"And why should it not?" said Mr Parkley. "You see he has nothing to gain by getting me to fit out an expedition, unless we are successful."

"But it may be visionary."

"Those ingots were solid visions," said Mr Parkley. "No, my lad; the thing's genuine. I've thought it out all right, and decided to go in for it at once--that is, as soon as we can arrange matters."

"Indeed, sir!" said Dutch, startled at the suddenness of the decision.

"Yes, my lad, I have faith in it. We could go in the schooner. Take a couple of those divers, and some of our newest appliances. I look upon the whole affair as a G.o.dsend. Hum! Here he is. Don't seem too eager, but follow my lead."

A clerk announced the previous night's visitor; and Dutch recalled for the moment the previous day's meeting, and the annoyance he had felt on seeing the stranger's admiring gaze. But this was all forgotten in a few moments, the Cuban being certainly all that could be desired in gentlemanly courtesy, and his manners were winning in the extreme.

"And now that you have had a night for consideration, Senor Parkley, what do you think of my project?" he said, glancing at the map.

"I want to know more," said Mr Parkley.

"I have told you that vessels were sunk--ships laden with gold and silver, Senor Parkley, and I say join me. Find all that is wanted--a ship--divers--and make an agreement to give me half the treasure recovered, and I will take your ship to the spots. Where these are is my secret."

"You said I was slow and cold, Mr Lorry, yesterday," said Mr Parkley.

"You shan't say so to-day. When I make up my mind I strike while the iron is hot. My mind is made up."

"Then you refuse," said the Cuban, frowning.

"No, sir, I agree. Here's my hand upon it."

He held out his hand, which the Cuban caught and pressed hastily.

"Viva!" he exclaimed, his face flushing with pleasure.

"You will both be rich as princes. Our friend here goes too?"

"Yes, I shall take him with us," said Mr Parkley.

Dutch started in wonder at what seemed so rash a proceeding.

"And he must share, too," said the Cuban, warmly.

"Yes; he will be my partner," said Mr Parkley.

"And when do we start--to-morrow?"

"To-morrow!" laughed Mr Parkley. "No, sir; it will take us a month to fit out our expedition."

"A month?"

"At least. We must go well prepared, and not fail for want of means."

"Yes, yes, that is good."

"And all this takes time. Trust me, sir, I shall not let the gra.s.s grow under my feet."

"I do not understand the gra.s.s grow," said the Cuban.

"I mean I shall hurry on the preparations," said Mr Parkley.

The Cuban nodded his satisfaction; when the rest of the morning was spent in discussing the matter; and, though the visitor was extremely careful not to say a word that might give a hint as to the locality of the treasure, it became more and more evident that he was no empty enthusiast, but one who had spent years in the search, and had had his quest browned with success.

Several days pa.s.sed in this way, during which great success attended the raising of the copper, and a proper deed of agreement had been drawn up and duly signed between the parties to the proposed expedition, at which, however, Dutch had said but little at his own home, lest he should cause his wife, who had been delicate since their marriage, any uneasiness.

The strange fancies that had troubled him had been almost forgotten, and in spite of himself he had become somewhat tinged by the Cuban's enthusiasm, and often found himself dwelling on the pleasure of being possessed of riches such as were described.

"It would make her a lady," he argued; "and if anything happened to me she would be above want."

He was musing in this way one morning, when Mr Parkley came to him, they having dined together with the Cuban on the previous evening at his hotel.

"Well, Pugh," he said, "I'm getting more faith every day. Lorry's a gentleman."

"Yes," said Dutch, "he is most polished in his ways, and I must say I begin to feel a great deal of faith in him myself."

"That's well," said Mr Parkley, rubbing his hands. "You'll have to go with us."

"I'm afraid, sir, you must--"

"Excuse you? No, I don't think I can. Besides, Pugh, you would go with me as my partner, for I shall have all that settled."

"You are very, very kind, sir," said Dutch, flushing with pleasure.

"Nonsense, man," cried Mr Parkley; "all selfishness. You and I can do so much together. See how useful you are to me, partner."

"Not your partner yet, sir."

"Yes, you are, Pugh," said the other, slapping him on the shoulder; "and now we'll go in for calculations and arrangements for the expedition. I was thinking the schooner would do, but I find it would be too small, so I shall set Captain Studwick to look out for a good brig or a small barque, and take him into our confidence to some extent."

"Not wholly?"

"No; and yet, perhaps, it would be as well. And now, Pugh, I've got a favour to ask of you."

"Anything, sir, that I can do I will do with all my heart," replied Pugh, enthusiastically.

"I knew you would," replied Mr Parkley. "You see, this is a big thing, my lad, and will be the making of us both, and Lorry is a very decent fellow."

"Decidedly," said Pugh, wondering at what was coming.

"Well, I must be as civil to him as I can, and so will you, of course."

"Of course."

"He's taken a great fancy to you, by-the-way, and praises you sky-high."