He had a secret which he was not ready to tell, yet, but if this mutinous depression was not broken up soon, he would have to bring it out.

He said, with a great show of cheerfulness: "I bet there's been pirates on this island before, boys.

We'll explore it again.

They've hid treasures here somewhere.

How'd you feel to light on a rotten chest full of gold and silver--hey ?" But it roused only faint enthusiasm, which faded out, with no reply.
Tom tried one or two other seductions; but they failed, too.