"I am perfectly honest," she said; "I want you to be."
"Well," said Dan, "first of all I'll tell you what I am going to try to
do: I am going to try to sail this derelict into some port. There is
enough of the mainmast standing to allow some sort of a sail, and we
can't be so terribly far from land. Besides, this hold is filled with
logwood and mahogany. Now this is a valuable cargo, worth at least
fifty thousand dollars. The vessel herself isn't worth a great deal,
but still something. Here is the point: if we take this vessel into
port alone we can claim fifty per cent salvage, and we'll get it, too.
That means that we shall net, through our little experience, some
twenty-five thousand dollars between us."
Virginia stepped toward him with a delighted exclamation. Dan raised
his hand admonishingly.
"But," he continued, "we must first get the vessel into port. Several
things may prevent this. The chief preventive will be a storm. If God
gives us good weather for three or four days that is all I ask. If He
doesn't, then we--"
"Go on," said the girl.
"Then we must simply pray for small favors."
Virginia nodded gravely.
"I understand," she said. "I trust you, Captain." She looked at him
fixedly. "Can you imagine how much I trust you? I shall be strong and
brave and do exactly as you tell me.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192