gh to become pirates, cheered lustily: and,
turning his back upon all hopes of an honorable career, Kidd set out
in search of the treasure fleet. After cruising for four days, the
"Adventure" fell in with the squadron, which proved to be under convoy
of an English and a Dutch man-of-war. The squadron was a large one,
and the ships greatly scattered. By skilful seamanship, Kidd dashed
down upon an outlying vessel, hoping to capture and plunder it before
the convoying men-of-war could come to its rescue. But his first shot
attracted the attention of the watchful guardians; and, though several
miles away, they packed on all sail, and bore down to the rescue with
such spirit that the disappointed pirate was forced to sheer off. Kidd
was now desperate. He had failed as a reputable privateer, and his
first attempt at piracy had failed. Thenceforward, he cast aside all
scruples, and captured large ships and small, tortured their crews,
and for a time seemed resolved to lead a piratical life. But there are
evidences that at times this strange man relented, and strove to
return to the path of duty and right. On one occasion, a Dutch ship
crossed the path of the "Adventure," and the crew clamorously demanded
her capture. Kidd firmly refused. A tumult arose. The captain drew his
sabre and pistols, and gathering about him those still faithful,
addressed the mutineers, saying,--

"You may take the boats and go. But those who thus leave this ship
will never ascend its sides again."

The mutineers murmured loudly. One man, a gunner, named William Moore,
stepped forward, saying,--

"You are ruining us all. You are keeping us in beggary and starvation.
But for your whims, we might all be prosperous and rich."

At this outspoken mutiny, Kidd flew into a passion. Seizing a heavy
bucket that stood near, he dealt Moore a terrible blow on the head.
The unhappy man fell to the deck with a fractured skull, and the other
mutineers sullenly yielded to the captain's will. Moore died the next
day; and months after, when Kidd, after roving the seas, and robbing
ships of every nationality, was brought to trial at London, it was
for the murder of William Moore that he was condemned to die. For
Kidd's career subsequent to the incident of the Dutch ship was that of
a hardened pirate. He captured and robbed ships, and tortured their
passengers. He went to Madagascar, the rendezvous of the pirates, and
joined in their revelry and debauchery. On the i