"I wish we knew," Croyden returned. "It might help us--for quite between ourselves, Macloud, I think we're stumped."
"Our first business is to move on Washington and get the permit," Macloud returned. "Hook-nose and his friend may have the Point, for to-day; they're not likely to injure it. Come along!"
They were passing the Marine Barracks when Croyden, who had been pondering over the matter, suddenly broke out:
"We've got to get rid of those two fellows, Colin!"
"Granted!" said Macloud. "But how are we to manage it?"
"We agree that we dare not have them arrested--they would blow everything to the police. And the police would either graft us for all the jewels are worth, or inform the Government."
"Yes, but we may have to take the risk--or else divide up with the thieves. Which do you prefer to do?"
"Neither!" said Croyden. "There is another way--except killing them, which, of course, would be the most effective. Why shouldn't we imprison them--be our own jailers?"
Macloud threw away his cigarette and lit another before he replied, then he shook his head.
"Too much risk to ourselves," he said. "Somebody would likely be killed in the operation, with the chances strongly favoring ourselves. I'd rather shoot them down from ambush, at once."
"That may require an explanation to a judge and jury, which would be a trifle inconvenient. I'd prefer to risk my life in a fight. Then, if it came to court, our reputation is good, while theirs is in the rogues' gallery."
"Where would you imprison them?" asked Macloud, dubiously.
"That is the difficulty, I admit. Think over it, while we're going to Washington and back; see if you can't find a way out. Either we must jug them, securely, for a week or two, or we must arrest them. On the whole, it might be wiser to let them go free--let them make a try for the treasure, unmolested. When they fail and retire, we can begin."
"Your last alternative doesn't sound particularly attractive to me--or to you, either, I fancy."
"This isn't going to be a particularly attractive quest, if we want to succeed," said Croyden. "Pirate's gold breeds pirate's ways, I reckon--blood and violence and sudden death. We'll try to play it without death, however, if our opponents will permit. Such title, as exists to Parmenter's hoard, is in me, and I am not minded to relinquish it without a struggle. I wasn't especially keen at the start, but I'm keen enough, now--and I don't propose to be blocked by two rogues, if there is a way out."