He eyed me smiling. "As how, my friend," he asked.
"You would rather have us in charge of the treasure than yourself," I replied.
He laughed. "Doctor, there's imagination in you, as I've always said. It's a pity I made that blunder about you. Not that it matters now. Well, you've nicked it. What's the odds? You are welcome to the truth—now."
There was a perceptible emphasis on his last word.
"You're not afraid of the attack?" I said.
He shook his head. "Not much. While we have a common object we're all right. I'm afraid of success. Doctor, you've a penetrating eye. Why, the treasure might break us up. If you had sent it down to me I believe I'd have sent it back. That would have been your best chance. I wonder you didn't think of it. But you've got your flaws. If you'd sent that treasure down I'd have had to take it; and you might have sat down and waited on events. But it's too late now. I know where I am."
"And where's that?" I asked bluntly.
He smiled craftily. "We enter the Straits of Magellan this extra special night," he said. "Let's put it at that."
"And what's to come?" I asked in the same voice.
"Lord, one would suppose you in the counsels," he said equably. "And in a way you are. Well, you can hand over that treasure which you have been good enough to guard for me better than I could myself as soon as you will. I've no objection now. Good-evening, doctor."