Chapter 4

Chapter 4 "Gram, how do you know Spike and Chip?" Ruth Rose asked. "Wash up for lunch, and I'll tell you all about it," her grandmother said.

The kids crowded around the kitchen sink and washed their hands. "A few weeks ago, Spike and Chip came to my senior center," Ruth Rose's gram said. She set a plate of sandwiches on the table. The kids wiped their hands and sat down. "They told us all about the treasure they found!" Gram continued. She poured lemonade. "Now they're looking for investors." "Just like Mel Fisher!" Dink said. He reached for a tuna sandwich. "That's right, Dink," Gram said. Josh heaped three sandwiches onto his plate. "Are you gonna get rich?" he asked. Ruth Rose's grandmother laughed. "We'll have to wait and see," she said. "Anyway, we're each thinking about investing ten thousand dollars!" "Gram!" Ruth Rose said. Her grandmother's eyes twinkled. "I know, it is a little scary." "Boy, I'd do anything to go with them when they dive for treasure!" Josh said. "That reminds me," Gram said. She took three presents off the counter. "Merry Christmas!" "Wow, thanks, Gram!" said Ruth Rose.

"Yeah, thanks!" said Dink and Josh. "They're all the same," Gram Hathaway said. "That way you won't have to share." The kids pulled off the paper. Inside, they each found a book called Finding Sunken Treasure in Florida. The cover showed a boat like the one Mel Fisher had used. Under the boat was a sunken ship. Divers were searching the wreck and bringing up treasure. "I thought you'd have fun learning about shipwrecks," said Gram, "since I might be investing in one!" "This is so neat!" Josh said. "Thanks a lot!" Ruth Rose's grandmother stood up. "You're very welcome. Now I have to get busy. Spike and Chip will be here in an hour! Can you help me set up the living room?" "Sure," Dink said. "What do you want us to do?" "I'll need about ten folding chairs. They're in the hall closet. And bring out the three card tables." The kids arranged the tables and chairs around the living room. Gram Hathaway set out covered

plates of cookies on one of the tables. "Can we stay for the meeting?" Ruth Rose asked. "Of course!" her grandmother said. "After you read those books, I expect you to ask intelligent questions!" The kids took their books out to the front porch. "Look," Josh said. "There's a whole chapter just about Mel Fisher." Ruth Rose pointed to a map showing sunken ships. "They're all off the coast of Florida," she said. "If each one has treasure on it, think how much that is!" Josh lay back on the porch and closed his eyes. "I'm staying here when you guys go back home.

I'm gonna become a treasure hunter!" Dink laughed. "You find treasure? You couldn't find your shorts this morning, Josh!" Josh jabbed Dink with his knee. "Call me Captain Josh, please!" Just then, a car pulled up. Two gray-haired women climbed out and hurried toward the house. "I'm going in to help Gram," Ruth Rose said. "We'll help, too," said Dink. He nudged Josh. "Come on, Captain Josh!" Before they could go inside, a yellow cab stopped out front. Spike and Chip climbed out. Spike was carrying a wooden box. They were both dressed in clean pants, pressed shirts, and sandals. "Hi!" Josh said as the two men walked up the sidewalk. Spike and Chip stared at the kids. Finally, Chip waved. "How're you doing? Do you guys live around here?" Ruth Rose laughed. "No. We're visiting my grandmother. This is her house!" Spike smiled. "What a small world," he said. "Can I carry the box in?" Josh asked. Spike shrugged. "It's pretty heavy."

"I can help," Dink said. They ran down the sidewalk, and Spike handed them the box. Josh grinned as they lugged the heavy box up the steps. "My fingers feel all tingly!" he said.