A rough
deal table contained broiled steaks from the sheep, while sweet potatoes
roasted in the embers of the fire were handed around by the servant. The
crude arrangements led the boys to again glance at one another in
wonderment.
"Take right holt, boys," urged Lopez, setting the example.
The boys were hungry enough to need no second invitation. Surely the
mutton was done to a turn and the sweet potatoes were the most delicious
the boys had ever eaten.
After supper Lopez swung round to the boys and demanded:
"What youall here for, anyhow? Give it to me straight."
"Came here for supper," parried Arnold. "And a mighty good one it was.
We'd like to hire that cook of yours for the boat."
"You won't need no cook on the boat if you Don't tell me the truth,"
almost shouted Lopez, with a gleam of hatred in his eye.
"Why, what's the matter?" cried Harry, springing to his feet.
"I'll show you what's the matter," gritted the enraged man. "You think
you can come down here and steal what rightfully belongs to us and take
it away up North, don't you? I'll show you."
"Why, what do you mean?" cried Harry. "I don't understand."
"Don't you lie to me," shouted Lopez, making as if to strike the boy.
"Don't you lie to me! I know what you want."
"Well then, what do we want?" questioned Arnold indignantly.
"Youall want that Spanish Treasure Chest, but you won't get it,"
savagely vociferated Lopez. "That chest belongs to us."
"Well then," cried Harry with some heat, "why don't you go on and get it
instead of annoying a party of boys who are here for a pleasant outing.
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