“That’s all? You have no other plans?”
“That is all.”
“Then I’ll exchange the case which holds the gold for the one you have. You can’t recover it without my help.”
For a time no one spoke. The three partners looked at one another in perplexed indecision, while Clay sat quietly still. There was a mystery behind the matter to which they could find no clue, and Clay would obviously not supply it. They did not know what to think.
“Do you know where to find this case?” Bethune asked.
“I believe so. I suggest that one of you come down to help me; Mr. Farquhar for preference.”
“Then you think of going down!” Jimmy exclaimed.
“I am going down the first thing to-morrow, whether you come or not. But what about my offer?”
“We can’t answer yet,” said Bethune. “It needs some thought.”
“Very well,” Clay agreed. “For all that, I must make a start in the morning. If you prefer, we can let the matter stand over until we find the case.” He paused and smiled at Jimmy. “You don’t look a nervous man and you needn’t hesitate. I’ve never put on a diving dress and you have had some experience; and I’m willing to use your boat and let your friends control the pumps.”