thought of
shirking the attempt. Mr. Newton himself led the way and Glen and Apple
were not far behind.

The many lights relieved the pitchy darkness of the cave enough to show
the high ledges that ran still further back into the gloom.

"We will explore these ledges one at a time," said Mr. Newton. "Let
every scout make sure of his footing before he steps. Don't get
excited."

Alas! there was unfortunately little to create excitement. Farm
products--potatoes--bacon--several suits of clothes--old pipes--several
tools--pieces of chain--bottles that once had held liquor--even an old
straw hat; but of treasure that could create even a moment's excitement
there seemed to be none.

"I know who brought this collection here," said Apple. "The Indian! It's
his treasure house all right, and that's why he went in here that
morning."

"That's all right," said Tom Scoresby, "but there ought to be a lot of
real treasure around here. If no bullion, anyway there ought to be the
bank robber's stuff."

But all their searching was of no avail. When they returned through the
narrow opening they went empty handed.

Waiting on the bank with the younger boys was Matt Burton. He had not
been allowed to enter the cave for fear that the swim under water might
infect his wound. He was greatly disappointed at their failure and,
since characteristics do not change over night, it is not surprising
that he had a very strong opinion that if their party had been increased
by just one member the result would have been different. Let this be
said of Matt--he tried to conceal this feeling.

"Where d'ye look, Brick?" he asked.

"We explored every ledge and went into places that grown men couldn't
have squeezed through."

"Did you dig?"

"There isn't much chance to dig. The inside of the cave is a shale that
no one could dig into. It would have to be blasted."

"Then there must have been some holes or something--oh, say, did you
lift up that shelf of rock we lay on that night?"

"No, we didn't find any loose rock to lift."

"That rock was loose. I remember how it seemed to tip when we moved. In
all I've read about treasure there never was any left just on top of
the ground, except in Treasure Island, and even that was buried until
Ben Gunn carried it to the cave. I'd like to look under that rock."

"We'll go back with you, Matty," chorused a dozen scouts, only too glad
of further exploration.

"Mr. Newton, the water's gone down so mu