“Not at present,” said Dutch, smiling, as he looked round and saw that nearly everybody was gazing over the side. “Perhaps, when I have set the example, Rasp will not mind following it.”
“But the sharks, my dear boy—they would tear you to pieces.”
“Let them, if they can,” said Dutch, grimly. “I’m not going to be deterred from the search by a few sharks. And if, as you say, I was torn to pieces,” he added, bitterly, “what then?”
“I tell you I shall not let you risk your life,” said Mr Parkley, firmly.
“And I tell you I shall go down. If anything happens—”
“That sweet little woman will be a widow,” said Mr Parkley.
“And who would care?” said Dutch, bitterly. “My dear Mr Parkley, we are anchored over the treasure, and sharks or no sharks, torn to pieces or left alone, I go down—Hester!”
He started and turned sharply round, just in time to catch the fainting woman as she was falling senseless on the deck.