“It matters not whether any one saw you take it or not,” declared Frank, “the fact remains that you knew where to look for the sunken galleon, and you could not have done so without some means of guidance.”
Parker grinned impudently.
“Well,” he said, “have I not as good a right to the gold as you?”
“No,” replied Frank, “the gold belongs rightfully to Mr. Clifford, who discovered the records of its existence. You prove yourself a thief by your underhand methods in trying to get it.”
“You dare to call me a thief?” cried Parker hotly.
“You are worse than a thief! You are capable of any crime!”
Something in Frank’s steely eye held the villain at bay. He glared at him madly for some moments, and then said:
“I do not intend that anybody else shall recover that treasure. I have come down into these waters for it and I intend to find it. If you interfere with me I shall blow you into atoms. You may take the warning!”
“Really,” said Frank, with a smile. “You are quite a bully, Mr. Parker. Be sure of your strength before you venture to make threats. As for the Donna Veneta’s gold it is not a certainty that it can ever be found or recovered by either of us. However, if it is found we shall claim it by right of Mr. Clifford’s just claim, and you will not dare to deny it. Let this terminate the interview. Good-day!”
Frank turned on his heel and went into the cabin.