The Ely miner., 1930-05-09
CHAPTER TX
Bet.ington States His Terms

Neither NetZger nor Sam were on
deck. They had retired to the &C.
cOmmcdatiOn aft, which had so lately
been taken by the captain. They
knew that the joint authority they
were to exercise would not be dis
turbed by rivalries. They were not
yet assured Hf the course 20 be taken.
On the table before them they put
their revOlvers. Not iE anticipation
of disagreement, but rather lest Hal
lett might come in armed and ready.
Il don't like this Andy Orme," said
MetZger. 81 don't like him any more
than you do that youns Sparks who
trOts around with the girl"
1t was curious that in the moment
when grave danger seemed to involve
them, Metzger thought only of Mrs.
Radway. Sam lacked the volatile
spirit Of his companion.
You'll have time enough for that"
Sam said heavily. "That amt wor-
rying me. What are we going to do
now?"
1--WE can sell this Joat," Metzger
asserted. II told the doctor that, but
he made excuses. He shall forge her
papers. J know where | can find a
Portuguese trader who will buy her.
He will not give much, but what he
gives will only be cut two ways"
The treachery to the Others was
agreeable to Sam. 1t was the only
way out. They continued to discuss
the situation. There was Hallett to
reckon with and his two adherents.
They would be warned directly he
left the coom where he was hidden;
there was no danger TO apprehend.
Bettin ton found Clements had been
placed on a wicIer lounge. His faded
blue eyes peered up into the bright
sky; there was still the unfading
smile on bis face. Even death kept
his secret. Perhaps none would ever
know by what name in the world of
crime he had been called.
A deckhand called Mike was at the
wheel.
where's Sam?" Bettington asked.
"Went below with Metzger," Mike
answered.
Bettington followed them. Metzger
and Sam ceased their talk when he
came in. they wondered if he had
heard any of it. 1t was discussion
which should have interested any man
concerned with the length of his days.
We'll" said Bettinston. seating him.
self, whats to be done now?"
Metzger elaborated Oh the simplicity
of his scheme.
''The money would have to be split
three ways and there'd be a nice little
sum. | ',nOw men who will buy and
ask no questions
you'll never sell the AIbatross,"
Bettington asserted.
'Then | know where we can run
her and live aboard. It's the Gulf
Of Nicoya in Costa Rica. There no
body would ever find u.s." Metzgers
face beamed at the thought.
That's silly" Bettington answered
"Do you suppose we all want to pass
our days in the Gulf of Nicoya |.
You've got The wrong idea. You are
afraid to go back to New York,
supposed"
"NOt for mel" said SAM 1.-The
Boss never Lied to us. When he said
he knew all about us ne was speaking
the truth. I'm not goin to run my
neck into nOose."
Doesn't the same fate hang over
me? You know ii does. look on Il
in a different light. Nobody could
know of Clements death for month.
at least. He said the paper wasn't to
be opened for a year. I'm willing TO
take a chance. We all want money.
and lot of 1t. Mrs. Radway will pay
us just the same as she would have
paid Clements ard we don't have TO
share with him. Why throw it awayi
We ought to take II and then go
where we'd be safe tor life"
Sam was obstinate. To go north
meant for him to 60 to his death.
Alive or dead, he feared the man he
had followed. Rather short life
and a gay one in some tropic isle,
than Dannemora. Also. he distrusted
the doctor.
MetZger saw the scheme as ruse
to cheat him of the pleasures he had
determined on. He bad not forgotten
the doctor and Mrs. Railway walking
up and down the deck. That he did
not Immediately counsel the doctors