Tamaroo nodded impressively. "He was afraid of Berry."
Natty stared and looked angry. "My father was afraid of nothing."
"He was afraid of Berry," insisted Tamaroo. "And Mr. Lancaster was also afraid."
This time Frank protested. "I can't believe that."
"It is true enough. You see, gentlemen, both Mr. Denham and Mr. Lancaster married when they got the money. You two gentlemen"--he looked at Frank and Natty--"were born on the same day."
"That is strange," said Natty, and Frank laughed.
"It pleased both my master and Mr. Denham, for they were such good friends. So that you should both be certain of inheriting the treasure, they had you both tattooed with the Scarlet Bat."
"Oh! was that it," said Natty, thinking of his story of the Indians. "Mine is on the left arm. And yours, Lancaster?"
"On the right. Go on, Tamaroo."
"The reason of the tattooing," continued the negro, "was that my master and Mr. Denham thought that Berry would kidnap you both."