“Ah, yes, Captain Carter could be of assistance, if he chose,” murmured the old missionary. “I regret to say he is not known in Cuertos for his cooperative qualities. Captain Carter—”
Abruptly, the missionary broke off, as if he had been on the verge of making an unintended disclosure.
“You must excuse me now,” he said apologetically. “It is the hour of my siesta. As for the temple treasure and Burton Monahan, I advise you for your own safety, to banish all thought of an expedition.”
Disappointed by the dismissal, Ken turned to leave. Jack, however, was unwilling to be discharged so easily.
He sensed that mention of Captain Carter’s name somehow had been unfortunate. Seemingly, Father Francisco had become distrustful of their association with the skipper of the Shark.
“Captain Carter was assigned to our expedition by Burton Monahan’s brother,” he informed the missionary. “We have no liking for him. Right now we’re annoyed because the Shark hasn’t made port with our cargo.”
“We’ve counted on your help,” Ken added earnestly. “If we don’t get it, the expedition will bog down right here at Cuertos.”
“I believe that you are sincere,” the old missionary said after a long silence. “This much I will tell you. Captain Carter has an ugly reputation among our people.”
“Because of the Monahan affair?” interposed Jack.
“There were whispers that after Monahan left here, he fell in with Carter,” the missionary explained reluctantly. “Some believe that together they came upon the hidden city and that for lust of gold, Carter removed Monahan from the picture.”