Uncle nodded.
“Quite possible, Dick; but it will be our business to watch him. His story is true, because he has the evidence to prove it, and I’ve no doubt he’ll lead us straight to the treasure. But what his game is afterwards, I can’t imagine.”
After that we sat silent for a time.
“Uncle,” said I, happening to think of the thing, “Archie wants to go along with us.”
Mr. Perkins scratched his head reflectively.
“What share does he want?” he asked.
I turned to Archie for the reply.
“If I’m any help to you, you can give me whatever you please,” said the boy. “I want to see the fun, mostly; but I’ll not refuse any reward I’m able to earn.”
“That’s fair and square,” said Uncle Naboth. “You’re welcome to come along.”
“Now, then,” proclaimed my father, “we’ve got to talk to the men. That’s your job, Sam—you’ve got the gift of palaver. The enterprise is irreg’lar an’ some dangerous, an’ our lads must be told jest what they’re expected to do.”