Chapter 314: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure Part 5
"Can you see anything yet, boss?"
"Not if you don't stop waving that flashlight all over the place, you scurvy dog!"
"Sorry!"
Sailor John scowled, rolling his eyes as Skiff focused the flashlight back down into the hole.
"See anything?"
"Not yet…wait! Move that flashlight over a bit more to the right!"
Skiff did so, and Sailor John's eyes lit up.
"Jackpot! Bring me up, Skiff!"
Skiff strained, pulling with all his might on the rope tethered to Sailor John, managing to pull the middle aged man back to the surface.
"Well?"
"It's down there, alright. But we don't have the resources to get it out. I'll have to see about renting a crane in the morning."
"Oi! What's going on here?"
The two jumped when they heard the voice. Diesel came around the corner, immediately suspicious.
"This area's been off limits for a week! What're you doing, snooping around?'"
"Oh, uh, didn't anyone tell you? I'm an inspector, here to make sure the area is safe to resume work."
Diesel just narrowed his eyes.
"An inspector, huh? Then why are you dressed like that?"
"Oh, I was at a costume party when I got the call to come out here. You know how it is, always on duty and all that."
"Uh huh. And the kid?"
"Who, Skiff? Oh, he's my nephew. The little tyke just loves this kind of work, don't ya squirt?"
"Oh, yes! I just love seeing my uncle work."
"Well, everything checks out. We need to get home, come on Skiff!"
"Bye, Mister engine driver!"
"Skiff, come on!"
"Coming, Uncle John!"
Diesel just watched the two scamper off suspiciously. Something was off about them, but he couldn't figure out what.
A few days later, it was determined that the site was safe enough for everyone to return to work. The large hole in the ground where Max had his accident was roped off, with several "keep out!" signs all around it.
Lunch had just been called, and work was slowing down. Diesel was just finding a siding to park his engine when out of the corner of his eye he saw a glimmer coming from the chasm. Getting as close as the barriers allowed, he peered down into it. It was feint, but he could just make out the outline of a large object poking out from the darkness.
"What the-"
"Diesel, can't you read the signs?"
Duck came up, yanking Diesel away from the area.
"Honestly, I knew you were careless, but I didn't think you were stupid!"
"I thought I saw something down there! Something big and unusual."
"Unusual how?"
"Take a look for yourself."
"Are you kidding?"
"Look, you don't have to get that close! Just stand where I was and you'll see it."
Duck did so, and saw the same thing.
"What'd I tell you?"
"Don't start, Diesel. I'll tell Miss Jenny, see about getting some cranes over here. It might be important."
Miss Jenny agreed with Duck's assessment, and brought Kelly to try and lift it out. It took an hour of slow, steady work, but at last the object emerged from the hole to reveal…
"A sailing ship?"
"Not just any sailing ship, a Pirate Ship! Just look at that skull and crossbones."
"But how did a Pirate Ship get in a hole in the ground?"
But Diesel's eyes gleamed.
"Captain Calles!"
"Who?"
Diesel told everyone the story Salty had told him.
"Incredible! To think a piece of Sudrian history was right beneath us this entire time! A very good find indeed, Diesel!"
Diesel smiled, it felt nice to be praised for once instead of being treated with distrust. Just then, a workman hollered from the hull of the vessel.
"That's not the only thing we found! Look!"
From a hole in the deck, the workman hoisted a chest full of gold coins out of the depths, setting it down in the sand.
"Captain Calles's treasure! We're rich!"
But Miss Jenny shook her head.
"This treasure is a part of history, it's not ours to keep. I'll call the Maritime Museum in Arlesburgh first thing tomorrow, and see if they can do something for both the ship and treasure. But for now, everyone enjoy their lunch!"
Nobody needed to be told twice. The entire hour, all anyone could talk about was Diesel's amazing find. But not everyone was happy.
"I should be the one getting the credit!" Max whined. "He wouldn't have even been able to find the ship if it weren't for me!"
"If it weren't for your recklessness, you mean," Patrick chided. "You should consider yourself lucky you made it out alive!"
Max said nothing, choosing to seethe in silence. Before the break was finished, Miss Jenny rushed over with an announcement.
"I just got off the phone with the museum, and they're setting up a place on the pier for it! As for the treasure, it'll be kept safely inside. Nelson, I want you to take it into town as soon as possible."
"Yes, Miss Jenny."
"Where is it? I saw it last night, where did it go?!"
At last, Sailor John had to give up, returning to the surface empty handed.
"Those construction fools must have discovered the ship and moved it! I should've known this would happen. They must have the treasure too!"
"So, what now? Do we just give up?"
Before Skiff knew what was happening, his uncle grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him up into the air.
"If I hear those filthy words come out of ye mouth again, you'll walk the plant, ye hear?"
"Y-yes, Uncle. Sorry, Uncle."
Sailor John scoffed, and shoved the young boy to the ground. Then he turned, and stared out into the starry night sky..
"Those fools better watch out, because once I find out where they took it, they'll wish they never crossed me."