I am here," cried out Random, laughing at the description,
which he recognized. "My friend Hope is with me, and Inspector
Date. I suppose you have heard what has happened?"
"Yes, I've taken it all in," said Hervey sourly. "I guess the
news is all over Pierside. Well, it's none of my picnic, I
reckon. So chuck that gold over here, Don Pedro, and I'll send
along the writing."
"No," said Don Pedro, prompted by Date. "You must come ashore."
"I guess not," said Hervey vigorously. "You want to run me in."
"For that theft of thirty years ago," laughed De Gayangos.
"Nonsense! Come along. You are quite safe."
"Shan't take your damned word for it," growled Hervey. "But if
those two gents can swear that there's no trickery, I'll come. I
can depend on the word of an English aristocrat, anyhow."
"Come along. You are quite safe," said Sir Frank, and Hope
echoed his words.
Thus being made certain, Hervey gave an order and the boat was
rowed right up to the beach, immediately below the jetty. The
four men were about to descend, but Hervey seemed anxious to
avoid giving them trouble.
"Hold on, gents," said he, leaping ashore. "I'll come up
'longside."
Date, ever suspicious, thought it queer that the skipper should
behave so politely, as he had gathered that Hervey was not
usually a considerate man.
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