“And where is the cave from here?” asked Mr. Rover, who was as anxious as anybody to locate the treasure.

“You can’t see it, because it’s behind the trees an’ rocks,” replied the tar.

The reef beyond the horseshoe was a dangerous one, with the sea dashing up many feet over it.  There was only one break, less than thirty feet wide, so gaining entrance to the harbor would be no easy matter in a rowboat.  “We had better wait until morning before we go ashore,” said Captain Barforth.  “Even if we land we’ll be able to do little in the darkness.”

“Oh, don’t wait!” pleaded Tom.

“Why can’t some of us go ashore?” put in Sam, who was as impatient as his brother.

“I’d like to go myself,” added Dick, “even if I had to stay ashore all night.  Remember, the Josephine is on the way here, and the sooner some of us get to land and locate that cave the better.”

“The Josephine isn’t here yet,” said Fred.

“No, but she may put in an appear at any time,” answered Tom.  “I believe in taking time by the forelock, as the saying is.”

The matter was talked over for a few minutes, and then it was decided to let Tom, Dick, and Sam go ashore in company with two sailors, who would then bring the rowboat back to the steam yacht.  The boys were to take blankets and some provisions with them and spend the night on the island.

“I don’t think you’ll find the cave without Bahama Bill’s aid,” said Mr. Rover.  “But it will do no harm to look around.  If this isle is like the rest of the West Indies there will be little on it to hurt you.  There are few wild animals down here, and no savages outside of some negroes who occasionally go on a spree and cut loose..”

The rowboat was soon ready, and the boys embarked, with the best wishes of those left behind.  Hans wanted to go very much, but was told he must wait until morning.  Bahama Bill said he would rather sleep on shipboard any time than on shore.

“A bunk for me,” were his words.  “It’s better than under the trees or bushes.  Once I was ashore sleepin’ an’ a big snake crawled over my legs.  I thought some cannibals were trying to tie me fast and jumped up.  When I see the snake I run about three miles without stopping.  A bunk fer me every time, yes, sir!”

It was exciting to bring the rowboat through the passage of the reef and once the boys thought they were going to ship a good deal of water.  But the two men who were rowing knew their business and brought them into the horseshoe harbor without mishap.  They helped the lads to land, on a small sandy strip close to some palms, and then started back to the steam yacht.

“Treasure Isle at last!” cried Dick, when they were left alone.  “So far our quest has been successful.  Now to locate the cave and unearth that treasure!”

“And may it prove to be worth all that has been said of it,” added Sam

CHAPTER XX