“Absolutely lost, sir.”
“Do you mean to tell me you don’t know where that island is?” demanded the Major, fiercely.
“I haven’t the slightest idea of its location. During the night the helmsman altered our course several times, steering by the stars. I think we’re going in the right direction, but I can tell better when I’ve taken our observations for today. Unfortunately, however, that won’t help us to locate the island.”
The Major sat down heavily on a chest. The information he had received fairly dazed him, but his gaze remained firmly fixed on the Captain’s expressionless face.
After a time he gave a laugh, and said:
“I told you yesterday that island was mine. I’ll take that back. It’s yours and mine. You’ll share it with me, Captain Gay, I’m sure.”
“It is still yours, Major, as far as I’m concerned. If I knew its location, I would tell you willingly. But I don’t. You’ll have to find your property yourself.”
The Major sprang up with an oath.
“You infernal scoundrel!” he cried, “do you think I’ll be played with like this? Give me the location of that island, or by the nine great gods, I’ll kill you where you sit!”
“Leave this room, sir.”