d
loudly. A negro boy, scared almost into fits at the sight of the drawn
pistol, led the way into his master's room.

Curtis rose with an ejaculation of surprise and heard Job's brief
account of the events leading to Curley's capture. Then he took the
paper and read it, alternately frowning and exclaiming. As he finished,
he passed it to the New Englander. It was a letter neatly drawn up and
written in Stede Bonnet's even, refined hand.

Aboard Sloop _Royal James,_ now
in an Inlet near the Head of the
Chesapeake Bay.

To Mr. Clarke Curtis. Esq.
of New Castle, in the Delaware Colony.

Sir:

Having now aboard us and in safe custody your son Robert Curtis, we
offer you the following terms for his release and safe return to
you. Namely, to wit:

First, that you shall make no attempt to attack us in an armed
vessel, or otherwise to employ force upon us.

Second, that you shall send a single man, carrying or otherwise
bringing, provided he is alone, a sum in gold amounting to 5,000
pounds sterling.

Third, that this man shall be on the sandbars at the entrance to
the Cape Fear River in Carolina at noon on the 10th day of
September in this year of grace 1718, ready to deliver the sum
before-mentioned and to take in charge the boy, also
before-mentioned.

Failing the accomplishment of any or all of these terms the boy
will be immediately put to death without stay or pity.

Expecting you to act with discretion and for the welfare of your
son,

Ever your humble servant,

Captain Thomas.
(Ship _Royal James_)

"Well," remarked Job as he finished, "we know where they'll be on
September the 10th, at all events. As for our friend here, we can safely
turn him over to the constable, I reckon. Here, Curley--march!" And he
ushered the Jamaican out as they had entered. The gaol was only a few
doors down a cross street, and Job had soon delivered his prisoner into
capable hands. Then he returned to Curtis's house.

The shipowner was pacing up and down his library, where the paper lay
half-crumpled on the floor. He looked up as Job entered and his brow was
wrinkled deep with lines of worry.

"Gad!" he