“We will give our word,” replied the scientist. “Eh, Frank?”

“Certainly,” replied the young inventor.

Poole studied their faces a moment closely. Then the lines of his face relaxed.

“You will pardon the trouble I have put you to, gentlemen,” he said, “but I am gold-mad. I must have the treasure! I cannot be balked in my purpose!”

“Well,” said Wade, “we have agreed to your terms.”

The villain smiled.

“There are other things,” he said.

Frank’s eyes flashed. He drew his lithe form up.

Wade looked disappointed and not a little alarmed that his temporizing had not been a better success.

Poole fixed his keen gaze upon the two men and continued: