Treasure Hunters

By Daryl Hemmerich and Lauren McCall

When a group of 8th graders find a buried treasure chest with a map inside leading to lost treasure, they set out into the ocean depths to retrieve it. Along the way they encounter sharks and a malevolent giant octopus they must do battle with. Eventually they come upon the shipwreck holding the treasure and-- Black Beard's ghost who commands a shipload of skeletons defending it. as the underwater battle ensues, the suspense rises with lively chaotic action. This is one disastrous treasure hunt you won't want to miss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jan 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665716277

Daryl Hemmerich

Daryl Hemmerich began writing fictional stories twenty years ago, which became the foundation for his literary work, both novels and screenplays. And only just recently has he made his collection of four novels available, including Johnny Rocket, Serpentine, Treasure Hunters, and Midnight. Admittedly, Daryl has a wild imagination that can’t be turned off, and he battles with insomnia, ultimately affording him more time writing. He is an avid swashbuckler and spends his time in California and Florida. Recently completed screenplays available upon request [e-mail]

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Copyright © 2022 Daryl Hemmerich and Lauren McCall.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Illustrations by Ana Arbelaez

JUV000000 JUVENILE FICTION/General

JUV001020 JUVENILE FICTION/Action & Adventure/Pirates

ISBN: 978-1-6657-1626-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-1627-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021924914

Archway Publishing rev. date: 03/02/2022

Contents

Year 1715

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ship.jpg

Year 1715

An old wooden pirate ship is tossed about by a raging storm. Lightning cuts across the dark sky, followed by rolling thunder. Pirates scurry around trying to secure the sails.

The ship comes out of a cloud bank and is faced with a rapidly approaching unfamiliar coastline and razor-sharp reefs. The captain, fierce looking with a beard, makes his way to a lifeboat, followed by a handful of gruff-looking crew, two of whom are carrying a large chest.

Suddenly the ship lurches to a halt, and pirates are thrown overboard. The hull makes a god-awful creaking, cracking noise.

The vessel lists to one side, takes on water, and quickly begins to sink. Within moments, she disappears beneath the surface of the ocean, revealing the captain and three others in a lifeboat. As the pirates fight the surging sea, desperately trying to head for shore, the captain looks on coolly.

ship.jpg

Chapter 1

Present day

The final morning bell rings throughout Island Junior High. Inside the eighth-grade homeroom, the entire classroom has assembled. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL banner hangs on the wall, handmade by the students. Alongside the banner is the school flag with their mascot, an old-timer buccaneer, embroidered on it. The students are restless, anticipating the beginning of summer vacation.

Their teacher, Mr. Edward Thatch, stands at the podium waiting for the students to settle down. In his forties, Mr. Thatch is a handsome man with an average build and dark hair. He clears his throat and raises a hand to quiet down the noisy students.

I would like to congratulate every single one of you for all your hard work this year.

He holds up an envelope, looking at the name printed upon it. As I call out your names, please come forward to receive your report cards. He glances around the room at America’s future, then: Bobby Hanson.

Bobby makes his way to the front of class to collect his report card. Bobby’s a bright and outgoing boy who’s good-looking, with dark shaggy hair. Mr. Thatch reaches out, removing the worn-out baseball cap Bobby’s been wearing backward.

Congratulations, Bobby, continues Mr. Thatch. You’ve done well, considering. He smiles, nodding.

Thank you, sir, replies Bobby, awesome teacher and friend.

Bobby tucks the cap into his back pocket and adjusts his glasses. While returning to his desk, a baseball is tossed to him. A voice calls out, Catch! Bobby catches the ball with one hand with little effort. He raises the ball to the cheering crowd while taking his seat.

Amy Myers, come on up, calls Mr. Thatch. Congratulations on making the honor roll once again.

Thank you, Mr. Thatch. Amy’s a pretty girl with long, blond hair almost the color of her white shorts. She’s very intelligent, with an air of confidence about her. There’s a brief round of applause. Amy smiles and bows slightly to her classmates. A voice calls out, What a ham! She returns to her desk, but not before sticking her tongue out at the heckler.

Mr. Thatch takes a sip of coffee from his mug. The