Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1890-05-15
THREE CHASTITY SKULLS

of human beings, which seemed TO be
grinning at them for thus recklessly court
ing death. In the hickering light, made
by the vibration in the air caused by the
rolling in and out of the tide, these bones
seemed to have life and to be upon the
move, nor was the eject lessened when a
hg salmon, which had been momentarily
dazed by the candles glare, whirled with a
splash, which sent the salt water flying up
ward, causing the candle flame TO hiss. At
this sound and splash, water snakes moved
from the rocks, eels came to the circuit OF
the light, all so unexpected as to startle
the fisherman, who starting back, slipped
on the wet ledge, gave a yell. dropped
the candle and Slid lifeless into the water
Bats which were asleep were now alarm
ed, several striking the captain in the face
as he pulled his companion out, not yet
/ fully in possession of his senses But the
/ captain was man of nerve he knew what
! the skulls were and he knew too, that the
presence of the bats indicated an inland
/ connection with the cave. By and by he
| had instilled life and courage into the fee
! ble- hearted fisherman and with other can
I dies an exploration was begun.
First chest was found of iron or steel
and iron strapped, rusty and greenish from
!
salt water. 1t was locked as securely as
was the parchment box, and leaving it, the
adventurers sought a way out by land, as
an exit must be made ere the food tide
ran ID strong through the mouth Of the
cave. This mouth was but the size of an
ordinary door, while the cave seemed to
be fully an acre In extent
In the rear was found loose formation
of rocks, seemingly ledge or vein which
had been shattered by some mysterious
force; large enough TO admit birds and
snakes, yet which would permit no egress
for man. The disappointed fortune hun
tiers were thus obliged to return as they
came, resolved, however, to dig down
along the sha tered vein, which Of course
was now to be easily located from the out
side. Indeed, glance at the parchment
made it plain there had been land pas
sage to the cave when the drawings were
executed, and after restless night the
two men went at the work.
Soon an opening was made, and then
the men rowed home. boarded the captain's
vessel, buoyed and slipped the cable,
dropping down river to the scene of their
labors. Taking some tackle on shore the
iron chest was lifted out, burst open.
when to the delight Of the two men there
were found some rich gold laced clothing,
some continental bank bills and English
coin n better than all these, some fifty
thou iolars in gold dust and Mexican
gold co n. There were also some Spanish
gold coins, the value of the whole be-
ing about sos 900.
What more could have been told by the
old man concerning the treasures, the
skulls, and the further movements of the
hunters can only be conjectured, for just
then came the sound from out the fog, Of
the whistle of the steamer Katahdin. The
old salt did say, in conclusion, that the
treasure was taken to Salem and sold. Ii
was not until the gold fever of '49 that the
two men found an explanation of theiT
wealth. They had not told of it, but that
year or later, both went away, snd when
they returned. after making voyage In
the bark Suliot, said they had struck great
wealth on the Pacific.