41 Lure O Gold 1904

"
Searching for
the Treasure
voyage to Manila, and we have to be in San Francisco
by the first or they ll lose big money. Forfeiting a
charter amounts to something in these days when
American steamers are in such great demand for the
island trade."
"
That s so,"
said the Doctor,
and I
hope
for the
sake of everybody concerned that we may be able to pull
in on time."
"
But I don t see how it s going to be done," said Mr.
Nason, shaking his head.
We went down into the steerage, which was nearly
deserted, as most of the passengers were sunning them
selves in the balmy
air on deck. Somers and Trust
were among those who remained below. They were
down in their corner playing their cribbage and smok
ing. You may be sure they took very
little interest in
their game when the six of us the Doctor, Mr.
Nason, three stalwart deckhands and myself ap
peared before the bulkhead door, and, without in
the
least regarding them or the anxious looks they gave,
began to slip the bolts and bars.
"That s strange,"
said the officer, when the great
iron door swung open and the dank breath from down
below came up
to
us where we stood in the steerage
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