“What do you know about these islands? Are they inhabited?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you know about them?” asked the captain, rudely.
“Very little. It is not necessary that I should know much. The main point is this: I have reason to believe that on the island I seek there is concealed somewhere a large treasure, stored there years since by a band of pirates.”
Captain Richmond laughed incredulously.
“That is an old woman’s tale,” he said. “And it is to find this treasure that you want me to turn aside from my course and waste perhaps a couple of months?”
Guy was provoked at the other’s words and manner.
“I don’t think, Captain Richmond,” he said, “there is any reason to complain of this. You, or rather your owners, will be well compensated for any prolongation of the voyage.”
“I suppose we are to be paid out of this fabulous treasure,” sneered the captain.
“No, sir. My principal, Mr. Saunders, of Bombay, is abundantly able to pay what he has contracted to do, even if the treasure proves fabulous, as you suggest.”