Emily was as excited as any of them, pointing out the novel features of this extraordinary vessel. The children still thought it was professional quarry. Edward was openly bragging of what he would do when he had captured it.

“I shall cut the captain’s head off and throw it in the water!” he declared aloud.

“S‑s‑sh!” exclaimed Harry in a stage whisper.

“Coo! I don’t care!” cried Edward, intoxicated with bravado. “Then I shall take out all the gold and keep it for myself.”

“I shall sink it!” said Harry, in imitation: then added as an afterthought, “Right to the very bottom!”

Emily fell silent, her peculiarly vivid imagination having the mastery of her. She saw the hold of the steamer, piled with gold and jewels. She saw herself, fighting her way through hordes of hairy sailors, with her bare fists, till only the steamer’s captain stood between her and the treasure.