'Then we have but half an hour at our disposal. In that half hour we must discover where the captain has hidden his money.'
'I will be no sharer with you.'
'Oh, so! You would have it all to yourself! That will not answer.'
'Leave the house; you have no right to be here,' said Jane Marley.
'Eh!' mocked Dench. 'You give orders as though you were mistress; orders you have no power to enforce.'
'Jack Rattenbury shall know of this.'
'Let him know.' He stood mustering the room with his eyes.
'I shall improve my mind a bit. Jane, be advised and offer no opposition. I tell you we are in the same boat. We have both been cheated. I want no more than is my due. I am an honest man, and I diddle nobody—but then I don't choose to be diddled myself—and if you have spirit you will be of the same mind. We will leave a third for Jack, and divide the rest between ourselves. I shall search the house if need be, whether you like it or no.'
He had spoken in a low tone to Mrs. Marley. Now he went to the side of Job Rattenbury, and said aloud, as though addressing one who was deaf: 'Mate, we have been old friends for over a score of years. You can trust me. Your time is not long, and you know it. You desire to say something, and cannot fashion your mouth to the words. You would tell me your last wishes, and how I am to dispose of your property, and where your cash is stowed. What do you say, governor? You will trust me. That is as it should be. Try your hand, hold out your flapper to show that you comprehend me.'