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186 a great pearl treasure said to be hidden somewhere near the great volcano Kilauea."

"Well?"

"Do you acknowledge it?"

"I haven't anything to say on that point."

"Not now—but you will have later," said the Spaniard, in a tone that made my blood run cold.

"You are not getting at your terms very fast," I put in.

"This business does not concern you," was the angry retort. "I will finish with you later. I am now addressing Oliver Raymond."

"Better get to the point and give me a chance to get up," said my friend.

"The point is this: You know where this treasure is. If I try to find it alone I may have a long search. To hasten matters, I will grant you your liberty if you will explain to me in detail just where the Cave of Pearls, as the document calls it, can be found."

"And supposing I can't tell you what you want to know?"

"You mean you will not tell me?" growled Ramon Delverez, his face growing darker.

"I mean that I can't tell you."

"If you will not speak you must suffer the consequences."

"Would you—you" Oliver could not finish.