"That is so," said Cartwright. "He, however, stated you gave him some help."
"All the same, at the beginning, I held up the job. When Brown could not work, your expenses ran on and I feel I ought to pay."
"It's just. Coming home, when my men were sick and Brown was in his bunk, you undertook the duties of doctor and navigator, and Wheeler admits your cures were good. Since you have a counter-claim, suppose we say we're quits?"
Montgomery felt some relief. It looked as if Cartwright did not mean to use his advantage; the old fellow was generous. Montgomery hesitated for a moment and then resumed: "I understand you bought the wreck?"
"I used the shareholders' money; at all events, I used as much as I durst. She's the company's ship."
"But the cargo?"
"The cargo's mine. That is, I get an allowance, agreed upon with the underwriters for all I have salved. I rather think the sum will be large."
"Then you're satisfied? Although you didn't get all the gold and lost the valuable gum in the lazaret?"
Cartwright's eyes twinkled. "I've some grounds for satisfaction, and I know when to stop! But perhaps I'd better be as frank as is needful. Very well! I get salvage on some of the gold. The rest is under the surf and nobody will open the boxes now. The thing's done with."
Montgomery was moved, but he saw there was no more to be said and asked quietly: "Will you tell me what you think about the prospects of the line?"