“Do you intend starting for a deep-sea cruise very soon?”
“In a very few days.”
“Have you an object in view beyond simple exploration?”
“Nothing special.”
Clifford and the captain exchanged glances. Then the former said:
“Will you kindly listen to a little story we have to tell, Mr. Reade?”
“With pleasure,” replied Frank.
Then Clifford detailed the story of the Donna Veneta and her treasure.
As he dwelt upon the story of the sunken galleon’s gold, Frank grew interested.
For some moments after Clifford finished his story he was thoughtful.