Total of every horizontal, vertical row = 1695 [Illustration: THE SOLVED CIPHER.]
In less than an hour I had completed the solution, checking the totals, which in every case amounted to the sum of 1,695; and, applying the marks of latitude and longitude, I found that the position was 7° 24' 41" N. and 151° 45' 11" W., which, in spite of the absence of an atlas, I knew would be somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
Cautiously I made my way downstairs, holding the completed cipher rolled tightly in my hand. The dining-room door was slightly ajar, and through the opening I could see my father and uncle leaning over the table, which was littered with charts, papers, and writing materials.
"I am afraid we are checkmated," I heard my father remark despondently. "The treasure of the 'San Philipo,' will never come within our grasp."
As I entered the room they both looked up in amazement.
"Reggie!" exclaimed my father deprecatingly.
"All right, pater," I replied, with the boldness acquired by my success. "I want to make a bargain with you."
"What I mean to say is this: If you make a search for the 'San Philipo' treasure, promise me that I can go too."
"Bless the boy!" ejaculated Uncle Herbert. "What does he mean?"
"The possibility of a search is very remote," said my father, "as we have absolutely no definite information to work upon, and no likelihood of gaining any; but I really don't understand what you mean by the word 'bargain.'"
"I mean," I replied stoutly, "that if I find a key to the cipher, do I take part in the search?"
"I see no reason why you shouldn't if----"
"Thanks," I replied, flourishing the paper I held in my hand.
"EXPLAIN yourself, you young rascal," exclaimed my uncle, gripping me by the shoulder in his excitement.
In reply I handed over my solution, explaining in a few words the principle of the magic square. For a few moments neither of them spoke. The pater, seizing a ruler, made a rough pencil mark on a chart of the Pacific that lay on the table; then, bringing his powerful fist down so heavily that the glasses and drawing instruments fairly jumped, he almost shouted--
"Why, you are a regular brick, Reggie! That's it right enough."
"Are there any islands shown on the chart?" asked my Uncle Herbert.
