Money Island | Page 2

corsair could have with his merry crew. The hours sped swiftly; and at dusk anchors were weighed, and the ship moved a few miles to the northward.
Captain Kidd, standing at the prow, called Captain Redfield to him. "Captain," said he, "I wish to entrust you with a most important service. I am somewhat overstocked. I have not failed to be generous to the men; but still I do not feel at ease for a journey to New England. You appreciate the situation. I wish to make a deposit; and, as our interests along the coast are now beginning to be extensive, I desire to detail you as a resident of Carolina to keep an oversight for me. You will live on this coast near the location of to-night's deposit. You will find the climate agreeable, and other things favorable. I will hand you for your own use, in case of need, gold to the value of one thousand pounds. Is it agreeable, Captain?"
"Aye, sir; your wishes are my orders."
"Then, swear by the Holy Virgin that you will faithfully watch over the stuff; that you will not touch the chests or their contents, nor give any information or suggestion that might lead any one to their discovery--in fact, that you will not disclose to any one the object of your residence in this secluded place."
Captain Redfield doffed his hat, and, raising his right hand, said, "Captain, I so swear."
"Your hand with the oath, Redfield. You are a trusty fellow, and I have the fullest confidence in you."
"Thank you, Captain."
"But, hold," Captain Kidd continued in his great benevolent voice, "I had forgotten the conditions. They are: You are to keep the engagement, if necessary, for five years. Our calling; as you know, is a little uncertain. At the end of that period, if I have not returned, you will be at liberty to take up the smaller chest to be deposited to-night, and use the contents, subject to such division--not to exceed one-half to each of us--as I may demand on my return. The same conditions will apply to the other chest for an additional period of five years. In the event, however, of any special need, I may send an order for some of the stuff. But look you for my signet. See!" And he drew from his pocket a piece of resin upon which he had stamped his signet. "Keep that to prove the genuineness of my written orders. Is everything satisfactory, Redfield?"
"Everything is satisfactory, Captain."
Captain Redfield was a man of stalwart build. His height was six feet or more, and his movements were quick and firm. His face was beardless and wore an expression of stability and energy.
The two stood for some time upon the prow of the ship, and discussed the locality of the proposed hiding of the precious booty. Then Captain Kidd called two men by name, who promptly responded. He said, "I have trusted you in times past, and I desire to do so again. I believe you will not betray my confidence. We are going to make another deposit to-night. I have long had the location in mind. Now, swear by the Holy Virgin that you will not disturb the stuff yourselves, nor in any way aid or abet any one else in doing so."
They swore with deep earnestness.
The group continued there awhile, until the moon rose and shed its silver splendor on the rolling water about them, touching the white-capped breakers with a soft and magic radiance as they dashed upon the near-by beach.
Then orders were given for the lowering of the boat.
Captain Kidd proceeded to the lockers of the ship, which opened into his cabin; and, with the aid of Captain Redfield, drew forth two iron chests. These he carried to the outer deck, and carefully lowered them to the boats by means of ropes. From a respectful distance the sailors who had no hand in this work watched the proceedings with eager interest.
Firearms, shovels, and axes were then placed in the boat. Four rowers took their positions; and Captains Kidd and Redfield climbed down the rope ladder, and sat in the stern. Everything was ready, and word was given to ply the oars.
Soon the ship became a mystic shape in the dim distance; and, as the inlet was entered, it was lost entirely to view. By tortuous passages among the marshes, they drew up at the island--Money Island.
"Island the fourth!" said Captain Kidd jocularly. "Magnificent indeed will be the buccaneer's 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