We are here to search for treasure. We no sooner drop
anchor than a man visits us, who claims that the island is his.
This at once presupposes his claim upon any treasure that may be
hidden upon it, and consequently that, as soon as he discovers our
purpose, he will be our enemy. It follows, I should imagine, that of
all steps the most fatal was to admit him on board to discover our
weakness."
"Our weakness, sir?" asked Miss Belcher, carelessly, as though but
half attending.
"Our weakness, ma'am; as it was doubtless to discover our weakness
that he came."
"Now, I rather thought," murmured Miss Belcher, "that Miss Plinlimmon
and I had spent a great part of this afternoon in impressing him with
our strength."
"To be sure," pursued Captain Branscome, "with such a company as he
found on board, he can scarcely have suspected a treasure hunt.
Still, when he does suspect it--as sooner or later he must--he will
know our weakness."
"He could scarcely have dealt with us more frankly than he did, at
any rate," said Miss Belcher, with an air of simplicity; "for he
assured us he was alone on the island."
"And you believed him, ma'am?"
"I forget, sir, if I believed him; but he certainly knows that we are
here in search of treasure, for I told him so myself.
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