Читать книгу Wrecked on Spider Island; Or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure онлайн

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“Here’s to your health, sir.”

“Same to you,” was the reply; and then it was possible for Ned to hear the sound as the glasses were replaced on the shelves.

“Mr. Stout,” the captain began in a serious tone, “I believe you are not a rich man.”

“There’s no question about that, sir, for I’m even poorer than a churchmouse.”

“How would you like a chance to make a thousand dollars or more of extra money this trip?”

“There’s precious little need of my answerin’ such a question, sir. I never had a thousand dollars at one time in my life.”

“What would you be willing to do in order to get that much within the next two months?”

“Without stealin’ it, do you mean, sir?”

“It isn’t likely I’d ask you to turn thief; but if this craft never reached Manila there might be more than that in your pocket.”

“Do you mean to wreck her?” Mr. Stout cried as if in alarm.

“Hush! Don’t make such talk so loud that everybody on board can hear you.”

“It strikes me there are worse things than stealing,” the mate said slowly.