True Treasure: Real - Life History Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

microscope.
    “It says, ‘Caño.’”
    “Exactly. All this time everyone’s been looking on the wrong island, and there was no way to know.”
    “All we have to do is take a ride around the island at low tide, look for the three markers, and find the most likely location of the old cedar tree to orient it to the map, matching it with the coordinates.”
    “Julian, we can find this treasure, I’m sure of it!”
    Julian nodded his head. “Don’t get your hopes up too high. Someone else may have already found it and our time, outside of our room, could be a waste of time.”
    Keiko shook her head, “No, it’s got to be there still. I’m sure of it. You can’t just move three hundred and fifty tons of treasure without it being noticed.”
    “I wouldn’t bet against you. You’ve got great instincts for this kind of thing. But all the soldiers on Graham’s ship would have known where the stuff was buried, and anyone of them could have drawn a map or told the wrong person, and the whole treasure could have been carted away and melted down.”
    “Yes, that could have happened. But since the crew was killed or sent to Tasmania for the crime of piracy, how likely is it any of them made it out of the penal colony, then saved enough money to come back to the place where their freedom was taken away? I guess theoretically someone could have.”
    Julian nodded, “Yes, which is why I’m saying let’s go out there with an open mind. The treasure could be long gone.”
    “Sure. You’re right. It could be, but it’s not.”
    Julian just shook his head. “You’re the one with a one track mind.”
    Keiko laughed, “Really?” she came up and hugged Julian, “Then tell me what I’m thinking now.”
    Julian kissed Keiko long, slow, and passionately. After, she whispered, “Mind reader.”
    ***
    1818 Mary Welch the Next Morning
    She packed her best day dresses and threw in some shawls and a coat, a knit hat, and a proper hat to go over it, plus several scarves to hold her hat on. She went to her art room, and took down several painting smocks to wear over her dresses for when she was working. She packed her thickest wool coat for when the wind kicked up. The cold could cut right through your clothes. She knew this from experience. When she was younger, she would take a small skiff to go sailing with the boys—before it was forbidden—and the salty seaspray was cold.
    “Magdela!”
    “Yes miss?”
    “Pack a bag of clothes for yourself, and do not disturb mother. We have an errand to run on her behalf.”
    Mary held up the letter. She knew it was wrong to lie, but if she didn't Magdela would tell on her, and her chance would be blown.
    “This letter says Mother's medicine is held up in the next town over. We are to catch the ship, pick up the medicine, and return.”
    “Hurry, Vamanos!”
    Magdela bowed her head “Si senorita, vamonos. Pack a bag, pick up medicine. Si, I understand.”
    Mary stopped packing, and went down the hallway to her mother's room.
    She knocked lightly on the door then quickly entered. Her mother was lying on her bed with the window open to catch the breeze, though the sheers were drawn to soften the sunlight. A bucket was on the floor by the head of the bed.
    “Mother? I know you are not feeling well. Magdela and I are going into town. I have received a letter from Mr. Upham.”
    “Was that him in the parlor?”
    “Yes, Mama. He told me of a new medicine for easing your discomfort. I am going into town to pick it up. Do not worry about me. You know I love you and Papa.”
    She leaned over and brushed the damp hair off her Mother's brow and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead.
    “Go on. You are a good girl.”
    “If it gets too late, I will stay at Jane's, with Magdela. Do not worry about us. We will be fine.”
    Her mother just nodded. The nausea with this pregnancy had been near constant. Any movement would make the retching begin.
    Mary left the room. Her plan was in motion. No