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"If they left the island the early part of April, theyon your door at any time"

"Providing they did not have to wait long in Auckland to find a stout ship that e"

"My God, man, you're in an impossible situation"

"What you reallywish?"

"You're not going to die," said Carlisle, looking Scaggs in the eye

"Oh yes I as said firmly "You're a practical businessman, Abner Nobody knows that better than e"

"You want me to wet-nurse Betsy's children"

"They can live in my house until you drop their anchor in the best educational institutions money can buy"

"The pitiful a hats and food supplies to visiting whaling ships won't co at expensive schools They'll need the proper clothes and private tutors to bring the ers"

Scaggs pointed to the leather pouch

Carlisle held it up "Is this what Betsy sent you to educate her children?"

Scaggs nodded slightly "Open it"

Carlisle loosened the strings and poured the contents into his hand He looked up at Scaggs incredulously "Is this so but ordinary stones"

"Trust me, Abner They are not ordinary"

Carlisle held up one about the size of a prune in front of his spectacles and peered at it The surface of the stone was sht sides "This is nothing but some sort of crystal It's absolutely worthless"