atoes
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.
You make me tired. You act foolish."

"Don't you insult me," almost screamed Lopez. "I'll let Wyckoff settle
with you for this. You see if I don't."

"Wyckoff don't worry me any," boasted Arnold with a great deal more
composure outwardly than he felt inside. "I don't care a snap of my
finger for Wyckoff. He couldn't lick a postage stamp."

"We'll see about that!" shouted Lopez. "Doright," to the negro, "fetch
that cord and tie these fellers up. Then you stay here and watch 'em
while I go see what Wyckoff wants to do with 'em."

"Yaas, sir, Boss!" replied the negro. "Mah name's Doright 'case Ah
always does de rightest Ah knows how. I sure does, Boss. Ever'body what
knows me says dat! Ah'm a Doright nigger!"

"Shut up," snapped Lopez. "And stay shut, too. Don't you go talkin' to
these boys while I'm gone, or I'll get Mammy Judy to put a conjure on
you that'll turn half of you white and the other half green. Now you
reme