“But if we could take it hence to England?�
“Millions, I can only guess.�
“I will give you one-half of it for your share,� she said, laughing softly.
“I want none of it,� I returned seriously enough.
What possessed her to do it, I know not, and she has since confessed she knows not either. We stood there, looking down upon the useless heap of treasure, when she turned to me on a sudden.
“Now that you have seen it, are you still of the same mind,� she asked mischievously, “that you would give up your portion of the treasure—for me?�
“Great God!� I exclaimed, moved beyond measure by her imprudent remark, and thrown off my balance by her—dare I say coquetry? “I would give up the world itself for you. Don’t you know it?�
And I made a step toward her, but she put up her hand.
“Hush! stay! Master Hampdon,� she cried affrighted at the consequences of her pleasantry, “remember—�
“I shall never forget,� I said grimly. “This treasure removes you further away from me than ever.�