“Then, come along—we’re bound for Annapolis, and the car leaves in ten minutes.”
X
PIRATE’S GOLD BREEDS PIRATE’S WAYS
That evening, in the seclusion of their apartment at Carvel Hall, they took Axtell into their confidence—to a certain extent (though, again, he protested his willingness simply to obey orders). They told him, in a general way, of Parmenter’s bequest, and how Croyden came to be the legatee—saying nothing of its great value, however—its location, the loss of the letter the previous evening, the episode of the thieves on the Point, that morning, and their evident intention to return to the quest.
“Now, what we want to know is: are you ready to help us—unaided by the law—to seize these men and hold them prisoners, while we search for the treasure?” Croyden asked. “We may be killed in the attempt, or we may kill one or both of them, and have to stand trial if detected. If you don’t want to take the risk, you have only to decline—and hold your tongue.”
“My dear Mr. Croyden!” said Axtell, “I don’t want you to pay me a cent—just give me my board and lodging and I’ll gladly aid you as long as necessary. It’s a very little thing to do for one who has lost so much through us. You provide for our defense, if we’re apprehended by the law, 151 and that” (snapping his fingers) “for the risk.”
Croyden held out his hand.
“We’ll shake hands on that, Axtell, if you please,” he said; “and, if we recover what Parmenter buried, you’ll not regret it.”