Page:Off For Hawaii.djvu/44

32 Oliver. "He is a thief—and I'm almost certain he has that paper."

"Was the paper of such great importance?"

"Why, of" Oliver was about to say, "of course," when I checked him.

"No, it wasn't of much consequence, but my friend was keeping it to prove that the man who got it up was insane," I put in. "He wants the sheet, that's all. It's of no value in itself."

At my words I saw Caleb Merkin's face fall and knew what I had said had had its effect. If he had had any idea of hunting up that treasure for himself I felt certain he would now lose a good deal of his interest in the matter.

Oliver at once understood the ruse I had employed, and so did Dan, and both smiled behind Caleb Merkin's back. For a moment there was an awkward pause all around.

"Do you make a formal complaint against this man?" said the officer, at length.

"Don't do it," whispered Dan. "It will only make a lot of trouble."

"But the map" whispered Oliver in return.

"We'll do better by saying nothing and keeping our eyes on this Merkin," I said. "You can wager he has hidden the map where it can't be found through an ordinary search."

"Well, I won't make a formal complaint," said