It could be easily seen from their actions that they were frantic and would present a hostile front. But Frank and Wade gripped the handles of their axes and marched steadily on.
In a few moments they were near the other divers. One of them was recognized as Poole.
The villain was the personification of fury. He swung his ax aloft and made a rush at Frank.
His companions did the same. It was fortunate for our friends that they did not come to close quarters. They evaded the attack, for they could move more easily.
Frank’s purpose was to get out of the cavern. He knew that if they were hemmed in there, their fate would be sealed.
So he motioned Wade to follow him, and, parrying Poole’s attack, hurled one of his foes back and with a swift rush gained the object. Wade came close behind him.
Once outside the cavern the danger was over. The rascals could follow them but a limited ways.
Back to the submarine boat Frank and Wade rushed. They clambered aboard and soon were in the cabin.
“Fo’ de lan’s sake,” cried the coon, “wha’ am de mattah? Wha’ hab happened?”
“Well, Pomp,” replied Wade, “we fell in with Poole again, as I feared we would. We gave him the slip, though.”
“Begorra, yez don’t say!” exclaimed Barney, in amazement. “Shure, howiver did the omadhouns git down here?”
Wade told the story, to the edification of Barney and Pomp. Meanwhile, Frank had been examining specimens of the coins which he had found.
“Well,” he asked, “what do you make of them, Frank?”
“Nothing but silver,” he said. “A heap of pistareens—that is all.”
“Mercy!” he exclaimed; “what a disappointment that will be to Poole! He declared that millions in gold were buried in that cavern.”
“So his avarice is repaid,” said Frank, with a laugh. “Poor wretch! Let him have his treasure and all the good it may do him.”
“Good,” cried Wade. “Let us then go on to Yucatan and finish our exploration of the sunken isthmus. We will leave Mr. Poole to the exclusive enjoyment of his much-vaunted treasure.”
“Just so,” said Frank. “Start the engines, Barney; let us get under way.”
Barney hastened to obey. As the Diver sailed away to the westward the searchlight was focused upon the cavern mouth.
Poole and his men were digging in the sands for the coins scattered by the Caribs. They seemed to act like madmen, so strong was the treasure fever upon them.