"Minted gold," he murmured with
a sort of anguish.
Such an expressive combination of words was not without effect upon
Ricardo. Both these men were amenable to the influence of verbal
suggestions. The secretary of "plain Mr. Jones" sighed and murmured.
"Yes. But how is one to get at it?"
"Being three to one," said Schomberg, "I suppose you could get it for
the asking."
"One would think the fellow lived next door," Ricardo growled
impatiently. "Hang it all, can't you understand a plain question? I have
asked you the way."
Schomberg seemed to revive.
"The way?"
The torpor of deceived hopes underlying his superficial changes of mood
had been pricked by these words which seemed pointed with purpose.
"The way is over the water, of course," said the hotel-keeper. "For
people like you, three days in a good, big boat is nothing. It's no more
than a little outing, a bit of a change. At this season the Java Sea
is a pond. I have an excellent, safe boat--a ship's life-boat--carry
thirty, let alone three, and a child could handle her. You wouldn't get
a wet face at this time of the year. You might call it a pleasure-trip."
"And yet, having this boat, you didn't go after her yourself--or after
him? Well, you are a fine fellow for a disappointed lover."
Schomberg gave a start at the suggestion.
"I am not three men," he said sulkily, as the shortest answer of the
several he could have given.
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