"Besides,
we've got no choice. It's that or ruin, and there's nobody within
thousands of miles to contradict us. We bring both the ship and the map
back to 'em. What more can they ask?"
[Illustration: "'It'll be all right,' said Brisket, puffing at his
cigar."]
"You'll soon know," said the pessimistic Mr. Duckett. "I wonder whether
they'll have another shot for the treasure when they get that map back?"
"I should like to send that Captain Bowers out searching for it," said
Brisket, scowling, "and keep him out there till he finds it. It's all
his fault. If it hadn't been for his cock-and-bull story we shouldn't
ha' done what we did. Hanging's too good for him."
"I suppose it's best for them not to know that there's no such island?"
hazarded Mr. Duckett.
"O' course," snapped his companion. "Looks better for us, don't it,
giving them back a map worth half a million. Now go through the yarn
again and I'll see whether I can pick any holes in it. The train goes in
half an hour."
Mr. Duckett sighed and, first emptying his mug, began a monotonous
recital. Brisket listened attentively.
"We were down below asleep when the men came running down and overpowered
us.
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