Herr Schmidt wrung his hands and protested that he was ruined, and that his Katrine and children would all starve.
“Let them cook you, then,” said the captain. “That will keep them alive for a month.”
But even this suggestion did not mitigate the grief of the unhappy Teuton, who sunk down on a stump near by and bewailed his fate.
Morton was reserved to the last. He was wise enough to give up all his gold, though he had considerably more than either of his companions. But he also was compelled to submit to a search. No money was found, but the belt was discovered.
“What is that?” demanded the captain.
“A belt,” faltered Morton.
“What is in it?”
“Papers—no money, I assure you,” hurriedly answered Morton.
“If they are papers, we must see them,” said the captain.
“They would be of no value to you,” said Morton quickly. “They are business papers.”