“Then followed a diagram which was rudely drawn to show the spot where the Donna Veneta went down. The whole coast map of Honduras was shown, and so comprehensive was it that a skipper familiar with the waters should be able to sail directly to it.
“No latitude or longitude was given, only approximate distances, but this was deemed enough.”
The diagram was briefly discussed. All the while Parker had listened with a cat-like gleam in his eyes.
“Well, Mr. Parker,” said Hartley, finally, “what do you think of it? Is not that treasure worth recovering?”
“Recovering!” exclaimed the miser, squeakily; “how can it be recovered? How can you recover anything from such a depth in the sea as that?”
“Pshaw! There are hundreds of divers who will go down to the wreck.”
“If they can find it.”
“You are incredulous!”
“What do you want of me? Is this your reason for calling me out here at such trouble and expense?” cried the miser, angrily. “What a bit of moonshine! You are a fool, Hartley. I gave you credit for more sense. What folly to think that you could recover such a treasure. Why, it is absurd—very absurd, sir!”
For a moment Hartley’s face was black. Hot words were on his tongue, but he only said, in a steely way: