“Yes!” shouted the angry Wyckoff.  “I am a lineal descendant from the Spaniards who buried it.  It is mine because it is in the family.  I don’t know what word you educated Yankees would use, but it is mine because it belonged to my father’s father’s father.”

“I know,” spoke up Arnold; “you mean you have inherited it?”

“Yes, that’s it,” agreed Wyckoff.  “Besides that, you will never be able to get the treasure.  It is cursed to anyone but a person of Spanish blood.  I am part Spaniard and it is mine.”

“Well, we might consider going back in the face of such argument,” said Frank, appearing to agree with Wyckoff, “but what did you do with my chum?  I won’t go away and leave him, you know.”

“Your partner and your boat are both safe,” declared Wyckoff.  “When we know that you are ready to leave, we’ll bring you all together again, but not before.  You’ll never see him again otherwise.”

“Why, what would happen to him?” questioned Frank in amazement.

Wyckoff drew his thumb across his throat with a suggestive move.

The boys shuddered as they grasped the significance of his meaning.  Their glances, met and instinctively they shrank away from the prisoner, who seemed to enjoy their discomfiture immensely.

“I’ve heard great tales about this treasure chest since I came down here,” stated Frank at last.  “What is this I hear about the one who discovers the chest having to keep very quiet while he’s digging?  Is there anything at all in that story or not?”

“It is said,” stated Wyckoff, “that the one for whom the treasure is destined must not utter a word while digging for it.  Also, he must come with clean hands.  You understand what I mean?  That is why you boys are yet alive.  My hands have not yet been—­”

“Well, if they have not,” interrupted Tom indignantly, “it is no fault of your own, old chap.  You surely tried your level best to put the Fortuna and her crew under the water.  Take it from me!”

“And yet he raves about his clean hands, the dirty scoundrel!” cried Harry.  “Why, if we were only afloat, we’d make him walk a plank!”

“That reminds me,” Tom put in.  “The Fortuna lies on the beach unless she’s worked herself loose, and it may be some job to get her off.”

“Suppose you stay here and mount guard over the prisoner,” suggested Jack, “while we go back and look after the vessel.  We’ll return when we’ve gotten everything ship shape and Bristol fashion.”

“Suits me fine!” declared Tom.  “And I hope this angelic prisoner tries to escape while you’re gone!  That would be fine!”

“Tom, you’re bloodthirsty, I believe!” laughed Jack indulgently.  “I know the provocation is severe, but remember that you’re a Boy Scout.”

“You wouldn’t leave me on this island, would you?” inquired Wyckoff when the boys had departed for the boat.  “That would be cruel.”

“But you marooned Frank here, didn’t you?” asked Tom angrily.  “Why would it be any worse for you than for him?  Tell me that.”