Part 8 (1/2)
”I am quite sure of it Now, the proposition I have toall the risk Noait”--to Jim, as about to interrupt ”If we succeed I will take one-half of e get Out of my half I will provide for Brook's family The other half I will divide, one quarter for you and one quarter to the cre does that strike you?”
”That's fair enough,” agreed the boys
”Should we fail, I will pay you for your time”
”Oh, we'll take our chances on that,” broke in Jo ”We'll get enough fun out of the trip to pay for that”
”When do you want to start?” asked Jiet off within a day or two”
”I would like to go with you,” went on Ji I would like to attend to first”
”May I ask what that is?” inquired the professor
Whereupon Jile, and of the abduction of the Senorita de Cordova
”Broome!” exclaimed the professor, when Jim had concluded, ”is that old rascal mixed up in that?”
”Do you know him?” asked Jim in turn
”A little,” replied the professor, dryly ”He tried to work off soht napping Do you happen to know a particular friend of his, one called Manuel?”
”Ugh!” broke in Berwick ”Don't speak of that incarnation of wickedness or I shall begin to smell brimstone I'd rather contend with his satanic majesty, himself”
The professor made no co definite,” answered Jiirl is to be returned and see that the bargain is carried out”
”Good!” agreed the professor ”That is the first step, of course Now, if you want us, I andto his feet ”Oh, thank you!” he exclaimed enthusiastically, ”we shall be ever indebted”
”Don't mention it,” returned the professor ”I have a little score to settle with Broome, myself I have reason to think he is after me In some way he has found out about the mine and the et possession of it So you think San Matteo is the place appointed?”
”I feel sure of it”
”Where are you stopping?” continued the professor
”At the Commercial Hotel,” replied Jim
”Well, then on't waste any more time Suppose youat six o'clock We will then go on board of the Storency arises It is late now, too late for you to go aboard, so I will arrange for Jo and Toht” Then to Jiht, and reht,” responded those addressed ”We'll be there”
A roo that occupied by the professor was secured for the boys and their baggage was brought up from the office where it had been temporarily deposited