Part 5 (2/2)
I could have shouted my delight.
”But he has heard the diary read,” she added. ”In that the right lat.i.tude was given. If he happens to remember----”
”A hundred to one he doesn't, and even at the worst he's no better off than we are.”
”Except that he has money and can finance an expedition in search of the treasure.”
I came to earth as promptly as Darius Green.
”By Jove! that's true.”
For the humiliating fact was that I had not a hundred dollars with which to bless myself, having just lost my small inheritance in a wildcat mining venture.
”I suppose it would take a lot of money?” she said timidly.
”Where is the treasure hidden?”
”On the coast of Panama.”
”Near the ca.n.a.l zone?”
”I don't know. The lat.i.tude and the longitude are exactly marked, but I haven't looked them up.”
”We'll have to outfit a s.h.i.+p here, or make our start from Panama. Yes, it's going to take money.”
”Then we can't go any farther with it. I have no means,” she said quietly.
The lawyer in me came reluctantly to the fore.
”I suppose I ought to advise you to compromise with Captain Bothwell.”
Resolution flashed in the eyes that looked straight into mine.
”I'd rather lose it all! He wouldn't stick to any bargain he made because--well, he would use the treasure as a lever to--get something else he wants.”
The flush in her cheeks told me what else it was he wanted, and my heart was lifted within me. Bothwell intended to marry her, and she did not intend that he should. My wishes ran pat with hers.
”That is final, is it?”
”Quite. If you don't want to go on with it you can drop out, Mr.
Sedgwick. I thank you for your kindness----”
”And who's talking of dropping out? I suggested compromise because I thought I ought, but I'm the pleased man that you won't listen to my good advice. No, no! I'm in to stay, and here's my hand on it.”
”You're just spoiling for the fight,” she smiled, her little hand in mine.
”Indeed, and that's a guess which rings the bell. I'll not be satisfied till I try another fall with Mr. Bothwell.”
<script>