s for the disposal of it. He would not trust it in the
hands of the treasurer of the band, but would take charge of it himself.
He would invest a portion of it in weapons, fishing-tackle, clothing,
powder, shot, and other articles they needed to complete their outfit,
and with the remainder he would purchase provisions. He had never
dreamed that the burglars would refuse to live up to their promise, but
he had heard enough of their conversation to satisfy him that they would
bear watching. Sam thought they were the meanest men he had ever heard
of.

"I won't give up the money," said the governor, striking his fist upon
the rail to give emphasis to his words; "that's just all about it. They
promised to give it to me if I would take them out to sea, and they
sha'n't go off this vessel till I have it in my hands. If they won't
stick to their bargain, like men had oughter do, I must find some way to
make 'em. Step this way a minute, skipper. What do you think them two
bugglars are doin'?" he added, in a scarcely audible whisper, glancing
toward his passengers, who were still leaning over the rail. "They're
layin' their plans to swindle us out of our money!"

"No!" exclaimed Tom, who had also built his hopes high upon that
thousand dollars, and could not bear the thought of losing it.

"It's a fact. I heard them talkin' about it."

"O, now, did any body ever hear of such luck?" drawled the captain,
stamping his foot impatiently upon the deck, and twisting his mouth on
one side as if he had half a mind to cry. "I don't see how I can stand
another disappointment to-night. That money would have bought so many
things we really need! What did they say, Sam?"

The governor repeated the conversation he had overheard as nearly as he
could recall it, and when he had finished his story Tom thrust his hands
into his pockets and thoughtfully paced the deck. Sam watched him
closely, and when he saw the captain's face brighten up, and the scowl
disappear from his forehead, his hopes rose again. "What is it,
skipper?" he asked.

"I've got another idea," replied Tom, excitedly. "We want that money,
don't we?"

"Of course we do, an' we're bound to have it, if we can get it. There
ain't a single dollar in the treasury. I'd like to punish them fellers,
too, fur bein' so mean as to think of cheatin' us."

"Well, we can do it," said Tom, mysteriously. "Sam," and here he
approached the governor, and placed his lips close to his ear--"I c