Сердца трех / Hearts of three. Уровень 3

”

While Francis returned delightedly to his arm-chair, Thomas Regan[6 - Thomas Regan – Томас Риган] was in his office. Suddenly a clerk told him about a foreign visitor. Regan listened, glanced at the card, and said:

“Tell this Senor Alvarez Torres[7 - Senor Alvarez Torres – сеньор Альварес Торрес] that I can’t see him.”

Five minutes later the clerk was back, this time with a message. Regan read it:

“Dear Mr. Regan,

“Honoured Sir:

“I have the honour to inform you that I know the location of the treasure that Sir Henry Morgan buried.

Alvarez Torres.”

Regan shook his head.

“Let him in![8 - Let him in! – Пусть войдёт!] At once.”

Senor Alvarez Torres’ English was perfect.

“By great effort, and years of research, I have finally found the clue to the gold of Sir Henry Morgan,” he began. “Of course it’s on the Mosquito Coast[9 - Mosquito Coast – Москитовый Берег].

The nearest town is Bocas del Toro[10 - Bocas del Toro – Бокас-дель-Торо]. I was born there, and I know the neighbourhood. A small schooner is cheap, very cheap; but the reward is the treasure!”

Senor Torres paused.

“You need the money,” the stock operator said brutally, and Senor Torres bowed.

Regan wrote a check, in the name of Alvarez Torres, and when that gentleman glanced at it he read the figures of a thousand dollars.

“Now listen to me,” said Regan.

“I don’t believe your story. But I have a young friend, and he is too tired to live in a big town, you understand?”

Senor Alvarez Torres bowed.

“Now, for his health, as well as his wealth, the best thing for him is a trip after treasure, adventure, exercise, and… you understand, I am sure.”

Again Alvarez Torres bowed.

“You need the money,” Regan continued. “Try to interest him. That money if for your effort. If he departs after old Morgan’s gold, you will get two thousand more.

If he remains away three months, two thousand more; six months – five thousand. Oh, believe me, I knew his father. We were comrades, partners, almost brothers. I can sacrifice any sum to his son. What do you say? Begin! Well?”

Senor Alvarez Torres folded and unfolded the check.

“I… I accept,” he stammered. “I… I… What to say?… I am yours. Mr. Regan, it is true. I need the money.