Part 93

"The question is, whose hand are they trying to force?" reflected Elaine. "They will hold us until something is acceded to, the man said. Until what is acceded to, and by whom?"

"You think that we are simply the pawns?" asked Davila.

"Undoubtedly!"

"And if it isn't acceded to, they will kill us?"

"They will doubtless make the threat."

"Pleasant prospect for us!"

"We won't contemplate it, just yet. They may gain their point, or we may be rescued; in either case, we'll be saved from dying!" Elaine laughed. "And, at the worst, I may be able to buy them off--to pay our own ransom. If it's money they want, we shall not die, I assure you."

"You would pay what they demand?" Davila asked, quickly.

"If I have to choose between death and paying, I reckon I'll pay."

"But can you pay?"

"Yes, I think I can pay," she said quietly. "I'm not used to boasting my wealth, but I can draw my check for a million, and it will be honored without a moment's question. Does that make you feel easier, my dear?"

"Considerably easier," said Davila, with a glad laugh. "I couldn't draw my check for much more than ten thousand cents. I am only----" She stopped, staring.

"What on earth is the matter, Davila?" Elaine exclaimed.

"I have it!--it's the thieves!"

"Have you suddenly lost your mind?"

"No! I've found it! I've come out of my trance. It's Parmenter's chest."

"Parmenter's chest?" echoed Elaine. "I reckon I must be in a trance, also."

"Hasn't Mr. Croyden told you--or Mr. Macloud?"

"No!"

"Then maybe I shouldn't--but I will. Parmenter's chest is a fortune in jewels."

"A what?"

"A fortune in jewels, which Mr. Croyden has searched for and not found--and the thieves think----"

"You would better tell me the story," said Elaine, pushing back the cards.

And Davila told her....

"It is too absurd!" laughed Elaine, "those rogues trying to force Geoffrey to divide what he hasn't got, and can't find, and we abducted to constrain him. He couldn't comply if he wanted to, poor fellow!"

"But they will never believe it," said Davila.

"And, meanwhile, we suffer. Well, if we're not rescued shortly, I can advance the price and buy our freedom. They want half a million. Hum! I reckon two hundred thousand will be sufficient--and, maybe, we can compromise for one hundred thousand. Oh! it's not so bad, Davila, it's not so bad!"

She smiled, shrewdly. Unless she were wofully mistaken, this abduction would release her from the embarrassment of declaring herself to Geoffrey. She could handle the matter, now.