oss, who accompanied Fred and Teddy, had the proud delight of putting
into the hands of Mr. Aaron Rushton the gold that paid his father's
debt.

"I wonder what Uncle Aaron will say when he finds out the money has been
found," remarked Teddy, when the three youths were on the way to
Oldtown.

"I'll wager he'll hardly be able to believe his ears and eyes," returned
Fred.

During the journey Ross was unusually thoughtful. His eyes showed his
deep delight over the mission he had undertaken.

"You can't realize what this means to me," he said to the Rushton boys
with much feeling. "It has taken a wonderful load off my shoulders."

"Take it from me, Teddy and I feel just as happy as you do, Ross,"
responded Fred affectionately.

"I'm mighty glad that I took that swim," remarked Teddy, with something
of a grin. "It was worth while, wasn't it?"

"The most wonderful swim in the whole world!" declared Ross,
emphatically.

"Say! I'd like to take a swim like that again and find another
treasure," continued the fun-loving Rushton boy.

When the Rushtons arrived at their home they found that their parents
had gone out on a short errand. Their Uncle Aaron, however, was on hand,
sitting in the library reading a book.

"Well, well! Home again, eh?" said their uncle, looking at the boys.
Then he gazed questioningly at Ross.

"This is Ross Montgomery," said Fred, by way of introduction. "Ross,
this is my Uncle Aaron."

"Hum!" came from Uncle Aaron. He gazed fixedly at the youth, who was
smiling broadly. "You look rather happy."

"Yes, Mr. Rushton, I suppose I do, for I never felt happier in my life,"
returned Ross. "We've got good news."

"The lost treasure has been found!" burst out Teddy, unable to control
himself. "Every dollar of it, Uncle Aaron! What do you think of that?"

"Found!" repeated the man. "Do you really mean it?"

"Yes, Uncle Aaron, it's true. The lost Montgomery fortune has been
found," added Fred.

"And I am here to pay you all that is coming to you," announced Ross.

The picture that Uncle Aaron presented at that moment was one that his
two nephews were likely never to forget. He stood as if transfixed to
the spot, while his eyes grew larger and larger. He clutched the back of
his chair as if to support himself.

"What is that I hear?" he demanded, in a strangely unnatural voice. "You
have come to pay me back all that money?"

"Yes, Mr. Rushton, every cent of it."

"And he's going to pay it