"I do not recognize the right of any other to tell me what I shall or shall not do," replied my great-uncle haughtily. "Such as it is, this company is the creation of my efforts, and I venture the assertion, Captain Flint, that it will not long survive my leadership. The four strangers of whom you complain have been essential factors in enabling me to win the treasure before you—which now awaits your convenience for division, according to the terms I originally stipulated."
If Murray's last words were intended to stimulate Flint's cupidity anew they succeeded. The captain of the Walrus opened his mouth to shout defiance, then let his eyes wander again to the pile under the break of the poop.
"How—how much?" he asked, almost fearfully.
"Seven hundred and sixty-three thousand, nine hundred and ninety-five pounds in coin and bullion, without counting a chest of jewels and three chests of plate," replied my great-uncle promptly. "You will note that I have favored our people in the division, allotting to them all in excess of the million and a half pounds the Santissima Trinidad was expected to carry."
A cunning look crept into Flint's face.
"Where's the rest?" he croaked.
My great-uncle took snuff.
"Quite safely disposed of, I assure you," he answered.
"Down below?"
"No, 'tis no longer aboard."