amonds!" said Mr. Duncan. "Come on board, Mr.
Todd; we'll see what the captain thinks."

At dinner in the brig's cabin that evening--as a prelude to which Mr.
Todd said grace--his account of the wealth spread out on Captain
Swarth's cabin table after the taking of the passenger-ship was
something to arouse interest in a less worldly man than Captain Bunce.
Virgin gold--in bars, ingots, bricks, and dust--from the Morro Velho
mines of Brazil was there, piled up on the table until the legs had
given way and launched the glittering mass to the floor. Diamonds
uncut, uncounted, of untold value,--a three years' product of the whole
Chapada district,--some as large as walnuts, had been spread out and
tossed about like marbles by those lawless men, then boxed up with the
gold and stowed among the cargo under the main-hatch. Again Mr. Todd
expressed the hope that Providence would see fit to let this treasure
remain where the pirates had left it, no longer to tempt man to kill
and steal. But Captain Bunce and his officers thought differently.
Glances, then tentative comments, were exchanged, and in five minutes
they were of one mind, even including Mr. Todd; for it may not be
needless to state that the treasure and the passenger-ship existed only
in his imagination.

Pending the return of the boats the brig's anchor had been dropped
about two hundred yards from the bark; now canvas was furled, and at
eight bells all hands were mustered aft to hear what was in store.
Captain Bunce stated the case succinctly; they were homeward bound and
under general orders until they reported to the admiral at Plymouth.
Treasure was within their reach, apportionable, when obtained, as
prize-money. It was useless to pursue the pirates into the Brazilian
jungle; but they would need to be watchful and ready for surprise at
any moment, either while at work raising the bark or at night; for
though they had brought out the two boats in which the pirates had
escaped, they could find other means of attack, should they dare or
care to make it. The English sailors cheered. Mr. Todd begged to say a
few words, and enjoined them not to allow the love of lucre to tempt
their minds from the duty they owed to their God, their country, and
their captain, which was also applauded and forgotten in a moment.
Then, leaving a double-anchor watch, provided with blue fire and strict
instructions, on deck, the crew turned in to dream of an affluent
future, and Mr. Todd