41 Lure O Gold 1904

"
"Finding is Keeping"
for the purpose of loosening
the wood and were the
oftenest used. The work was so difficult that it took
an hour to remove the first three planks.
When the planks were lifted we saw that under them
and on top of the concrete in the bottom of the ship
was a mass of coal screenings, wheat and rotten wood
bits,
while scattered among this refuse were old Brazil
nuts, pecans, and almonds. This ancient and musty
litter was the sif tings from former cargoes of the old
steamer. The stuff had fallen through the cracks in
the upper planking. I poked through the debris with
a stick, hoping that the treasure might be hidden some
where beneath the strange mixture.
I noticed that other passengers were poking, too,
and scattering wheat and coal screenings all over the
floor.
But none of the searchers seemed to find that
for which they sought. The broken glass cut the
hands of the workers, and there was a good
deal of
swearing because of it.
When the anxious master of the Modesto found out
what slow progress we were making he ordered more
men to help us. I was surprised to see among the new
comers Trust and Somers.
Captain sent us down here to join Mr. LovelPs
[183]