The Boy Fortune Hunters in the South Seas by L. Frank Baum

By this time all eyes were upon my face, and realizing that I was about to suggest a bold undertaking I was a little embarrassed how to continue.

"For our part, sir," said I, addressing Señor de Jiminez and keeping my gaze averted from the others, "it is our intention to sail for America presently, and we would like to carry a good paying cargo with us. So it strikes me we ought to find a way to get together. Have you spent all your funds here in purchases, or have you some left?"

He figured on the envelope again -- eagerly now, for his quick brain had already grasped my forthcoming proposition.

"I have still in bank here equal to nine thousan' dollar United State money," said he.

"Very well," I rejoined. "Now suppose you purchase from us the _Seagull_ for two hundred thousand dollars, and pay down nine thousand in cash, agreeing to resell the ship to us as soon as we are free of the cargo for the sum of one hundred and ninety-one thousand dollars, accepting your own draft, which you are to give us, in full payment. In that way the thing might be arranged."

He had brightened up wonderfully during my speech and was about to reply when Uncle Naboth, who had been shaking his head discontentedly, broke in with:

"No, Sam, it won't do. It ain't enough by half. Your scheme is jest a makeshift an' I kin see where we might get into a peck o' trouble aidin' an' abettin' a rebellion agin a friendly country. Moreover, you don't take into account the fact that we've got to operate the ship across the South Seas, an' the salaries an' wages fer such a long voyage amounts to considerable."

I have respect for Uncle Naboth's judgment, so was rather crestfallen at his disapproval. But Señor de Jiminez, who was alert to every phase of the argument, said quickly:

"It is true. Nine thousan' dollar is too much for an ordinary voyage, and too little for such voyage as I propose. I will pay fifteen thousan' dollar."

"You haven't the cash," remarked my uncle, "and revolutions are uncertain things."

Jiminez took time to muse over the problem, evidently considering his dilemma from every viewpoint. Then he began to shed his diamonds. He took out his jeweled cuff buttons, his studs, pin and watch guard, and laid them on the table.

"Here," said he, "are twenty thousan' dollar worth of jewels -- the finest and purest diamonds in all the world. I offer them as security. You take my nine thousan' dollar in gold, and my personal note for six thousan', which I pay as soon as in Colombia we land. If I do not, you keep the diamonds, which bring you much more in your own country. You see, gentlemen, I trust you. You are honest, but you make a hard bargain -- hard for the man who must use you in spite of difficulty. But I have no complaint. I am in emergency; I must pay liberally to accomplish my great purpose. So then, what is result? Do I purchase the ship as Señor Sam Steele he describe?"

Uncle Naboth hesitated and looked at my father, who had listened with his usual composure to all this but said not a word. Now he removed his pipe, cleared his throat and said:

"I'm agree'ble. Colombia ain't so blame much out'n our way, Naboth. An' the pay's lib'ral enough."

"What do you think, Ned? " asked my uncle.

"The Cap'n's said it," answered the mate, briefly.

"Joe?"

Joe started and looked around at being thus appealed to. He was only a boy; but Uncle Naboth knew from experience that Joe never spoke without thinking and that his thoughts were fairly logical ones.

"The deal looks all right on the face of it, sir," said he. "But before you sign a contract I'd know something more of this gentleman and his prospects of landing his arms in safety, so we can get away from Colombia without a fight. Let Sam find out all he can about this revolution and its justice, and get posted thoroughly. Then, if it still seems a safe proposition, go ahead, for the terms are fair enough."

"Of course," answered Uncle Naboth, "we don't mean to jump before we look. Other things bein' equal an' satisfaction guaranteed, I'll say to you, Mr. Jim -- Yim -- Jiminez, that I b'lieve we can strike a bargain."