"I'd be willing to leave that to you."
"You wouldn't want all the other half then?" asked Mr. Baxter, but, by the smile on his face, Fred knew the old man was only joking.
"I'll leave it to you," he repeated.
"Hum. Well, I've been thinking this thing over in the last few minutes, and I don't know but what I'll go in with you."
At these words Fred's heart gave a bound. He already saw himself possessed of several thousand dollars, and his father and mother placed beyond the necessity of worrying over money matters.
"Thank you!" he exclaimed.
"Wait a bit," advised Mr. Baxter. "I haven't finished. I am willing to finance the expedition and go after the gold. I think I'll take my son Jerry along, and we'll need another man, or maybe two."
"Can't I go?" asked Fred, fearing he was to be left behind.
"Yes, I am coming to that. You can go along, and your share will be one-third of half the treasure."
"I'm satisfied with that."