“Not exactly. But it is reasonable and just, is it not?”
“Had Lovelace no heirs—no family?”
“None whatever.”
Said Uncle Naboth, with his usual deliberation:
“If you were to receive one-half the treasure from Lovelace, in return for your assistance, we will make the same contract with you in return for ours. Lovelace seemed to think it was worth that much, and we will abide by his judgment.”
Van Dorn turned red. There was no escape from the toils he had cast about himself by his foolish statement. He looked thoughtfully out of the window, and following his gaze I saw the solitary Arab still standing on the quay with his face set in our direction.
A scarcely perceptible tremor seemed to pass over the Professor’s slight frame. He turned to us with a new animation in his face.
“Professor Lovelace reserved for himself the collection of papyrus rolls,” said he, in a brisk tone. “I will do the same. These writings would be of no value to you, in any event. All of the jewels, ornaments, or other treasure than the papyri, I will agree to divide with you equally.”
“Very good,” said Uncle Naboth, with a nod. “It is our agreement. Write it down, Sam, and all these witnesses shall sign the document.”
I brought paper and pens and began to draw up the agreement. Presently I paused.