“Albersham went back to the Good Wind,” recounted Farnsworth. “He helped Glanvil wreck the brig and together they left on the sloop Rover intending some day to return and split the treasure that Van Woort never guessed was here. Only the Rover was lost in the great storm that reputedly sank the Good Wind.”
Another glance around the group and Farnsworth’s stare changed. He was coming back from the past to the present.
“When Yuble discovered that there was no treasure,” stated Farnsworth emphatically, “he told Niles Ronjan. In turn, Ronjan ordered Yuble to remain silent rather than have investors demand a settlement. Pretending that the Good Wind project had failed, Ronjan intended to get new backers and hunt for other treasure.
“But Yuble was too clever.” Farnsworth turned to Thara. “Yes, he was clever, your friend Yuble. He told me all that had happened and I studied old records which led me here” - he gestured toward the high stone stairs - “by the route which leads from above. I disposed of all the records that might have left a clue.”
Dipping his chin into his hand, Farnsworth surveyed the prisoners coldly, all except Margo, who no longer counted.
“To find the treasure here on land was best,” declared Farnsworth, “since it eliminated Ronjan’s interest. Of course it raises the point that the wealth really belongs to the Van Woort descendants. It was necessary to assemble them of course.
“One was already here” - Farnsworth was looking at Miss Sylvia - “so I planned the banshee hoax to encourage her to stay in New York. As for the others, I coaxed them to New York by means of attractive financial offers that required no great effort on their part.
“Now that you all are here except for young Harley, I shall ask you to assign over your heritage to me. If you refuse” - Farnsworth gave a shrug - “well, it would not be wise.”
Glancing about, Farnsworth waited for someone to speak but no one did. From far down the bubbling stream came the muffled clang of the old grating, lifting and dropping back into place.
“The other crew,” decided Farnsworth. “They are bringing Harley. Perhaps he will speak for the rest of you.”