The Secret of the Reef Part 46

CHAPTER x.x.xI-A GIFT FROM THE DEAD

Jimmy and his companions sat on the balcony formed by the flat roof of the veranda in front of Jaques' store. It was a fine evening and a light breeze stirred the dust in the streets of the wooden town. Beyond the ugly, square-fronted buildings that straggled down to the wharf, the water lay s.h.i.+ning in the evening light, and through a gap the sloop showed up distinctly, riding in the harbor mouth. On the other hand, a blaze of crimson burned above the crest of a hill and the ragged pines stood out harshly sharp against the glow. Work was over for the day, and groups of men lounged in chairs on the sidewalks outside the hotels, while here and there a citizen and his family occupied the stoop of his dwelling.

Jimmy had briefly related their adventures in the North, though nothing had yet been said about the party's future plans. Now, however, Jaques and his wife were waiting to discuss them.

"Clay must have died soon after you left the yacht," the storekeeper said. "As you believe his son is friendly, we have no opposition to fear; and we may as well settle what is to be done."

"Bethune is our business manager," Jimmy said. "Perhaps he will give us his opinion."

Bethune leaned forward with a thoughtful air.

"In the first place, the matter is not so simple as it looks. We don't know the whole story of the wreck, and I'm inclined to think we'll never learn it. On the other hand, there's much to be guessed, and one could form a theory which would be rather hard to contradict. In fact, except for certain prejudices, I believe we could make some money out of it."

"You can call them prejudices, if you like," Mrs. Jaques broke in. "For all that, it would be wiser to act up to them."

"It's possible," Bethune agreed. "Just the same, we're in a rather responsible position."

"I'm a trader," Jaques remarked. "I want a fair profit on the money I lay out; but I stop at that. All the money I take is for value supplied."

Jaques turned to Jimmy.

"Now that we're talking about it, did you see where Clay got that case?"

"I didn't; nor did anybody else. We were too busy to trouble about examining the hole he crawled into. I suppose there must have been a s.p.a.ce between the top of the strong-room and the floor of the p.o.o.p cabin."

"It's a curious place to stow a box of gold. You can understand their putting the sham case in the strong-room if they meant to wreck the boat; but then why didn't they s.h.i.+p the genuine stuff by another vessel?"

"That," said Bethune, smiling, "is the point where my theory breaks down. The only explanation I can think of seems too far-fetched to mention."

"We will let it go," Mrs. Jaques interposed quickly. "What do you suggest doing with the gold you brought home?"

"We'll take it to the underwriters and press for all the salvage we can get. If they're not inclined to be liberal, we'll go to court."

"And the sham box? Will you give them that?" Mrs. Jaques asked.

Jimmy had been expecting the question, and he saw that he must speak. He knew that a fraud had been plotted in connection with the wreck; but it was not his business to investigate the matter. He admitted that this view might be challenged, but he was determined to act upon it.

Suspicion rested on Osborne; but Jimmy had made up his mind that, whatever happened, Ruth should not suffer on his account. No sorrow or hint of shame must rest on her. Moreover, he had, in a sense, made Clay a promise; the dying man had trusted him.

"I claim that case," he said quietly. "I told Clay I'd give it to Osborne."

There was silence for a few moments, and then Jaques looked up.

"Well," he said, "I'm not sure that's not the best way out of it. What's your idea, Mr. Bethune?"

"On the whole, I agree with you. Somebody may have meant to wreck the vessel, but we have no proof to offer; and, after all, it's the gold that concerns us, and the underwriters who paid for it when lost will get it back. This ought to satisfy them; and I don't see that it's our part to go any further into the matter." He smiled as he added: "I'll admit it's a course that seems likely to save us a good deal of trouble."

They decided to deposit the gold in the vaults of an express company in Victoria, and that Bethune should then open negotiations with the insurers.

"I guess I could sell the _Cetacea_ for you at a moderate price," Jaques said. "One of the boys here thinks of going into the deep-water fishery."

"I'd be sorry to part with the boat, but we have no use for her," Jimmy replied. "Our idea is that if we can get enough from the insurance people we might make a venture in the towing and transport line. A small wooden, propeller tug wouldn't cost very much; and we might even begin with a big launch or two."

"It ought to pay," declared Jaques. "The coasting trade's pretty good; in fact, I often have to wait some time before I can get my truck brought up."

"It's only beginning," Bethune said. "The coastline of this province is still practically undeveloped, but it's studded with splendid natural harbors, and the extension of the new railroads to the sea will give trade a big impetus. The men who get in first will make their profit. Of course, I'm looking forward a few years to the time when the narrow waters will be covered with steamboats, but in the meanwhile there's a living to be picked up by towing booms for the sawmills and collecting small freight among the northern settlements."

He spoke with enthusiasm, and Jaques looked eager.

"I guess you're right. First of all, you have to see the underwriters; then if you have any use for a few more dollars, let me know. I might help you in several ways."

They talked the project over, though Bethune and Jaques took the leading part, and Jimmy sat by Mrs. Jaques in a state of quiet content. At the cost of much hards.h.i.+p and toil, he had done what he had undertaken, and now a promising future was opening up. He had confidence in Bethune's judgment; the path they were starting on might lead to fortune. The thought of Ruth Osborne beckoned Jimmy forward. He was determined that none of the obstacles they would no doubt meet with should turn him aside. He had not his partner's versatile genius, but he was endowed with a cool courage and a stubborn tenacity which were likely to carry him far.

With a gesture his hostess indicated her husband and Bethune.

"They're getting keen, but I must say that Tom's not often mistaken in business matters. He seems to think your prospects are good."

"We must try to make them good," Jimmy responded. "It was a fortunate thing for us that we met your husband. We were in a very tight place when he helped us."

"I've wondered why you didn't go to sea again before that happened. It would have been the easiest way out of your troubles."

Jimmy grew confidential.

"I had a strong reason for not wis.h.i.+ng to leave the province."

"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Jaques, and beamed upon him. "I understand. I hope you have made a wise choice. Falling in love is rather a serous thing. I suppose she's pretty?"

"She's beautiful!"

Mrs. Jaques smiled.

"So you stayed in Vancouver on her account! She would naturally wish to keep you."

"I have no reason for believing that," Jimmy answered with a downcast expression.

"You mean-"

Mrs. Jaques gave him a searching look before she finished her sentence:

"-that you don't know whether she is fond of you or not?"

Jimmy hesitated, and the blood crept into his face as he thought of the night he had helped Ruth out of the launch.

"It may be a long time before I find out," he said. "The trouble is that she's a rich man's daughter."

"What is his name? Your confidence is safe."

"Osborne."