"I shouldn't wonder a bit. I saw him watch every penny I took in last night."
Horatio licked out his tongue eagerly.
"Could I have him if it was?" he asked hungrily.
"Have him! How?" said Bo. Then he shuddered. "Oh! no, not that way—of course not. But I'll tell you, Ratio," he added, "we'll make him believe that you can, and frighten him into giving up the money."
Horatio frowned.
"I don't like make-believes," he grumbled. "Can't we let the money go this time and not have any make-believe?"
"Not much—we want that money right now, before the boat lands; then we'll go ashore and get out of such a crowd. Come, Ratio."
No one was stirring on the upper deck as yet, but the crew was collected below where the second mate was shouting orders as the boat swung slowly into the bank. They boy and Bear dashed down the stairs.
"OUR MONEY! IT IS GONE!"