“Thank Captain Boswick, for Senator Rickrose and us, and tell him we appreciate his kindness exceedingly,” Macloud answered. “We’re camping 154 here for a week or so, to try sleeping in the open, under sea air. We’re not likely to prove troublesome!” he added.
Then they took several drinks, and the aide departed.
“So far, we’re making delightful progress,” said Croyden; “but there are breakers ahead when Hook-nose and his partner get in the game. Suppose we inspect the premises and see if they have been here in our absence.”
They went first to the place where they had seen them conceal the tools—these were gone; proof that the thieves had paid a second visit to the Point. But, search as they might, no evidence of work was disclosed.
“What does it mean?” said Croyden. “Have they abandoned the quest?”
“Not very likely,” replied Macloud, “with half a million at stake. They probably are seeking information; when they have it, we shall see them back again.”
“Suppose they bring four or five others to help them?”
“They won’t—never fear!—they’re not sharing the treasure with any one else. Rather, they will knife each other for it. Honor among thieves is like the Phœnix—it doesn’t exist.”
“If the knifing business were to occur before the finding, it would help some!” laughed Croyden. “Meantime, I’m going to look at the ruins of the 155 light-house. I discovered in an almanac I found in the hotel last night, that the original light-house was erected on Greenberry Point in 1818. This fact may help us a lot.”
They went out to the extreme edge, and stood gazing across the shoals toward the ruins.