Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/257

Rh "Only a few small ones. We were afraid to offer the big ones, so soon after the—well, you know," and Link Merwell stopped short, looking everything but happy.

"You mean so soon after the robbery," said Dave, bluntly.

"Yes."

"Link, whatever—but never mind that now," continued our hero, hastily. "Hand over the money-belt."

"What, now?"

"Yes, at once. I'll not trust you to carry those jewels a minute longer."

"Can't you wait till we get out of this wretched hole?"

"I might, but I am not going to. Hand it over and be careful that none of the jewels are lost. Your father may have to pay for the others."

With fingers that trembled from fear and chilliness. Link Merwell slipped his hands under the light clothing he wore and took off the money-belt that encircled his waist.

"There is some money there that belongs to me," he began, hesitatingly.

"You'll get back what is yours, never fear," answered Dave, and took the belt. He saw to it that it was tightly closed, then fastened it around his own waist.