The boys discovered a rich pocket right near the old Aqueduct bridge.

They worked it enthusiastically and were loath to leave such a find, until they had overloaded the Eagle.

When all the divers climbed aboard, the additional weight almost swamped her.

The strongest swimmers were compelled to go overboard and resting their hands gently on the gunwale, they propelled her by swimming toward the shore.

They had not proceeded far when the bottom of the well-worn "Eagle" fell out and the cargo disappeared.
While the boys hung on to the framework of their wrecked craft, their enemies across the river observed their predicament and sallied forth in a skiff to chastise them.