Looking upon Guy as a boy, they simply shook hands with him, and did not feel called upon to pay him any further attention; but when the captain explained his business they regarded him with curiosity and surprise.

“I can hardly believe,” said the senior of the two, “that this boy can have received such an important commission.”

“I am not surprised at that,” returned the captain. “It certainly does seem unlikely. I can assure you, however, that there is no mistake about it.”

“I don’t believe much in hunting for treasures, especially at the other end of the world. To my mind there is not one chance in ten of finding what is sought after.”

“Let me call your attention to this fact, Mr.{193} Gray, that your compensation will not depend upon the finding of the treasure. Mr. Saunders, the boy’s employer, is a man of vast wealth, and he backs the enterprise. No matter if it is a failure, he will pay you what he agrees to.”

“To be sure, to be sure, that is important. If we are protected, of course, we need not trouble ourselves as to the result of the quest.”

“Exactly so.”

“The next question is, will Mr. Saunders be willing to pay enough to make up to us for the increased length of the voyage?”

“That is a matter for the boy to decide. Mr. Saunders has given him full power to act for him.”

“How much time do you think you will need, Mr. Fenwick?” asked the merchant.

“I have talked the matter over with Captain Grover, and have decided² that I had better contract for two months.”

“And should the time be prolonged?”

“I will, of course, pay an additional sum.”

“That is satisfactory.”

“I ought to mention, also,” said Guy, “that I intend to have two men with me to assist me in taking possession of the treasure, if I find it.”

“Then, in addition to paying for the vessel³, there will be three passengers, including yourself?”{194}

“Yes, sir.”

“If you will call to-morrow, we will be prepared to submit our terms. We shall need to talk matters over, and estimate what sum we must ask to make ourselves good.”

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