They might laugh at us for coming on what they think is a wild-goose chase." "Oh, I won't say a word on it--if you want it that way." "Did this Goupert leave any relatives ?" asked Sam.
"No, lad, not a soul." "Then if we should find that treasure it would belong to us," put in Tom.
"Every penny on it, lad.

But don't raise any high hopes, or you may be sorely disapp'inted." "Oh, I came for a good time," replied Tom, in an off-handed a manner as possible.
Presently John Barrow had to get out of the wagon to fix something on the harness.

While he was doing this Dick leaned over to his two brothers.
"Don't say anything about the map to anybody," he whispered.

"We'll keep that a secret for the present." And Tom and Sam nodded, to show that they understood.
The ride to John Barrow's house soon came to an end, and as the boys alighted at the horseblock the door opened and Nellie and Grace Laning appeared.
"How do you do, Tom!" cried Nellie, as she ran and caught him by the hand, while Grace did the same to Sam.

"We're awfully glad to see you, and to see Dick and Sam, too," and a hand-shaking all around followed.
Then Mrs.Barrow, a motherly woman, was introduced and also her daughter Addie, who was Nellie's age, and full of fun.
"Come right in, boys," said Mrs.Barrow.