Dutch the Diver Part 30

"Over some things, perhaps," said Dutch, gloomily; "but sane enough over this. Mind, I don't say that there is any treasure there, but the old fellow has anch.o.r.ed us right across an old wreck."

"Give me that tube," cried Mr Parkley, and he thrust it down into the water excitedly, looking in all directions.

"There's nothing there," he cried. "I examined that place before."

"But it did not occur to us that the weeds had grown up and hidden the timbers. Now you watch that clump lying just under the schooner's keel.

Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, I see."

"Then keep your eye upon it," said Dutch, as he crept softly to the bows of the jolly-boat, and, taking one of half-a-dozen great boulders that were used for ballast, he heaved it overboard with a good splash, and then watched its effects.

As he expected, from half-a-dozen weed ma.s.ses out darted as many sharks, to make a dash at the stone as it descended rapidly through the clear water, and first one and then another turned over to show its white under-parts before going away sulkily and in disgust.

"Well, what did you see?" said Dutch.

"Sharks! Ugh, the beasts!" exclaimed Mr Parkley, with a shudder.

"What else?"

"Rough stumps of timber amongst the weeds."

"Timbers of the old galleon, no doubt, preserved by the sh.e.l.ly concretions that have formed upon them and held them together."

"But it's impossible, my dear boy. No man dare go down there; the sharks would rend him limb from limb. Who could go down?"

"I shall, for one," said Dutch, calmly. "So now let's get on board."

They climbed the side, and, as the news of their discovery spread through the s.h.i.+p, the excitement became great. Rasp began to bring up helmets and leaden weights, and ordered a couple of the men to come and a.s.sist with the air-pump, which had to be got up from below.

"But, my dear Dutch," exclaimed Mr Parkley, in despair, "it is impossible--no one can go down."

"Not at present," said Dutch, smiling, as he looked round and saw that nearly everybody was gazing over the side. "Perhaps, when I have set the example, Rasp will not mind following it."

"But the sharks, my dear boy--they would tear you to pieces."

"Let them, if they can," said Dutch, grimly. "I'm not going to be deterred from the search by a few sharks. And if, as you say, I was torn to pieces," he added, bitterly, "what then?"

"I tell you I shall not let you risk your life," said Mr Parkley, firmly.

"And I tell you I shall go down. If anything happens--"

"That sweet little woman will be a widow," said Mr Parkley.

"And who would care?" said Dutch, bitterly. "My dear Mr Parkley, we are anch.o.r.ed over the treasure, and sharks or no sharks, torn to pieces or left alone, I go down--Hester!"

He started and turned sharply round, just in time to catch the fainting woman as she was falling senseless on the deck.

STORY ONE, CHAPTER NINETEEN.

PEPPER FOR THE SHARKS.

Dutch felt a pang at his heart as he raised and carried the fainting woman below--Bessy Studwick joining him as he laid her on the little couch in the cabin; and he was about to leave her in the latter's care, when she began to revive, and called him by name.

For a moment he was about to run to her, but the old and bitter suspicions hardened his heart, and he turned away.

"Oh," exclaimed Bessy Studwick, bitterly, "if he had been my husband, and behaved to me like that!"

"Pray, hus.h.!.+" said Hester, feebly.

"I can't," exclaimed Bessy, clasping the weeping woman in her arms. "I know you must have felt horribly jealous of me once, dear, and I really did of you; but as for Dutch Pugh now, I absolutely hate him, and I'm sure you must ever so much more."

"I never loved him so dearly as I do now," sighed Hester. "Some day he will believe in me again."

She covered her face with her hands, and thought of her little adventure upon the deck, one which puzzled as well as alarmed her; and once or twice she was on the point of confiding in Bessy, but the thoughts of her husband's peril drove others away, and, making an effort, she rose to go on deck again.

"I'm sure you are not fit to go on deck," exclaimed Bessy, trying to restrain her.

"Yes," she said, gently. "I am better now, and I could not bear to stay here if he is in danger."

Feeling that it would only cause an extra strain on nerves already weakened, Bessy made no further opposition, but accompanied Hester on deck, where a bustle of preparation was going on, the captain and doctor both working in subordination to Dutch and Mr Parkley. The air-pump was being fixed in a convenient spot, diving suits were in readiness for use, and tubes coiled in great snake-like rings. With an oily rag in his hand, and his cheeks blown out with importance, Rasp was fussing about and giving a touch here and a touch there; while no less important, and evidently feeling as if his task were done, Oak.u.m sat on a coil of rope, chewing his tobacco, and looking on.

But to Hester's great relief the diving apparatus was not yet going to be put in use. For Dutch, Mr Parkley, and the doctor were busy at work with sundry jars, wires, and plates. In fact, they were placing a galvanic battery ready for action, and making some mysterious preparations that the sailors did not understand.

There was a small white canister, too, over which the doctor kept guard, ordering back any of the sailors that approached.

At last, when the battery was ready, and emitting a low, hissing noise from the zinc and platina plates immersed in a solution, a long coil of thin wire was unwound and attached to the little white canister.

"For heaven's sake be careful, Dutch!" said Mr Parkley, who had performed the latter operation. "Don't connect the wire till I give the word."

"Don't be alarmed," said Dutch, quietly, as he held the other end in his hand. "I shall be careful."

"But I am alarmed," said Mr Parkley to himself. "He thinks life of no more value than the snuff of a candle, and I want to live as long as I can."

"Now, are you nearly ready?" said the captain, who came up, followed by 'Pollo grinning, and having on a tin three great pieces of beef.

"Yes, quite ready," said Dutch.

"Bring the meat here," exclaimed Mr Parkley; and, choosing the largest piece, he half cut it in two, placed the white canister in the opening, and bound the meat round it firmly with a fresh piece of wire.

"Am dat mustard, sah?" said 'Pollo, with his eyes wide open.

"No, 'Pollo, it's pepper--pepper for the sharks," said Mr Parkley, smiling.

"Ho!" said 'Pollo thoughtfully. "I no see de good to gib de shark pepper, sah."