"
"But you would go out if it were not for that?" inquired Tredgold,
turning a deaf ear to this remark.
"Naturally," said the captain, smiling; "but, then, you see I did."
Mr. Tredgold drummed with his fingers on the arms of his chair, and after
a little hesitation asked as a great favour to be permitted to see the
map. As an estate agent, he said, he took a professional interest in
plans of all kinds.
Captain Bowers rose, and in the midst of an expectant silence took the
map from the bureau, and placing it on the table kept it down with his
fist. The others drew near and inspected it.
[Illustration: "The others drew near and inspected it."]
"Nobody but Captain Bowers has ever seen the other side," said Mr. Chalk,
impressively.
"Except my niece," interposed the captain. "She wanted to see it, and I
trust her as I would trust myself. She thinks the same as I do about
it."
His stubby forefinger travelled slowly round the coast-line until, coming
to the extreme south-west corner, it stopped, and a mischievous smile
creased his beard.
"It's buried here," he observed.
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