Considerable ado was now made in getting the bucket and its contents on
shore, which was done with as much care and ceremony as if every grain
of black sand it contained had been gold. And when a number of the coins
had been exhibited to the bystanders, and the genuineness of the metal
they were made of shown to be beyond doubt, the boatmen ran a pole
through the handle and carried it on their shoulders up the road,
creating such a sensation in turn that they were followed by a curious
and astonished crowd, which seemed to increase at every step.
The effect was exactly what Chapman wanted. He had the precious treasure
carried to his house and deposited, while Hanz and the boatmen proceeded
to their homes, stopping at Bright's inn on the way, where they gave a
marvellous account of their expedition and what they had discovered.
The portly figure of Mrs. Chapman, arrayed in her best millinery, stood
in the door ready to welcome her dear husband and Mr. Gusher, who had
proceeded in advance of the crowd.
"Allow me to welcome you to my house--such as it is, Mr.
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