am willing to sail for Porto Rico as soon as we can, but we ought to have some ship's stores for such a long trip," said Dick. "We have no fresh vegetables left, so Danny tells me."
"Well, you must do as you think best about that," answered the Englishman. "But to get to business, as you Americans would say. If you will take me to Porto Rico as speedily as you can, and accompany me on a trip inland to where this cave is said to be located, and will bear all expenses – making them as little as possible – I will agree to give you one-quarter of all that is found."
"A quarter of twenty thousand dollars would be five thousand," said Bob. "That's not bad."
"And, remember, the treasure may be worth thirty thousand – or more," put in Leander. "I move this club take up with Mr. Menden's offer."
"I second the motion," cried Don, promptly.
"Ditto!" came from Bob.
"The motion is put – and carried unanimously," said Dick, almost as quickly. "Mr. Menden, from henceforth we are at your service, so far as our means afford and as long as we can keep out of positive danger."
"Let us put our agreement in writing," suggested Leander, who was going to have no trip-up in the matter. This was also agreed to, and the tall youth was set to work on the important document. When it was finished, both Robert Menden and Dick signed it, and Danny Guirk and old Jacob added their names as witnesses.
A long consultation was had, and it was resolved to run for St. Augustine, on the Florida coast, and there procure such supplies as were necessary.
The course of the Dashaway was changed, and the wind being still fresh, they made good progress.
"Get your list ready," said Bob, "so we won't have to stay ashore any longer than is necessary."
"I'm preparing the list now," answered Dick, who was consulting with Danny. The Irish boy was in high delight, having been promised a round hundred dollars extra, should the proposed hunt for the treasure prove successful. Old Jacob had been put down for a like sum, also to the old tar's satisfaction.
The run to St. Augustine proved without special interest. The boys found Robert Menden a nice companion. The Englishman had not only travelled a good bit, but had also been a great reader, and he was not above telling a good story whenever called upon to do so.
"I had a pretty fair wardrobe," he said, on the morning following the conversation just mentioned. "But now I haven't anything but what is on my back."
"You can look over the things on the yacht," replied Dick. "Some of them, I think, will fit you – and what else must be had can be purchased in St. Augustine."
Since the start from home all of the boys had taken a deep interest in the yacht, and old Jacob had succeeded in making a fairly good sailor of each of them. But there were still many things to learn, and now Robert Menden announced that he would take lessons in seamanship, too.
"I don't want you to think I am lazy," he said. "I am just as willing to work as anybody. I expect by the time Porto Rico is reached I'll be a regular old salt."
"We can't get to that island fast enough for me," cried Bob. "I'm crazy to get at that treasure." And he felt like dancing a jig for joy, little dreaming of all the thrilling adventures and grave perils in store for the party.
CHAPTER V
AN ADVENTURE IN ST. AUGUSTINE
"Hurrah! we are in sight of the coast!"
It was Dick who uttered the cry, late in the afternoon of the second day after the conversation recorded above.
The Dashaway had made a clean run of over a hundred and thirty miles, and had come in sight of the coast but a few miles above the little river upon which St. Augustine is situated, about two miles from the rolling Atlantic.
Fortunately, old Jacob knew these waters thoroughly, so the run to the river and up to the ancient Spanish city was not a hazardous one. As soon as they dropped anchor, all of the boys went ashore and Robert Menden went with them.
It was no easy matter to rush through Dick's long orders for stores, but they did their best, and by two o'clock of the afternoon following, the yacht was ready for a journey of a thousand miles or more.
"We won't live on the fat of the land," grinned Dick. "But we won't have to live on salt meat, either."
"I don't mind some salt meat," smiled Robert Menden, "but I don't like too much of it."
While Dick was superintending the loading of the stores, Don and Bob strolled off to take a look at the ancient town, which possesses several points of interest.
"It's a good deal different from things North," observed Don. "Even the trees are different. How beautiful the palms are!"
"I guess we'll see as much of tropical life as we care for when we reach Porto Rico," replied Bob. "Gracious, but it's warm!" he added, wiping the perspiration from his brow.
"And we'll find it hot enough, too," laughed his chum. "That trip to the interior won't be exactly a picnic, Bob."
"That's true. But then a fellow can stand something for the sake of making a lot of money. I wish we had time to stay here a few days. I would like to go out into the wood with a gun, and see what I could knock over."
"Yes, it's a pity we can't have at least one day's fishing and hunting. But then we must get to Porto Rico before that Joseph Farvel. What a scamp he must be!"
"The world is full of such chaps. But if only we can outwit him I shall be satisfied."
The walk of the two boys took them to one of the broad highways leading to the residential portion of the city.
The highway was lined with carriages coming and going, and bicycles were likewise numerous.
"I wouldn't mind a ride on a wheel myself," observed Don. "Those fellows seem to enjoy it thoroughly," and he pointed to four boys, all in uniform, who were riding wheels which were peculiarly striped in red, white and blue.
"They carry the flag colors," smiled his chum. "They must be patriotic."
"And what real, live American lad isn't patriotic, Bob?"
"True for you. If we – Hullo, what does that mean?"
Bob broke off short and pointed up the broad highway.
Around a bend a fine carriage had appeared, drawn by a team of coal black steeds.
For some reason not now apparent, the team had taken their bits in their teeth and were running away at topmost speed.
The turnout had two seats, but its sole occupant was a little girl not over six or seven years of age – a pale, blue-eyed creature, with yellow curls streaming down her back.
"Help! stop the bad, bad horses!" sobbed the little girl, as the tears of terror ran down her cheeks.
"By ginger! this is awful!" gasped Don. "That little girl will be thrown out and killed."
"Can't we stop the horses?" questioned Bob. "We must do it somehow!" he added, with sudden determination.
The chums had been walking along the side of the highway,
