THE COURAGE OF CAPTAIN PLUM
trust. I will give you a thousand dollars if you will take a package back to your vessel with you and will promise to deliver it as quickly as you can."
"I'll do it!" cried Captain Plum. He jumped to his feet and held out his hand. But the old man slipped from his chair and darted swiftly out into the blackness of the adjoining room. As he came back Captain Plum could hear his insane chuckling.
"Business—business—business—" he gurgled. "Eh, Captain Plum? Did you ever take an oath?" He tossed a book on the table. It was the Bible.
Captain Plum understood. He reached for the book and held it under his left hand. His right he lifted above his head, while a smile played about his lips.
"I suppose you want to place me under oath to deliver that package," he said.
The old man nodded. His eyes gleamed with a feverish glare. A sudden hectic flush had
22
