Money Island | Page 3

castle in Merry England when they all give up
their wealth! Ha, a fine life this; but I suppose as fine a one when the
retired merchant from the South Seas brings his well-earned fortune to
a corner of old England. Not Captain Kidd then, men, but John
So-and-So, a wise and revered merchant. Ha! Do you see the game?"

The sailors sprang upon the land and pulled the boat well in from the
water. The officers stepped lightly ashore, and railed against the
low-lying branches, which whipped their faces. The trees were thick
and low, making passage beneath them arduous and slow. However, the
whole island was small and soon traversed; and, finally, a spot was
selected as being accessible and suitable to the purpose.
Two deep holes about ten feet apart were dug, and the chests brought
and deposited within them. Some of the earth was replaced; and then
they sought two small trees to plant above the chests. This was
accomplished slowly and carefully, so that the growth of the trees
would not be stopped.
At length the task was completed; and the little island bore within its
bosom wealth sufficient to buy an earldom. The silence of the dreary
solitude sealed the secret; and there was no man who might discover it,
other than those who laid the chests in their earthly hiding place. The
moon gave testimony to the hidden treasure, and bore its silent witness
through the many decades that followed.
Upon leaving the island, they rowed to the mainland, which was but a
short distance away; and there Captain Redfield hid in three places in
the ground the money which Captain Kidd had supplied him for his
own needs, and as compensation for his services until his return. The
axes and shovels, also, were secreted in the woods.
It was past midnight when they returned to the ship, which set sail at
break of day towards the north. By sunset they reached Albemarle
Sound, the rendezvous of some companion buccaneers; and there
waited for several days feasting and engaging in jovial pastimes.
Meantime, a small sloop was procured for Captain Redfield; and,
having been supplied with necessary provisions and household
comforts, and manned by four sturdy men who knew naught of the
buried treasure, but engaged for the service on goodly pay, it sailed for
the captain's new home near Money Island.
Upon reaching their destination, the pioneer residents set to work at

once to construct temporary quarters, and were soon provided with a
comfortable house. According to the plans of the Commander-in-Chief,
the men who accompanied Captain Redfield were to understand that
they were to engage in any service that might come to hand. They were
to clear the land and till it, build houses and fences, and do such other
work as might tend to prepare the locality for a more permanent
settlement in case it should be desired to inaugurate such an enterprise.
The sloop gave them communication with the outside world, enabling
them to visit Charleston, where a colony had been lately planted, and
the several settlements to the north. It also afforded Captain Redfield
opportunity to find a wife, whom he brought to Rindout, as he styled
his new home. There the party lived in the quiet enjoyment of a life
with nature, which abundantly supplied, during the frequent periods of
recreation, every facility for hunting, fishing, and other sports.
One year passed, and another reached its seventh month; and the party
had experienced nothing to arouse more than a passing interest. There
had been no visitors to their settlement, not even an Indian.
On one October morning, however, a ship was seen lying off the inlet.
This was a sight which caused a considerable stir among them. Captain
Redfield debated the question within himself whether or not it was the
ship of the Commander-in-Chief, and if it would be wise to go out and
pay her a visit. But he hesitated, not wishing to jeopardize the
commission imposed upon him.
Finally, a boat was seen approaching the shore, bearing a flag at its
prow. In due course this was recognized as the ensign of Captain Kidd;
and everything wag hastily arranged to receive the leader with due
honor and welcome.
As the boat drew near, though, it was discovered that he was not among
the occupants; but on a seat at the stern, and with dignified mien, sat
Max Brisbau, an old shipmate of Captain Redfield's, and a former
companion in the service of Captain Kidd.
Brisbau alighted, and, extending his hand to Captain Redfield with

suave complacency, stated that he had came upon a little service for
Captain Kidd, and would later communicate his object. He showered
courtly attentions upon his host, who exhibited unfeigned pleasure in
welcoming him.