Miss Drewitt regarded him in alarm, and of her own accord gave him a third cup of tea and told him that he might smoke. She felt safer when she saw him light a cigarette, and, for fear that a worse thing might befall her, entered amiably into conversation. She even found herself, somewhat to her surprise, discussing the voyage and sympathising with Mr. Tredgold in his anxiety concerning his father's safety.
"Mrs. Chalk and Mrs. Stobell are very anxious, too," he said. "It is a long way for a small craft like that."
"And then to find no treasure at the end of it," said Miss Drewitt, with feminine sweetness.
Mr. Tredgold stole a look at her. "I did not mean to say that the captain had no treasure," he said, quietly.
"You believe in it now?" said the girl, triumphantly.
"I believe that the captain has a treasure," admitted the other, "certainly."
"Worth half a million?" persisted Miss Drewitt.
"Worth more than that," said Mr. Tredgold, gazing steadily into the fire.
The girl looked puzzled. "More?" she said, in surprise.
"Much more," said the other, still contemplating the fire. "It is priceless."