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 "and I warn you you 'll be as dead as mutton if you land here. It's my island, and I won't have any one on it."

"I hate to argue with you under the circumstances," said Tempest, "but I'm afraid I don't believe that yarn. Now, listen, I 'll make you a little business proposition."

"What is it?" asked Flagg.

"We will assume that we are all here for the same purpose."

"I'm not here for my health," said Flagg ungraciously.

"Precisely. You came after our treasure."

"That's my business."

"And it is mine too, Mr. Flagg," said Tempest. "If I had a gun I should n't feel inclined to be so amiable about it, either. However, I 'll make you a sporting offer, to save further unpleasantness. You 've been very good to us at your home, even if you did finish up with a sneaking trick by trying