“Then you have no faith in this project?”

“None whatever!”

“You will not lend the Aurelian to this scheme on promise of an equal division?”

“Never!”

The miser spoke decidedly; Hartley arose quickly to his feet. He was very resolute and very angry.

“Then, Mr. Parker,” he said, “you may look for a new captain. I am out of your employ this moment.”

Parker gave a violent start.

“What!” he cried, “have I not always paid you well?”

“Never without reluctance.”

“Then you mean to leave me?”