For several hours they discussed their plans, and when at last Benton arose to go they felt that they had overlooked little and had marked out a pretty complete program.
The next few days were busy ones for Benton and the Radio Boys. Each one was assigned a certain part of the work, and they kept the radio busy ordering from different cities the objects necessary for the expedition. Passage was engaged on one of the steamers sailing for San Domingo.
And the reservations were for five instead of four, for as Dick had predicted, Steve's acceptance of his invitation came by telegraph, to be followed by a letter in which he expressed his delight at the prospective adventure and prophesied in glowing terms the success of the treasure hunt.
"The old boy's in it with both feet," grinned Phil as the Radio Boys read the letter together.
"I knew he would be," chortled Dick. "Just speak to him of adventure and it's like showing catnip to a cat. He goes crazy over it."
"He'll get his fill of it on this trip or I miss my guess," laughed Tom. "Gee, but it seems a long time to wait before we get to that old pirate's island. I'd like to start tonight."
But all things come to him who waits, or as Dick amended it "to him who hustles while he waits," and finally the day came when all their preparations were complete, when the farewells were said and they set their faces southward toward the sunlit waters of the Caribbean.
"Off at last," exclaimed Benton, as he leaned back in the luxurious seat of the Pullman. "I can hardly believe that my plans are really beginning to work out the way I've been dreaming about for months."
"Just wait till you get on board ship and find out you're skipper of the craft," grinned Phil. "I suppose you'll get so haughty that you won't care to notice us. We'll only be the foremast hands."
"By the time we get back, I'm willing to wager that you all will have learned a good deal about sailing," asserted Benton.
"Even if you have to knock it into our heads with a belaying pin, I suppose," grinned Tom.
"I hope it won't be necessary to use such strong persuasion," smiled Benton. "Still, that's the time-honored method at sea, you know."
"It must make a difference when the crew are part owners in the vessel, though," remarked Dick.