Dead Man's Cave by James Gallahan

Author:James Gallahan [Gallahan, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-08-21T05:28:00+00:00

43

The dining room table was prepared for the formal event. The governor’s best china, silverware, and crystal glasses were set. Waiters stood next to the walls with their gloved hands folded behind their backs. Kalam and Ibrahim were escorted into the dining room as the waiters pulled back their chairs from the table, waiting for them to sit.

Fletcher smiled at his guests from India and motioned to their chairs. “Gentlemen, please be seated. Welcome back. I am honored you will be having dinner with me tonight. I can understand how anxious you are to learn what I have uncovered regarding your stolen treasure, but let us enjoy the meal first. My chef has prepared our banquet. I hope you will find it satisfactory. We shall start with turtle soup; several dishes of stew consisting of turkey and duck, followed with jellies and pies.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Kalam said.

“Exquisite, sir,” Ibrahim agreed.

The men dined for two hours discussing current events in India and New York.

Fletcher leaned back in his chair and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “It has been quite a busy and eventful couple of days. I hope you enjoyed your dinner.”

“It was excellent,” said Kalam.

“Excellent indeed, sir,” Ibrahim replied with a slight bow.

“I wish we were meeting under better circumstances. Let us go to my state room where we may enjoy a more comfortable setting in which to discuss business.”

“That sounds outstanding,” Kalam replied.

Fletcher, Kalam, and Ibrahim each lit a cigar and sat in fine leather upholstered chairs. Fletcher took a long puff from his cigar. “Now that we’re all comfortable, I will tell you what has transpired the past few days. It is a remarkable series of events. I have decided not to withhold any information from you, so that you may know the full extent of what has happened.”

“We appreciate your honesty and integrity,” Kalam said.

“Thank you. Feel free to stop me at any time, if you have any questions.” The governor spent the next fifteen minutes explaining in great detail all that had occurred with the pirates and the treasure.

Kalam and Ibrahim glanced at each other. “You said your officers came upon only one ornate money chest?” Kalam asked.

“That’s correct, and several bags of silver and gold coins.”

“Do you still have the money and chest here at your mansion?” asked Kalam.

“Yes, I do.

“May we see it to determine if it is one that was aboard the Ganj-i-Sawai?”

“Yes, of course. Please follow me.”

Fletcher took Kalam and Ibrahim to a secure room. “Please do not take what I am going to ask you as a sign I do not believe in your integrity.”

“Ask us what?” Kalam asked.

“Before I lift the tarp covering the money chest, please tell me what it looks like and what’s inside.”

“I completely understand,” Kalam said without showing any sign of being insulted. He waved to Ibrahim and nodded for him to describe the money chests.

Ibrahim raised his chin. “The outside of the two money chests are adorned with rubies and emeralds. Diamonds, more rubies and emeralds, and sapphires are inside.

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