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."
Miss Drewitt sat up suddenly and then let herself back slowly into the
depths of the chair. Her face turned scarlet and she hoped fervently
that if Mr. Tredgold looked at her the earth might open and swallow him
up. She began to realize dimly that in the absence of an obliging
miracle of that kind there would never be any getting rid of him.
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