“Well,” began Tew, after a moment, “here’s how I tote it up! We can get more out of a chest of treasure than we can from a hold full of rum, and with no fightin’. These lads must know where the gold is—we don’t! So we can use them! At the same time we can get revenge on your brother for sendin’ them where they might of found out about our racket and told the revenue men——”
The chums saw what was coming; their arms were folded again and they were waiting, trembling a little with the excitement. What decision must they make? What decision could they make? Was there any way out? They could see none!
“Put it up to ’em!” urged Tew. “Will you ‘throw in’ with us, takin’ a small share, or will we put them in the hold till we get what they know—we have ways!” he added with a meaning glare, “and when we get the treasure we’ll—well, whatever you decide, Cap’n—I know you can think up some pretty interestin’ ways to get rid of folks we don’t need——”
Nicky made a gesture; his right hand rubbed his nose, from his eye to his lips, as if removing a smudge; Cliff and Tom answered his sign, “Shall we say ‘yes’?” by nodding.
“What’s your say?” demanded Ortiga. “Tell all or——”
Nicky stood up.
“Share-and-share-alike!” he demanded with a defiant effort that seemed to please Tew. Don Ortiga nodded, “Share-and-share!”
“Deal out our cutlasses an’ bandanas,” said Nicky with affected ferocity. “We’re with you till the last man walks the plank!”
CHAPTER XIV
THE CHASE
Although Nicky had put a brave face on a bad situation, all three chums realized how grave was their danger. Their word had been accepted without question and they were given the freedom of the ship, after its crew had been summoned to the cabin and a vote taken. Only one member, the engineer, put in a word of dissent to Don Ortiga’s suggestion that they start at once for the archipelago.