At last, however, the coverings were withdrawn and the contents of the receptacles stood revealed.

Two were filled with uncut gems, rubies and sapphires, others contained bar gold, and yet more contained gems, to which it was scarcely possible in such a light to assign a name.

One thing at least was certain.

So vast was the treasure that the three men stood tongue-tied with amazement at their good fortune.

In their wildest dreams they had never imagined such luck, and now that this vast treasure lay at their finger-ends, to be handled, to be made sure of, they were unable to realize the extent of their future happiness.