“Your plan seems safe and practical,” observed my uncle. “I like the idea. But now, Van Dorn, we must come to the most important point of all. What do you offer us in return for the use of our ship, for our services and for the expenses of the undertaking?”
“I will give you ten rubies and ten pearls,” said he. “They are of such size and purity that you can easily sell them for ten thousand dollars. That is an ample reward, it seems to me.”
I laughed, and the others—even to Archie—smiled as if amused. The little Professor had spoken with an air of great condescension, as if conferring upon us a rare favor.
“How much treasure is there?” asked my father.
“That will not matter to you,” retorted Van Dorn. “I will give you the pearls and the rubies now, before we start. They shall be your wage. Afterward, all the treasure we secure shall be my own exclusive property.”
Uncle Naboth yawned—it was a habit he had when bored—and my father slowly arose and stumped from the room.
“When will you go ashore, Professor?” I asked.
“What do you mean by that question?” he demanded, his face nearly as red as his beard.
“Only that we intend to sail on our return voyage at sundown, and probably you are not quite ready to go to America in our company. One of the boats will land you on the quay whenever you please to go.”
He looked at me intently, his face now turned chalky white.