"Miss Browne," I said, in tones less coldly calm than I could have wished, "if you have thought it necessary to--to orate at this length merely to tell me that I am to have no share in this ridiculous treasure of yours, you have wasted a great deal of energy. In the first place, I don't believe in your treasure." (Which, of course, despite my temporary lapse, I really didn't.) "I think you are--sillier than any grown-up people I ever saw. In the second place, anything you do find you are welcome to keep. Do you think I came along with people who didn't want me, and have turned my own aunt against me, for the sake of filthy lucre? Did I come intentionally at all, or because I was shanghaied and couldn't help myself? Aunt Jane!" I demanded, turning to my stricken relative, who was gazing in anguish and doubt from Miss Browne to me, "haven't you one spark left of family pride--I don't talk of affection any longer--that you sit still and hear me made speeches at in this fashion? Have you grown so sordid and grasping that you can think of nothing but this blood-stained pirate gold?" Aunt Jane burst into tears. "Good gracious, Virginia," she wailed, "how shocking of you to say such things! I am sure we all got along very pleasantly until you came--and in that dreadfully sudden way. You might at least have been considerate enough to wire beforehand. As to blood-stains, there was a preparation your Aunt Susan had that got them out beautifully--I remember the time the little boy's nose bled on the drawing-room rug. But I should think just washing the gold would do very well!" It was impossible to feel that these remarks helped greatly to clear the situation. I opened my mouth, but Miss Browne was beforehand with me. "Miss Virginia Harding has herself admitted that she has no just or equitable claim to participate in the profits of this expedition--I believe I give the gist of your words, Miss Harding?" "Have it your own way," I said, shrugging. "I move, then, Mr. Secretary"--Miss Browne inclined her head in a stately manner toward Mr. Tubbs--"that you offer for Miss Virginia Harding's signature the document prepared by you." "Oh, I say!" broke out Mr. Vane suddenly, "I call this rotten, you know!" "In case of objection by any person," said Miss Browne loftily, "the matter may be put to a vote. All those in favor say aye!" An irregular fire of ayes followed. Mr. Tubbs gave his with a cough meant so far as possible to neutralize its effect--with a view to some future turning of the tables. Captain Magnus responded with a sudden bellow, which caused him to drop the gleaming knife within an inch of Aunt Jane's toe. Mr. Shaw said briefly, "I think the distribution of the treasure, if any is recovered, should be that agreed upon by the original members of the party. Aye!"