of the ship that makes me feel comfortable,” said Abner Titcomb, pointing to it.

Through the clear atmosphere they could see distinctly all that passed on board the vessel.

“See,” said Luke Clark, “the captain is pacing the deck with an impatient step. Ten to one he doesn’t enjoy being detained here.”

“I know he doesn’t,” said Guy. “He loses no opportunity to ridicule my search after the treasure, and thinks Mr. Saunders an idiot for the expense he has incurred in chartering the vessel.”

“I don’t see what business it is of his,” said Titcomb. “You, or rather Mr. Saunders, are paying the owners well for the time consumed.”

“True; but he is impatient to go on to Bombay. He asked me if I couldn’t get through my search in three days.”

“What did you say?”

“That this time was entirely insufficient.”

“It is a pity that Captain Grover is not in command.”