John dug down deep into the earth at the base of the oak log with the small shovel. The log must have lain there undisturbed for more than a hundred and fifty years! If it was any other type of wood, it would have rotted away years ago and they would never have found the spot. It was lucky that Graybeard the pirate had had enough foresight to choose such a hardy type of wood.

After fifteen minutes, the spade hit something in the ground with a solid thump.

John said, "This is it! I think I just hit something with the shovel. David, help me clear the dirt out so we can get a better good look. Wow! We're going to be rich!"