Suddenly, one of them — Ilya, the most curious of the group — noticed something strange.

In the sand, almost at the water’s edge, lay a thick rope. One end disappeared beneath the murky surface of the river, while the other lay coiled on the shore.

— Look! — shouted Ilya. — What if there’s treasure on the other end?

But his friends immediately grew wary.

— Don’t touch it, it might just be trash… — someone said hesitantly.

— Or a trap! — added another.

Despite his fear, Ilya bent down and grabbed the rope. It was wet and cold. He pulled — and felt resistance. There was definitely something attached to the other end.