The Go Ahead Boys and the Treasure Cave Part 46

"I can't find the edge of it."

"Ah get 'im," said Sam suddenly, and he dropped into the pit and began to work like a beaver. Their combined efforts soon cleared all the sand from the top of the chest, which appeared to be about eighteen inches square. On the top was a little handle with which to lift it.

"Lift it out, Sam!" cried John. "Lift it out!"

Sam exerted all his strength but could not budge the stocky little chest. It was either extremely heavy or stuck fast. Every one who was concerned in the matter was so interested in these operations that he was entirely unconscious of everything except what was going on in the pit right before their eyes.

"Dig it out a little more," advised Grant. "You can lift it then."

This proved to be true and a few moments later after a great pulling and tugging Sam succeeded in raising the heavy little chest from its place.

Another great effort and he swung it up out of the pit where it was pounced upon by Fred, John and Grant. Sam and George followed almost instantly and an immediate inspection was made to see how it was to be opened.

"There's no lock on--" began Grant eagerly, when he was strangely interrupted.

"Ahoy, there!" came a shout and in amazement every one turned to see whence came the hail. Its bow just grating on the beach, was a small boat manned by four sailors; a half-mile off sh.o.r.e a large steamer was riding at anchor. So engrossed had all the boys been in digging the pit that they had not once noticed nor suspected its approach.

"Well," gasped John, "what do you think of that?"

"It means we get home all right anyway," exclaimed Fred. "Where do you suppose it came from?"

"I don't even care," said George. "How about the treasure, Grant?"

"The chest is empty," replied Grant gazing ruefully into the barren depths of the stout little iron box.

THE END

The Outdoor Chums SERIES

By CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN

The Outdoor Chums On the Lake In the Forest On the Gulf After Big Game On A House Boat In the Big Woods At Cabin Point

For lovers of the great outdoors (and what boy is not?) this "Outdoor Chums" series will be a rare treat. After you have read the first book and followed the fortunes of the "Chums," you will realize the pleasure the other seven volumes have in store for you.

These rollicking lads know field, forest, mountain, sea and stream--and the books contain much valuable information on woodcraft and the living of an outdoor life.

The Goldsmith Publis.h.i.+ng Co.

NEW YORK, N. Y.