Leslie emptied the bag on the table. It had been full of gold coins, with some Indian bank notes for large amount, besides letters, invoices, and other papers stamped with the names of the Arnold Company.
“Can you tell how much there is there?” went on Jefferson.
Leslie Arnold ran through the heap of coins and flipped the Indian bank notes through his fingers with professional skill, and announced that there was the equivalent of more than a hundred thousand dollars in American money.
“That about settles it, I guess,” was Jefferson’s comment. “I don’t think we shall have any difficulty in proving our property. Now, what shall we do with Pike?”
“What is he doing here?” asked Chick. “Is he an official of the Shangore government?”
“That’s what I am,” broke in Pike savagely. “And it will be a costly thing for you when you’re caught. If you had not done what you have, I might have saved you, because Calaman and the other big men of Bolongu hold me in high regard. I am at the head of their war department.”
“Oh, you are?” put in Chick. “Then you must be about the most important man in the city, outside of the high priest himself?”
“I am,” replied Pike proudly. “You’ll find that out when I report this outrage.”
“Wouldn’t it be well to kill him right here, before he can get into mischief?” asked Chick of Jefferson Arnold coolly, and ignoring the presence of Pike. “We will take our money then and go away without trouble.”
“How do you suppose you will get out of the city?” snarled Pike.