"
"Oh, I'm so glad you got here," Jack replied.
"Are we in time?" queried Mr. Stanley.
"No, not in time to be of help when we needed you most," Jack answered;
"but Rowdy took your place. Now we're just getting ready to count the
money. Want to help?"
"What?" questioned Mr. Stanley. "Surely there was nothing to that story
about the buried treasure. Geyer," to his companion, "look at what these
boys have unearthed. Isn't that astounding?"
Introductions all round were followed by a hearty lunch of fish, sweet
potatoes, canned fruit, corn pone and coffee prepared by Doright, who
had been at once assigned to the task upon the return of the treasure
hunters.
Upon opening the chest it was found to contain a quantity of gold and
other coins, as well as a number of jewels in settings. Mr. Geyer, the
attorney, who was versed in those matters, informed the boys that the
coins were of great value because of their age and excellent condition.
Collectors, he said, would be glad to pay far in excess of their
original face or intrinsic value.
The gems were beyond his ability to estimate, although he felt sure they
would return a handsome sum.
"How much do you think we ought to get out of it?" Jack asked.
"Well, after I get my share for outfitting the venture," replied Mr.
Geyer, "I think there ought to be as much as fifty or sixty thousand
dollars--perhaps more."
"Hurrah!" shouted Tom. "That's pretty near ten thousand apiece. That's
quite a bit of money.
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