t was, led them to
believe that he also was becoming dissatisfied and was ready to join
with them against the governor. But they were in no hurry to commit
themselves.

"We don't understand you," said Jack Spaniard.

"No, I reckon not," replied the mate, with a laugh. "You an' Atkins were
not layin' plans to steal this money, were you? I know you were, but I
hain't got nothing to say ag'in it. If you will let me come in with you,
mebbe the job can be done a good deal easier. The governor suspects you,
an' you can't wink your eye without his knowin' all about it. But he
thinks I am all right, an' I can get my hands on the money at any time.
O, you need not be afraid to trust me," he added, earnestly, seeing that
Atkins and his companion exchanged significant glances, and in various
other ways indicated that they were suspicious of him. "I know that we
are bound to be captured if we stay on board the Sweepstakes, an' I am
goin' to desert her. But I don't want to go without any money, an', as I
have as much right to the five thousand dollars as the governor has, I'm
goin' to take it. I heard the cap'n say that we would stop at one of the
Elizabeth Islands to take on a supply of water. If we do, I shall watch
my chance, an' the first thing the governor knows I'll be missin', an'
so will the money. If you want to go with me, all right; if you don't,
you can stay behind an' be servants fur them two lazy officers. Them's
my sentiments."

This was the beginning of a long conversation. Atkins and Jack Spaniard
would have been glad of Xury's assistance, for they knew that they would
be so closely watched that it would be an exceedingly difficult matter
for them to secure possession of the valise, but the mate could pick it
up at any time, and without exciting the governor's suspicions. They
could not forget, however, that Xury had exhibited a great deal of zeal
during the attack on their breastworks. He had always been loyal to the
chief, and they were surprised to hear him talk of deserting, and afraid
to trust him. But he seemed to be thoroughly in earnest, and Atkins
finally acknowledged that he and Jack Spaniard had made up their minds
to leave the band at the first good opportunity, and that they intended
to take the money with them. They compelled Xury to make all sorts of
promises that he would never betray them, and the latter, to show that
he meant all he said, agreed to do the dangerous part of the work
himself. They