Antonio became alarmed at the prospect of all his plans being frustrated by a failure to find the ring.
When the mate also gave up the search, he came forward, and, addressing the captain, said,—
"Captain Brace, if you will let me assist in the search, perhaps I can succeed in finding it."
"You are the one that saw the boy have it, are you?" queried the captain.
"Yes, sir."
"How long since?"
"About half an hour."
"Why did you not mention it at the time?"
"I thought perhaps he had only picked it up, and would give it back to you," said the Spaniard, in some confusion. "I didn't want to charge him with the theft till I felt sure he meant to steal it."
"And what makes you feel sure he did so intend?"