The young inventor insisted, before making any preparations for
the trip, that all the cards be laid on the table. That is, he
wanted to be sure there had been such a ship as the Pandora, that
she was laden with gold, and that she had sunk where Mr. Hardley
said she had. The latter was perfectly willing to supply all
needful proofs, even though some were difficult, because of the
nature of the voyage of the treasure craft. As a filibuster she
was not trading openly.

"Here are all the records," said Mr. Hardley to Tom one day,
when the young inventor, Ned, and Mr. Damon were gathered in
Tom's office. "You may satisfy yourself."

And, with Ned's help, Tom did.

There was no question but what the Pandora had sailed from a
certain port on a certain date. The official reports proved that.
And that she did carry a considerable treasure in gold was also
established to the satisfaction of Tom Swift. Because the gold
was to be used for furthering ends against one of the South
American governments, the gold shipment was not insured and, in
consequence, no recovery could be made.

"Then you are satisfied, are you, Mr. Swift, that the ship, set
out with over two millions in gold on board?" asked Mr. Hardley.
"Yes, that seems to be proved," Tom admitted, and Ned nodded.
"The next thing to prove is that she foundered in a storm about
the position I am going to tell you," went on Mr. Damon's friend.

"He doesn't tell you the exact location now, Tom," explained