"A ship is going to pick you up to-morrow?" asked Jane.
"Yes. The crew of the Wanderer goes to the Haarlem and the Haarlem
crew transships to the Wanderer. You see, Cleigh, I'm one of those
efficiency sharks. In this game I have left nothing to chance. Nothing
except an act of God--as they say on the back of your steamer ticket--can
derange my plans. Not the least bit of inconvenience to you beyond going
out of your course for a few days. The new crew was signed on in
Singapore--able seamen wanting to return to the States. Hired them in your
name. Clever idea of me, eh?"
"Very," said Cleigh, speaking directly to Cunningham for the first time
since the act of piracy.
"And this will give you enough coal to turn and make Manila, where you can
rob the bunkers of one of your freighters. Now, then, early last winter in
New York a company was formed, the most original company in all this rocky
old world--the Great Adventure Company, of which I am president and
general adviser. Pearls! Each member of the crew is a shareholder,
undersigned at fifteen hundred shares, par value one dollar. These shares
are redeemable October first in New York City if the company fails, or are
convertible into pearls of equal value if we succeed. No widows and
orphans need apply. Fair enough."
"Fair enough, indeed," admitted Cleigh.
Dennison stared at his father. He did not quite understand this
willingness to hold converse with the rogue after all this rigorously
maintained silence.
"Of course the Great Adventure Company had to be financed," went on
Cunningham with a deprecating gesture.
"Naturally," assented Cleigh. "And that, I suppose, will be my job?"
"Indirectly. You see, Eisenfeldt told me he had a client ready to pay
eighty thousand for the rug, and that put the whole idea into my noodle."
"Ah! Well, you will find the crates and frames and casings in the forward
hold," said Cleigh in a tone which conveyed nothing of his thoughts. "It
would be a pity to spoil the rug and the oils for the want of a little
careful packing."
Cunningham rose and bowed.
"Cleigh, you are a thoroughbred!"
Cleigh shook his head.
"I'll have your hide, Cunningham, if it takes all I have and all I am!"