Bartlett—The truth? It’s a lie! [As Sue tries to bar his way to the companionway—sternly.] Out o’ my way, girl! [He pulls himself feebly up the stairs. The door is heard slamming above. Sue sits down in a chair in a hopeless, exhausted attitude. After a pause Nat re-enters. He is panting heavily from his exertions. His pale face is set in an expression of despair.]
Nat—[Looking about the room wildly.] Where is he? Sue! [He comes forward and falls on his knees beside her chair, hiding his face in her lap like a frightened child. He sobs hoarsely.] Sue! What does it all mean? I looked. There was nothing there—no schooner—nothing.
Sue—[Soothing him as if he were a little boy.] Of course there wasn’t. Did you expect there would be, you foolish boy? Come, you know better than that. Why, Nat, you told the doctor and I that you were absolutely convinced the Sarah Allen was lost.
Nat—[Dully.] Yes, I know—but I don’t believe—like him——
Sue—Sshhhh! You know the state Pa is in. He doesn’t realize what he’s saying half the time. You ought to have better sense than to pay any attention——
Nat—[Excitedly.] But he told me all he’s been hiding from us—all about the gold!
Sue—[Looking at him with alarm—mystified.] Gold? [Then forcing a smile.] Don’t be silly, Nat. It doesn’t exist except in his poor, deranged mind.
Nat—[Fiercely.] That’s a lie, Sue! I saw the map, I tell you—the map of the island with a cross marked on it where they buried the gold.
Sue—He showed a map to you—a real map? [Gently.] Are you sure you’re not just imagining that, too?
Nat—I had it in my hands, you fool, you! There—on the table. [He springs to his feet, sees the map on the table, and snatches it up with an exclamation of joy—showing it to Sue.] See! Now will you believe me! [She examines the map perplexedly. Nat paces up and down—excitedly.] I tell you it’s all true. You can’t deny it now. It’s lucky for us I forced him to confess. He might have died keeping the secret and then we’d have lost—I’ll tell you what I’m going to do now, Sue. I’m going to raise the money somewhere, somehow, and fit out another schooner and this time I’ll sail on her myself. No trusting to Danny or anyone else! Yes, Sue, we’ll come into our own yet, even if the Sarah Allen is lost—— [He stops—then in accents of bewildered fear.] But—she can’t be lost—I saw the lights, Sue—red and green—as plain as I see you now—— [He goes to one of the portholes again.]