What could they be?
Were there treasures inside--jewels, or golden ornaments from some Moorish seraglio, or strange coin from far Cathay?
One of the packages was very much larger than the other.

It was enclosed in wrappers made of some coarse kind of felt, bound tight with strong cords.

The other was much smaller, and, was folded in the same material without being bound.

This Melick seized and began to open.
"Wait a minute," said Featherstone.

"Let's make a bet on it.