Suddenly Dick gripped his arm.
“Emeralds!” he almost shouted it, but dropped his voice instead.
“What better place could Captain Parks—or anyone else—find if he thought the life preserver idea might be too open?”
“But the chef would discover it—they couldn’t be left there!”
“Certainly they could.” Sandy was earnest. “If the Captain ordered that they be kept for his special use—and if he drank lime juice. Come on, let’s ask him.” They followed Sandy to the bridge.
“Captain,” Sandy asked, “what’s your favorite drink? Lemonade or——”
“I’m very fond of lime drinks——”
Sandy, elated and panting, turned to Mr. Everdail as Dick and Larry raced away.
“Come on, sir,” Sandy panted. “I’ll show you your emeralds!”