"It's an odd idea of yours, this, to bring a shipment of wheat from the south seas to Central America."
"Aye, the first time it's ever been done. This wheat came all the way from Australia and the United States, and now it's going back again. I'll tell you why. Wheat is scarce for export even in the States just now, so I'm taking a gambling chance on getting this to port before the first quantities come from the north. If I get in in time, I'll clean up—big."
"I understand," said McTee.
The captain raised his lantern again and shone it in the eyes of McTee.
"Do you understand?" he queried. "Do you?"
And he broke again into the harsh laughter. McTee started back with a scowl.
"What's the mystery, captain? What's the secret you're laughing about?"
Again Henshaw chuckled.
"You're a curious man, McTee. Well, well! What am I laughing about?
Money always makes me want to laugh, and now I'm laughing about money.
Do you understand that? No, you don't. Perhaps you will before long.
Patience, my friend!"
For some reason the blood of McTee grew cold and colder as he listened. His original suspicion of insanity grew weaker. He was being mocked, and the mad do not mock.