“That is a strong statement,” he said. “Only a pirate would make it.”
“As you please,” said Poole, carelessly. “I claim the treasure, and it shall be mine!”
“For all of me, you can claim it and recover it,” said Frank. “We are not hunting for treasure.”
It was Poole’s turn now to look utter astonishment.
He sank back in his chair and looked cunningly at his visitors.
“Where are you bound?”
“To the Yucatan Channel,” replied Frank.
“On what errand?”
“A purely scientific one. My friend here, Mr. Wade, is a member of the American Scientific Society and claims that at one time an isthmus existed between the points of Cape San Antonio and Cape Catoche. To prove the matter we propose to explore the deep sea in that vicinity.”
Poole drew a deep breath.