back without money's worth to satisfy the men who put their capital
into this voyage. It was that which broke the great heart of Columbus,
and I'd have become a pirate sooner than return empty-handed. The pious
rogues who sent us out, and who never miss their churchgoing, would not
have cared whence the money came so long as it filled their pouches."

Hartog had not confided the secret of the king's present to any but me,
as he feared the crew, disappointed in the treasure hunt which they had
been promised, might try to take forcible possession of it. He was so
absorbed in counting the pearls and in speculating upon their value
that he gave no heed to the possibility of being spied upon. But since
I was to have no share in them, the pearls did not interest me as much
as they did the captain, and I allowed my eyes to wander, when, in a
flash of summer lightning, I saw the face of Van Luck looking down upon
us from the skylight above our heads.

Making an excuse to go on deck, I stole cautiously up the
companion-stairs, expecting to catch Van Luck red-handed in the act of
playing the spy upon us, but when I reached the skylight I could see no
sign of him. From where I stood, however, I was able to observe the
captain counting the pearls, and I determined to warn him to have a cover
made for the skylight, or a blind inside that might be drawn to ensure
privacy. But I did not think it would be wise to say anything about my
suspicion. It would be hard to prove, and might be set down to malice,
though honestly I bore Van Luck no ill will.



CHAPTER IX