"But what was Berry's game?" asked Natty.
"To get the money. He had bad luck at the diggings, and when he returned to San Francisco he found that the treasure had been discovered. He claimed a share, which claim was refused."
"I should jolly well think so," said Jarman, emphatically, "considering Berry did nothing towards getting it. What cheek!"
"So my master and Mr. Denham thought," said the negro, with a smile. "They refused the claim, and then Berry threatened to kidnap you two gentlemen. He thought he would then be able to force those who possessed the treasure to part with some of it. The tattooing was done so that if the kidnapping took place both of you would be recognised. But Berry never made the attempt."
"He waited for a better opportunity."
"Yes." Tamaroo nodded. "Mr. Denham went to live at Los Angeles, and spent a lot of money. His wife died after a time, and he looked after you, sir"--this to Natty--"so that you might not be kidnapped. At length Berry turned up after some years, and made friends."
"Didn't my father mistrust him?"
"At first he did, but afterwards, being shaken by drink, I think he grew afraid of Berry. He shared a portion of the money with him. That is, he gave him free house-room, and occasional sums. Berry was not satisfied, but when he found that Mr. Denham was spending the money he never attempted to kill him, knowing that what remained would not pay him to commit such a crime. He then thought of my master, who had saved his share."
"Did my father live in San Francisco?"
"Yes, Mr. Lancaster. After the death of your mother he lived like a recluse, and invested all his money. It is well invested," said Tamaroo, proudly. "I helped him. You will receive about forty thousand a year now."