Chap lay awake for some time, thinking about his exciting interview and trying to make up his mind as to the extent and meaning of his promise to the man; and he finally concluded that, while he could not tell Philip, nor any one else, about the three brothers and the Berkeley claim to the sunken treasure, he had promised nothing that would prevent his going to work as soon as possible to look for the submerged gold.
This was the thing he had intended to do all along, before he knew that there existed a man with a black straw hat. Of course, the recovered property could not be divided, and things could not be definitely settled before Mr. Berkeley came back; but there was nothing to prevent Phil and himself from making a beginning in the good work.
If they could only get out a few boxes of silver coin, that would help wonderfully in carrying out the rest of the enterprise. He went to sleep, so to speak, with his mind full of exploding cartridges and flying mud.
The next day Phil rode into town to see Mr. Welford again. He did not know what means Chap was going to take in order to bring Susan to terms, but he had no faith whatever in his friend’s success, and determined that he must make arrangements to pay the housekeeper her wages and discharge her, in case she continued to rebel against his authority.
He had looked over his uncle’s books, and had found that two years’ wages were really due to Susan. She had probably wished Mr. Berkeley to act as her banker, and keep her money for her.
Phil rode to town on Jouncer, Joel making no objection this time, for the horse had been brought back in excellent condition from the trip to Trumbull’s.
But, although the day was a pleasant one, and the horse went well, Phil did not enjoy his ride. He did not at all fancy the idea of his uncle’s coming home and finding his old servant discharged.
On the other hand, the teachings of Godfrey Berkeley had made Phil feel that his uncle would think very ill of him if he allowed himself to be set at defiance and treated with contempt by a servant who owed him obedience and respect. The thing had to be done, but Phil hated to do it.
Mr. Welford was surprised and angry when he heard Phil’s errand.
“Three hundred dollars!” he exclaimed. “Certainly there is not that much owing to the housekeeper! And discharge her! Why, you must be crazy! How can you think of doing such things in your uncle’s absence?”