It was no easy matter to shift the heavy planking, but after a while
they got one plank up and then used this as a pry to bring up the second.
A dark hole was revealed, covered at the bottom with water. Then Dick
took the lantern and let himself down cautiously.
"The water is only about a foot deep," he announced. "I'm going to
make a search around with the lantern."
"Hold on, I'll go with ye," cried old Jerry, and came down with a splash.
With great caution they moved around the hold, wading through sand
and water, and climbing over boxes, barrels, and crates.
"What a mixture of cargo," said Dick. "And what a pity so much of it
is going to ruin," and he pointed to some valuable mining machinery
which was rusting in the salt water.
Fortunately old Jerry had been in the hold before the _Golden Wave_
was wrecked, so he knew something of the surroundings. He led the
way to some boxes directly beneath the forward hatch.
"I don't reckon the hatch is fastened down," he said. "An' if it aint
we may be able to shove it up by standing one box on top of another."
This was tried, and after much difficulty the hatch was thrown to
one side, and they crawled to the deck of the schooner.
"I'm glad I am out of that!" ejaculated Dick. "But how it's raining!
Let us go to the cabin for shelter."
Once in the cabin they proceeded to make themselves as comfortable
as the state of affairs permitted.
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