Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/300

282 holes were bad enough, without adding other perils."

"Dave, do you think we'll catch that schooner?" went on Phil, after a pause, during which the boys watched the ship drawing away from the island.

"I sincerely hope so," was the serious reply. "If we don't, and Jasniff gets away, this mission down here will have proved almost a failure."

"Then you think Jasniff has the most of the jewels?"

"Yes. If you'll remember, the jewels that were taken were valued at about seventy-five thousand dollars. Well, I have looked at the jewels I got from Link, and so has Mr. Borden, who knows something about gems, and we have come to the conclusion that those Link turned over to me are not worth over fifteen thousand dollars. That means that Jasniff has about sixty thousand dollars' worth."

"Isn't that like Jasniff!" cried the senator's son. "Always wanted the big end of everything! It's a wonder he and Link didn't quarrel before."

"They did quarrel, and Link wanted to leave him several times, but didn't dare, for Jasniff threatened to expose him. In one way, I am sorry for Link,—but, of course, he had no right to commit such a deed."

After Cave Island was left in the distance,