and gathered around him.

For a little while, in utter silence, his keen eyes travelled from one
visage to the next, from Henri Picquet to Victor Georgiades, to Sanchez,
to Sard. His intent scrutiny focussed on Sard; lingered.

If there was anybody he might trust, a little way, it would be Sard.

Then a polite, untroubled smile smoothed the pale, dark features of Jose
Quintana:

"Bien, messieurs, the coup has been success. Yes? Ver' well; in turn,
then, en accord with our custom, I shall dispose myse'f to listen to
your good advice."

He looked at Henri Picquet, smiled and nodded invitation to speak.

Picquet shrugged: "For me, mon capitaine, eet ees ver' simple. We are
five. Therefore, divide into five ze gems. After zat, each one for
himself to make his way out----"

"Nick Salzar and Harry Beck are in Drowned Valley," interrupted
Quintana.

Picquet shrugged again; Sanchez laughed, saying: "If they are there it
is their misfortune. Also, we others are in a hurry."

Picquet added: "Also five shares are sufficient division."

"It is propose, then, that we abandon our comrades Beck and Salzar to
the rifle of Mike Clinch?"

"Why not?" demanded Georgiades sullenly; -- "we shall have worse to face
before we see the Place de l'Opera."

"There remains, also, Eddie Abrams," remarked Quintana.

Crooks never betray their attourney. Everybody expressed a willingness
to have the five shares of plunder properly assessed to satisfy the fee
due to Mr. Abrams.

"Ver' well," nodded Quintana, "are you satisfy, messieurs, to divide an'
disperse?"

Sard said, heavily, that they ought to stick together until they arrived
in New York.

Sanchez sneered, accusing Sard of wanting a bodyguard to escort him to
his own home. "In this accursed forest," he insisted, "five of us would
attract attention where one alone, with sufficient stealth, can slip
through into the open country."

"Two by two is better," said Picquet. "You, Sanchez, shall travel alone
if you desire----"

"Divide the gems first," growled Georgiades, "and then let each do what
pleases him."

"That," nodded Quintana, "is also my opinion. It is so settle.
Attention!" Two pistols were in his hands as by magic. With a slight
smile he laid them on the moss beside him.

He then spread a large white handkerchief flat on the ground; and, from
his pockets, he poured out the glittering cascade. Yet, like a feeding
panther, every sense remained alert