The man Si, having torn off the cover, put his hands into the paper wrappings and drew forth yards and yards of magnificently embroidered fabric that made Sidney and Trude gasp in admiration and astonishment. But the others were plainly disappointed. A low murmur of disgust went around the room.
“Give it here,” one of the men asked. And as Si handed over the contraband it slipped from his hands. He caught at it quickly to save it from the dirt of the floor. Suddenly something small and gleaming fell from the folds and rolled upon the floor.
“I’ll be ding-blasted!” roared Cap’n Phin. Someone swore softly. The man Si dropped to his knees. Sidney blinked.
Cap’n Phin seized the silk and unwound it. And among the countless folds he found a cunningly contrived pocket filled with hundreds of the priceless gems.
For a moment no one spoke. The daring of it all, the wealth of the glistening jewels, held each man in the room. Cap’n Phin folded the gorgeous silk and passed it to one of the men.
“I guess this belongs to you in trust for Uncle Sam,” he said gravely. “Our business is with one Jed Starrow.” He turned to Sidney who was trembling violently. “Now, matie, will you tell these men how you happened to ship aboard the Arabella last night?”
Sidney’s story tumbled out in quick, eager words and in careful detail. The men listened closely. The one who had taken the diamonds “in trust for Uncle Sam” made notes in a small black book. When she had finished Cap’n Phin nodded, his face serious.
“Reckon we’d better not question Lav Green just yet, he’s pullin’ out of the fog. We got enough as ’tis to hold Jed Starrow. If I ain’t much mistaken he’ll turn yellow when we face him and squeal on the folks higher up what’s paid him to hurt the name of the Cape. That’ll do for now, little gal.”
Walking homeward Sidney could not speak for excitement. It had not been rum! It had been the diamonds they had sought! Their recklessness had not been in vain. Her disgrace had a sweeter flavor.
As they turned in to Sunset Lane Sidney spied Mr. Dugald ahead. He must hear the news! And he could tell her of Pola! She ran toward him, calling. At the sound of her voice he lifted his head.