"Half-rotten plank--no, it's a box, I believe. Here--bear a hand and we'll see what it's here for. Never mind, I've broke a hole."

     He reached his hand in and drew it out--

     "Man, it's money!"

     The two men examined the handful of coins. They were gold. The boys above were as excited as themselves, and as delighted.

     Joe's comrade said:

     "We'll make quick work of this. There's an old rusty pick over amongst the weeds in the corner the other side of the fireplace--I saw it a minute ago."

     He ran and brought the boys' pick and shovel. Injun Joe took the pick, looked it over critically, shook his head, muttered something to himself, and then began to use it. The box was soon unearthed. It was not very large; it was iron bound and had been very strong before the slow years had injured it. The men contemplated the treasure awhile in blissful silence.

     "Pard, there's thousands of dollars here," said Injun Joe.