“I was speaking of the people across on the mainland.”

“And you have not spoken to anyone over here?”

“To no one but yourself.”

“Come, I will act as your guide.”

“I will pay you well.”

“How well?”

“I will give you five dollars.”

“All right, come along.”

“Have we far to go?”

“Not far.”

“We will find the old fisherman abed?”

“I reckon so.”

“Will it be well to arouse him?”

“Suppose we arouse the girl?”

“Can you do that?”

“Why, certainly.”

The man came to a halt, and for a moment appeared to be lost in deep consideration, but, at length, he aroused himself and made a startling proposition.

CHAPTER XXXVI,

As intimated, a weird suspicion had crossed the detective’s mind, and he was acting with a purpose.

The man, after indulging in a few moments’ silent thought as described, said: 

“Do you think it possible to communicate with the girl alone?”

“Yes.”

“You say you are an honest man?”

“I am.”

“You can make a large sum of money honestly if you choose.”

“Row much?”

“Twenty-five dollars.”

“What must I do for the money?”

“Can I trust you?”

“You can trust me when I pass my word.”

“I would like to talk to the girl alone for a few moments.”

“And you want me to bring her here?”

“Yes.”

“And you will give me twenty-five dollars?”

“Yes.”

“Will you tell me what you want with the girl?”

“No.”

“See here, stranger, I know something about that girl.”

“What do you know about her?”

“She is not the daughter of Tom Pearce.”

“Is that so?”

“That is the fact.”

“Whose daughter is she my friend?”

“She may be your daughter,” came the abrupt answer.

“My daughter!” ejaculated the man.

“Yes.”

“Why do you say that, my good friend?”

“Why do you wish to see her alone?”

“I wish to ask her sonic questions.”

“Ah, I see; you wish to ask her about the box.”

The man leaped to his feet and showed signs of great agitation.

“What do you mean?” he demanded, in a trembling tone of voice.

“I mean just what I say.”

“You said something about a box.”

“Yes.”

“Well, what about the box?”

“You wish to ask the girl about it?”

“Yes.”

“About the box?”

“Yes.”

“Young man, you’re crazy.  I reckon I do not know anything about any box.”

“Oh, yes, you do.”

“Which box is it?”

“The box filled with jewels and other rare gems and valuables.”