Charlie looked grateful.
When his statement had been so unequivocably denied by our hero, Antonio suffered himself to look at him for one instant, but in that brief glance was concentrated so much of spite and venom and malice, that the boy could not help shuddering, as if the countenance of a fiend had been unexpectedly revealed to him.
"I think, Captain Brace," said Randall, "that we may venture to let Antonio assist us, since he may succeed where we have failed."
"Very well," said the captain, "I have no objection to offer. On the contrary, if he succeeds in finding it, I will take care that he shall be rewarded."
Antonio was already on his knees before the chest. There was a murmur of disapprobation among the crew. They were in favor of fair play, and this undue eagerness to convict our hero of guilt did not commend itself to their sense of justice and generosity. But Antonio cared little for the sensation which his conduct might excite among his fellow-seamen. He cared more for the gratification of his revenge than for personal popularity.
A glance satisfied him that the ring was not in the chest. He next began to examine carefully the clothes which had been taken out and were lying on deck.
In lifting and shaking a shirt the ring rolled out.
"There is your ring, Captain Brace," said he, in a tone of exultation, as he picked it up and extended it to the captain.