“Well,” he agreed, “I’ll talk it over with the lads.  It’s a good story, an’ I’d be ready ter take chances, but I ain’t so sure, sir, on makin’ ’em feel the same way.  All most of ’em think about is ter escape bein’ hanged.  If they wus only sure thar wus treasure aboard, like you suspicion there may be, I guess most of ’em would face hell ter git their hands on a share of it.”

“Then why not search, and see?”

He shook his head obstinately, and his face, showing in the dull glow of the pipe, proved that he, sturdy, intelligent seaman as he was, shared to no small extent the fears of the others.

“Not me, sir; I don’t prowl around in no cholera ship, loaded with dead men—­not if I never git rich.”

“Then I will,” and I got to my feet in sudden determination.  “You keep the deck while I go below.  Have you seen a lantern on board anywhere?”

“Ay, sir, there’s one hangin’ in the cook’s galley.  I hope yer don’t think I’m a damn coward, Mr. Carlyle?”

“Oh, no, Tom.  I know how you feel exactly; we’re both of us sailors.  But you see I’ve got to make this crew take the Santa Marie into the Chesapeake, and it’s an easier job if I can find gold aboard.”

“Yer’ve got to, sir?”

“Yes, I’ve given my promise to the girl.  Light the lantern, and bring it here.  Then we’ll go aft together; if there is any specie hidden aboard this hooker, it will be either in the cabin, or lazaret.  And, whether there is, or not, my man, the Santa Marie turns north tomorrow, if I have to fight every sea wolf on board single-handed.”

CHAPTER XXIX

A STRUGGLE IN THE DARK

He came back with it swinging in his hand a mere tin box, containing a candle, the dim flame visible through numerous punctures.  It promised poor guidance enough, yet emitted sufficient light to show the way around in that darkness below.  So as not to arouse suspicion, I wrapped the thing in a blanket, and, with Watkins beside me, started aft.  Dorothy must have been asleep already, for there was no sign of movement as we passed where she was lying.  Neither of us spoke until my hand was on the companion door ready to slide it open.

“I’ll not be long below,” I said soberly.  “And meanwhile you keep a sharp watch on deck.  Better go forward and see that your lookout men are awake, and then come back here.  Likely I’ll have a story to tell you by that time.  The wind seems lessening.”

“Yes, sir; shall we shake out a reef in the foresail?”

“Not yet, Watkins.  Wait until I learn what secret is below.  An hour will make little difference.”