, and has only come to obtain her crew also to
be henceforth under his command. But, should ransom be paid, Montbar
would consider us freed from all obligation."

That evening, therefore, Hartog stated plainly our conditions to
Captain Montbar, which, shortly, were that if the treasure proved to be
of great value, we would divide it equally among the companies of the
frigate and our ship; if not of great value, then the whole of the
treasure was to go to the frigate as salvage for our vessel; and if we
did not succeed in bringing the treasure away, then our ship and her
company were to be at Montbar's disposal, to do with as he thought fit.

These proposals were received by Montbar with a gravity and shrewdness
which clearly proved his professed generosity in returning us our
vessel was only preliminary to demanding a ransom.

"Let it be as you say, then," he said. "Within a week we shall have
ascertained the value of this treasure, when the matter may be adjusted
in the manner you propose. Meanwhile, the resources of my vessel are at
your disposal."

We thanked him and withdrew, but we determined only to employ our own
men on our second visit to the eaves. A fair remuneration for the
salvage of our ship was all that Captain Montbar looked for or
expected, and we saw no reason why we should disclose our secret to any
beyond those chosen from our own company, nor did Montbar seek to pry
into our business, contenting himself with our promise, at the end of
the week either to pay him salvage or surrender our ship and ourselves,
to be disposed of in such manner as might please him best.

CHAPTER XXXIV

WE AGAIN EXPLORE THE CAVES

During the two days which followed the making of our compact with
Captain Montbar we were busy with our preparations for a second visit
to the place of the painted hands, where we knew that gold was to be
obtained for those who had the courage to carry it away. This time we
sailed round, so that we were saved the journey over the cliffs. We had
caused to be made for Hartog, Janstins, and me dresses of sail-cloth,
with masks like those worn by Inquisitors, the eye-holes being filled
with glass. The sleeves of the jacket were made long, so as to cover
our hands. Our sea boots and breeches we knew to be impervious to
hornet stings, and, thus equipped, we hoped to succeed in carrying away
the treasure which the Lamakera fishermen had abandoned.

We took the smallest of our ship's boats,