Whether I shall ever be able to make any use of this information, I do not know. It would require a considerable outlay in money to fit out an expedition, and I have very little chance of inducing anyone to make this outlay. I have, however, written out an account of the sailor’s revelation to me, in the hope that someone, perhaps after my death, may seek and obtain a treasure which I think must be of fabulous amount.
(Signed) George Brandon.
Guy read this letter with breathless interest. He took in the full importance of its contents.
He realized that by the death of his uncle he became the next heir to this far-away treasure. What should he do about it? With him there was the same embarrassment and the same difficulty that his uncle had experienced.
The treasure he fully believed in, but it was located thousands of miles away on a small island in the Indian Ocean.
It was tantalizing to reflect that it existed, and might make him rich, when it seemed wholly beyond his grasp. All the capital he could command was about twenty-five dollars in the Bayport Savings Bank.
The next question was: Should he tell his father of the discovery he had made? It might be his duty to do so. He did not know as to that.
His father had given him full permission to open and examine the chest and its contents. Possibly the papers and the secret belonged to him, but he knew very well that they would be of no earthly benefit to a quiet country minister who lived in his books and his study.
To him—Guy—on the other hand, it might prove of value. He did not know when or how, but he was young, and to the young all things are possible.
So, after thinking the matter over fully, Guy resolved to keep the matter secret.