"I can do that easily. I own stock in the San Francisco Wrecking Company, and it will not be difficult for me to charter one of their vessels, along with all the latest appliances for raising valuables from the ocean's depths." "Then wouldn't it be advisable for us to start at once?" "I must find out the particulars of this matter first." "How will you do that?" "The easiest way will be to make a trip to Washington." "Then you had better go to-night." "I will," answered Lemuel Hankers. He was as good as his word, and the next day found him at Washington. He quickly introduced himself to the proper parties and from them learned as much as Amos Fearless knew concerning the location of the wrecked _Happy Hour_. That the ship had been exactly located there could be no doubt. But it was also true that the ocean currents were gradually shifting the wreck from one position to another. "If anything is to be done it must be done soon," he said, upon returning home. "That section of the ocean's bed is subject to earthquakes, and an earthquake might sink the _Happy Hour_ so that no diver could find her again." "Then why don't you start for San Francisco at once?" "I will make up my mind inside of the next twenty-four hours," answered Lemuel Hankers. "Of course, if you go you'll take me along," went on Bart. "I wasn't thinking of doing so." "I don't want to stay behind. Dave Fearless is going with his dad." "But they are both expert divers and will do their own work, while I will have to have our work hired out." "I don't care. I want to be on hand to see the Fearlesses outwitted." "Very well then, you shall go," answered Lemuel Hankers. The next day saw the rich man and his son on their way to San Francisco, to fit out an expedition to hunt for the sunken treasure. CHAPTER III A STRANGE HOTEL ADVENTURE "Father, I have news for you!" cried Dave Fearless, as he rushed into the cottage all out of breath. "What now, Dave?" "The Hankers have left Quanatack and gone to San Francisco." "Impossible!" "It's true. They took the train for New York, and Sam Dilks overheard Bart ask his father what the tickets to San Francisco would cost." "That looks bad." "And that isn't the worst of it. Sam also overheard them talking about the San Francisco Wrecking Company and heard Mr. Hankers say he felt sure he could get the vessel without delay." "Then they must be after the sunken treasure beyond a doubt, Dave." Amos Fearless gave a slight groan. "They'll get the start of us after all!" "How about that job for us on the _Swallow_?" "I have heard nothing new." "If I were you I'd send a long letter to Captain Broadbeam and let him know just how we stand." "I will do it." The letter was sent that night, and then the Fearlesses waited anxiously for a reply. Two days later came a telegram from Washington. It was from their old friend the captain and ran as follows: