“I speak the truth,” he said. “In two days I shall have a gold-mine worth millions.”
The habit of frankness was on him, and he told them the story of the golden hill without reservations. His agents at Lisbon had already obtained from the Ministry an option upon the land and its mineral rights. As the clock struck twelve on June 14, the goldfield of Biskara automatically passed into his possession.
“On one side you have certain imprisonment, on the other you have great monies and happiness.”
“How long will we have to stay here?” asked Cuccini.
“I have food for a month, even milk. They will not cut the water because of the girl. For the same reason they will not blow in the door.”
Again they had a hasty consultation and made their decision.
“All right, boss, we’ll stay. But we want that share-out put into writing.”
“To my study,” said Oberzohn promptly, “march!”
He was half-way through writing the document when there came a thunderous knock on the door and he got up, signalling for silence. Tiptoeing along the passage, he came to the door.
“Yes—who is that?” he asked.