“Yes, sir,” said Finch. “An extraordinary adventure, Captain Shore.”
“I think it best the men should know nothing about it,” Joel told him. “You will please keep it to yourself.”
Finch grinned. “Of course, sir. There’s no need they should have any share in them.”
Joel flushed angrily. “We are not going after them. I consider it dangerous, and unwise.”
Over Finch’s fat cheeks swept a twitching grimace of dismay. “But I thought....” He looked at Mark, and Mark was chuckling. “It’s so easy, sir,” he protested. “Just go, and get them.... Rich....”
Joel shook his head. “Keep silent about the matter, Finch.”
Finch slowly bowed his head, and he smirked respectfully. “Very well, Captain Shore,” he agreed. “You always know best, sir.”
He turned away; and after a little Mark said softly: “You have him well trained, Joel. Like a little dog.... I wonder that you can handle men so....”
Two days later, Joel knew that either Finch or Mark had told the tale anew. Young Dick Morrell came to him with shining eyes. “Is it true, sir, that we’re going after the pearls your brother hid?” he asked. “I just heard....”
Joel gripped the boy’s arm. “Who told you?”