"A ship is going to pick you up to-morrow?" asked Jane.

"Yes. The crew of the Wanderer goes to the Haarlem and the Haarlem

crew transships to the Wanderer. You see, Cleigh, I'm one of those

efficiency sharks. In this game I have left nothing to chance. Nothing

except an act of God--as they say on the back of your steamer ticket--can

derange my plans. Not the least bit of inconvenience to you beyond going

out of your course for a few days. The new crew was signed on in

Singapore--able seamen wanting to return to the States. Hired them in your

name. Clever idea of me, eh?"

"Very," said Cleigh, speaking directly to Cunningham for the first time

since the act of piracy.

"And this will give you enough coal to turn and make Manila, where you can

rob the bunkers of one of your freighters. Now, then, early last winter in

New York a company was formed, the most original company in all this rocky

old world--the Great Adventure Company, of which I am president and

general adviser. Pearls! Each member of the crew is a shareholder,

undersigned at fifteen hundred shares, par value one dollar. These shares

are redeemable October first in New York City if the company fails, or are

convertible into pearls of equal value if we succeed. No widows and

orphans need apply. Fair enough."

"Fair enough, indeed," admitted Cleigh.

Dennison stared at his father. He did not quite understand this

willingness to hold converse with the rogue after all this rigorously

maintained silence.

"Of course the Great Adventure Company had to be financed," went on

Cunningham with a deprecating gesture.

"Naturally," assented Cleigh. "And that, I suppose, will be my job?"

"Indirectly. You see, Eisenfeldt told me he had a client ready to pay

eighty thousand for the rug, and that put the whole idea into my noodle."

"Ah! Well, you will find the crates and frames and casings in the forward

hold," said Cleigh in a tone which conveyed nothing of his thoughts. "It

would be a pity to spoil the rug and the oils for the want of a little

careful packing."

Cunningham rose and bowed.

"Cleigh, you are a thoroughbred!"

Cleigh shook his head.

"I'll have your hide, Cunningham, if it takes all I have and all I am!"




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