MONEY ISLAND.

This is the story of the buried treasure on Money Island, which lies in

Greenville Sound, not far from Wilmington, North Carolina. It was told

by Mr. Jonathan Landstone many years ago, and is a part of another story

which follows, and which will explain something further about the

mysterious little island that blinks in the sunlight and tries to hide

its secret. The words are Mr. Landstone's and were written by him, to

make sure that the story would be told correctly when the time came to

publish it.

(Mr. Landstone's MS.)

My grandfather lived in Charleston, S.C. My home is in Philadelphia. In

my boyhood I visited him several times. He was a fine old man, and was

very fond of me. He used to tell me many stories of the good old

colonial days. He said his father was a pirate; but that pirates in

those days were gentlemen. Although they made game of the King's revenue

on the high seas, it was regarded as nothing very wrong; and, although

they played havoc with the Spanish shipping, it was but the assertion of

a time-honored right of Englishmen, who never did love Spaniards. They

were, many of them, ingloriously hanged, it is true, but it was by the

King's officers, and not by the people.

However, not to defend pirates, or indeed to condemn them, I will tell

you what my grandfather narrated about his father, who was Capt. John

Redfield. He was a gallant seaman, who consorted with Charles Vane and

other doughty corsairs of those days of romance upon the seas.

When Captain Kidd forsook the King's commission to run down the pirates

on the American coast, and organized his formidable squadron, Captain

Redfield was chosen as his trusted counsellor, to accompany the

brilliant leader on his adventures. He gave up his own ship, and was

with Captain Kidd on many voyages, being entrusted with many a

commission of importance.

One fine spring morning, while off the Carolina coast, Captain Kidd was

pacing his deck, enjoying the warm splendor of the early sunshine. He

had just returned from a successful voyage among the Spanish colonies of

the south, and was gaily attired after the manner of a Spanish cavalier.

He wore a cocked hat, decked with a yellow band and a black plume, and

a coat of black velvet which reached down to his knees. His trousers

were blue, and were adorned by large golden knee-buckles. He wore

massive silver buckles on his shoes. With his well-proportioned body,

neatly trimmed beard, and steady, alert eyes, he presented as fine a

picture of a man as could have anywhere been found. His manner had the

dignity and repose of a beneficent prince, as he gave his orders for the

day and received the salutations of his men.

The ship had passed the Cape of Fear, and was making in towards the

shore-line, which Captain Kidd was observing with great interest. Some

near-by point was evidently the destination. At length, at his orders,

the sails were lowered and the anchor dropped. "We will lie here

to-day," he remarked, "and have a little rest."

This information met the ready approbation of the men, who soon disposed

themselves in careless groups about the ship. They knew it would be a

day of idleness; because there were no forays to be made upon the land,

for the reason that there wore no human habitations in those parts. To

the buccaneers the locality was well known as furnishing a safe retreat

when retirement from active work was desired.

During the day there were singing, dancing, feasting. It was a day such

as only a gallant corsair could have with his merry crew. The hours sped

swiftly; and at dusk anchors were weighed, and the ship moved a few

miles to the northward.

Captain Kidd, standing at the prow, called Captain Redfield to him.

"Captain," said he, "I wish to entrust you with a most important

service. I am somewhat overstocked. I have not failed to be generous to

the men; but still I do not feel at ease for a journey to New England.

You appreciate the situation. I wish to make a deposit; and, as our

interests along the coast are now beginning to be extensive, I desire to

detail you as a resident of Carolina to keep an oversight for me. You

will live on this coast near the location of to-night's deposit. You

will find the climate agreeable, and other things favorable. I will hand

you for your own use, in case of need, gold to the value of one thousand

pounds. Is it agreeable, Captain?"

"Aye, sir; your wishes are my orders."

"Then, swear by the Holy Virgin that you will faithfully watch over the

stuff; that you will not touch the chests or their contents, nor give

any information or suggestion that might lead any one to their

discovery--in fact, that you will not disclose to any one the object of

your residence in this secluded place."

Captain Redfield doffed his hat, and, raising his right hand, said,

"Captain, I so swear."

"Your hand with the oath, Redfield. You are a trusty fellow, and I have

the fullest confidence in you."

"Thank you, Captain."

"But, hold," Captain Kidd continued in his great benevolent voice, "I

had forgotten the conditions. They are: You are to keep the engagement,

if necessary, for five years. Our calling; as you know, is a little

uncertain. At the end of that period, if I have not returned, you will

be at liberty to take up the smaller chest to be deposited to-night, and

use the contents, subject to such division--not to exceed one-half to

each of us--as I may demand on my return. The same conditions will apply

to the other chest for an additional period of five years. In the

event, however, of any special need, I may send an order for some of the

stuff. But look you for my signet. See!" And he drew from his pocket a

piece of resin upon which he had stamped his signet. "Keep that to prove

the genuineness of my written orders. Is everything satisfactory,

Redfield?"

"Everything is satisfactory, Captain."

Captain Redfield was a man of stalwart build. His height was six feet or

more, and his movements were quick and firm. His face was beardless and

wore an expression of stability and energy.

The two stood for some time upon the prow of the ship, and discussed the

locality of the proposed hiding of the precious booty. Then Captain Kidd

called two men by name, who promptly responded. He said, "I have trusted

you in times past, and I desire to do so again. I believe you will not

betray my confidence. We are going to make another deposit to-night. I

have long had the location in mind. Now, swear by the Holy Virgin that

you will not disturb the stuff yourselves, nor in any way aid or abet

any one else in doing so."

They swore with deep earnestness.

The group continued there awhile, until the moon rose and shed its

silver splendor on the rolling water about them, touching the

white-capped breakers with a soft and magic radiance as they dashed upon

the near-by beach.

Then orders were given for the lowering of the boat.

Captain Kidd proceeded to the lockers of the ship, which opened into his

cabin; and, with the aid of Captain Redfield, drew forth two iron

chests. These he carried to the outer deck, and carefully lowered them

to the boats by means of ropes. From a respectful distance the sailors

who had no hand in this work watched the proceedings with eager

interest.

Firearms, shovels, and axes were then placed in the boat. Four rowers

took their positions; and Captains Kidd and Redfield climbed down the

rope ladder, and sat in the stern. Everything was ready, and word was

given to ply the oars.

Soon the ship became a mystic shape in the dim distance; and, as the

inlet was entered, it was lost entirely to view. By tortuous passages

among the marshes, they drew up at the island--Money Island.

"Island the fourth!" said Captain Kidd jocularly. "Magnificent indeed

will be the buccaneer's castle in Merry England when they all give up

their wealth! Ha, a fine life this; but I suppose as fine a one when

the retired merchant from the South Seas brings his well-earned fortune

to a corner of old England. Not Captain Kidd then, men, but John

So-and-So, a wise and revered merchant. Ha! Do you see the game?"

The sailors sprang upon the land and pulled the boat well in from the

water. The officers stepped lightly ashore, and railed against the

low-lying branches, which whipped their faces. The trees were thick and

low, making passage beneath them arduous and slow. However, the whole

island was small and soon traversed; and, finally, a spot was selected

as being accessible and suitable to the purpose.

Two deep holes about ten feet apart were dug, and the chests brought and

deposited within them. Some of the earth was replaced; and then they

sought two small trees to plant above the chests. This was accomplished

slowly and carefully, so that the growth of the trees would not be

stopped.

At length the task was completed; and the little island bore within its

bosom wealth sufficient to buy an earldom. The silence of the dreary

solitude sealed the secret; and there was no man who might discover it,

other than those who laid the chests in their earthly hiding place. The

moon gave testimony to the hidden treasure, and bore its silent witness

through the many decades that followed.

Upon leaving the island, they rowed to the mainland, which was but a

short distance away; and there Captain Redfield hid in three places in

the ground the money which Captain Kidd had supplied him for his own

needs, and as compensation for his services until his return. The axes

and shovels, also, were secreted in the woods.

It was past midnight when they returned to the ship, which set sail at

break of day towards the north. By sunset they reached Albemarle Sound,

the rendezvous of some companion buccaneers; and there waited for

several days feasting and engaging in jovial pastimes.

Meantime, a small sloop was procured for Captain Redfield; and, having

been supplied with necessary provisions and household comforts, and

manned by four sturdy men who knew naught of the buried treasure, but

engaged for the service on goodly pay, it sailed for the captain's new

home near Money Island.

Upon reaching their destination, the pioneer residents set to work at

once to construct temporary quarters, and were soon provided with a

comfortable house. According to the plans of the Commander-in-Chief, the

men who accompanied Captain Redfield were to understand that they were

to engage in any service that might come to hand. They were to clear the

land and till it, build houses and fences, and do such other work as

might tend to prepare the locality for a more permanent settlement in

case it should be desired to inaugurate such an enterprise.

The sloop gave them communication with the outside world, enabling them

to visit Charleston, where a colony had been lately planted, and the

several settlements to the north. It also afforded Captain Redfield

opportunity to find a wife, whom he brought to Rindout, as he styled his

new home. There the party lived in the quiet enjoyment of a life with

nature, which abundantly supplied, during the frequent periods of

recreation, every facility for hunting, fishing, and other sports.

One year passed, and another reached its seventh month; and the party

had experienced nothing to arouse more than a passing interest. There

had been no visitors to their settlement, not even an Indian.

On one October morning, however, a ship was seen lying off the inlet.

This was a sight which caused a considerable stir among them. Captain

Redfield debated the question within himself whether or not it was the

ship of the Commander-in-Chief, and if it would be wise to go out and

pay her a visit. But he hesitated, not wishing to jeopardize the

commission imposed upon him.

Finally, a boat was seen approaching the shore, bearing a flag at its

prow. In due course this was recognized as the ensign of Captain Kidd;

and everything wag hastily arranged to receive the leader with due honor

and welcome.

As the boat drew near, though, it was discovered that he was not among

the occupants; but on a seat at the stern, and with dignified mien, sat

Max Brisbau, an old shipmate of Captain Redfield's, and a former

companion in the service of Captain Kidd.

Brisbau alighted, and, extending his hand to Captain Redfield with suave

complacency, stated that he had came upon a little service for Captain

Kidd, and would later communicate his object. He showered courtly

attentions upon his host, who exhibited unfeigned pleasure in welcoming

him.

The visiting boat's crew consisted of six men, who enjoyed the

companionship of Captain Redfield's assistants, mingling with them in

their various pursuits. All the graces of hospitality were generously

displayed, and mirth and good cheer possessed the men.

In the afternoon Captain Redfield was entertaining his guest in his

private room. Brisbau said he would now advise him regarding the

commission upon which he was sent; which was, in fact, none other than

the execution of an order from Captain Kidd for the two cheats that he

had secreted in that neighborhood. Captain Redfield was to be awarded a

generous portion, and his arduous service as guardian of the treasure

would terminate. In the name of Captain Kidd, he graciously extended

thanks for the faithfulness which Captain Redfield had shown in the

discharge of his duties, and gave him assurances of the high esteem and

confidence of the gallant leader.

The words were very pleasing; but Captain Redfield hesitated to make

answer. "It may or may not be true," said he after a pause, "that

Captain Kidd has buried possessions in this immediate locality. It is

not to be denied that he has secreted treasure along the coast, but

where? That is the question. I have some knowledge of the hiding place

of some of it, but must have some written order over the signature and

seal of the Captain to warrant me in disclosing it."

Brisbau promptly responded that he had such a communication from Captain

Kidd, and proceeded to draw it from an inner pocket of his coat. He

failed to find it, and with a great show of annoyance and a sudden

recollection, he exclaimed with an oath that he had left it on the

dressing table on his ship.

What was to be done? He would send immediately out to the ship, and have

the paper brought to him. No, that was hardly worth while. He assured

Captain Redfield that he would hand him the paper on their return to the

ship, with Captain Redfield accompanying him.

That, Captain Redfield replied, would hardly be satisfactory. His

obligation was to give information as to the hidden treasure only upon a

well attested written order from Captain Kidd. Brisbau cajoled,

implored, and vehemently asserted the injury to his feelings which the

foolish reluctance of his friend caused him.

By intuition, Captain Redfield became convinced, on account of a certain

weakness in the attitude of Brisbau in defending his request, that there

were deceit and treachery in his conduct. Therefore, he coolly stated

his determination to make no movement in the matter without the

authority about which he had spoken.

At this Brisbau rose in great anger and exclaimed, "I shall have the

money, or your life will be no more than Jack Kettle's, who flaunted his

opposition before Captain Kidd himself!"

Hardly had he spoken when Captain Redfield in the flash of a thought for

self-preservation, sprang upon him. Brisbau, equally as quick, met the

onset and moved as best he could to avoid the grasp that threatened him.

They were quite alone. Redfield was entirely unarmed, but his opponent

wore a sword at his side, with pistol and knife hanging from his belt.

Having made the assault, the only safety for Redfield lay in his gaining

the ascendency over his opponent by sheer physical effort, to enable him

to keep Brisbau from using the weapons at his side. He missed the hold

around both arms which he had planned, but firmly secured Brisbau's

right arm, while his own right hand grasped the other's wrist. These

advantages he succeeded in holding, although he could do nothing towards

disarming Brisbau or binding him more securely as a captive.

They struggled long and furiously. Redfield, whose position required his

utmost exertion, gradually became exhausted; but he had a desperate

determination to win the mastery over Brisbau, who was likewise weary

from the struggle and doggedly angry. He feared a result disastrous to

himself if he gave his opponent an opportunity to use his weapons.

Finally, just at a critical moment, Mrs. Redfield appeared. She started

at the sight which met her eyes; but, seeing the situation at a glance,

she ran back into the room out of which she had come, and quickly

reappeared with a rope. With a woman's ready wit, she had found the

means of bringing victory to her husband. She threw the rope around

Brisbau's shoulders and wound it over his arms until he was powerless

to resist further. He was then easily bound and tied, body and legs, to

a chair, grumbling his angry displeasure at the turn of affairs.

Captain Redfield paused a little while to recover his balance, and sat

down to cogitate the matter of the disposition of his prisoner; and,

also, to watch for the return of his men from an excursion they had gone

upon for the entertainment of their guests. They were slow in coming,

and an annoying suspicion grew upon him. He could not tell what the

attitude of Brisbau's men might be; or if a conflict between them and

his own men were to occur, what consequences might ensue. At any rate,

he wished to avoid such a conflict if it were by any means possible; but

he feared it could not be done. His good wife was greatly concerned, and

urged upon him some amicable settlement with Brisbau, even to the

delivery of part of the treasure; for, after all, she thought, his claim

might be just.

An hour later, one of Captain Redfield's men returned; and, to his great

dismay, informed him that an agreement had been made with the visiting

seamen which would affect their standing with him, but would work him no

harm. He said that, upon the arrival of the other men, the matter would

be discussed with the Captain, and meantime he would take no steps

toward providing a defense for him in a conflict which was not likely to

occur.

This disclosure was startling, and a shock to the spirit which had

upheld Captain Redfield. His first impulse was to attack the man for

what he considered the basest treachery, but he desisted. Parley with

him he could not. He could only await the consequences of the compact

which had been hinted at. But upon one thing he was determined--not to

disclose any knowledge of the secreted treasure without first having in

hand the credentials from Captain Kidd which he had demanded. His honor

had been pledged to such a course, and he would not forsake his trust.

The men came. But they looked with indifference upon the bound prisoner.

There was no display of the strong feelings which had been anticipated.

The situation was obvious. So far as Captain Redfield was concerned, he

felt that he had been forsaken, betrayed. There was no man who stood

with him. In vain he pleaded with his men to stand by him in his defense

against a most dastardly plan to wrong him. He then inquired their

attitude towards Brisbau, and received an evasive answer.

At length he gave up the struggle, and sought to learn the purpose of

the men who had all now gathered before him; those of his own company,

and those who had come with Brisbau. One of them as spokesman, a

new-comer, informed him that he and his friends had accompanied Captain

Brisbau for the purpose of securing some of the buried treasure, which

was known to be in that neighborhood; and they intended to find the

booty before leaving. He also stated that Captain Redfield's men, upon

learning about the hidden treasure, had agreed to become confederates;

and that their master would be treated in every way as a friend, and be

given a full share of the treasure, provided he would properly inform

them and Captain Brisbau, whom they intended to release immediately, as

to its location. If he for any reason should refuse so to favor them, he

and his wife would be treated as prisoners, and dealt with as might seem

best--until, of course, he would consent to aid them in their project.

The response that came was firm and unmistakable. The brave custodian

averred that he would not betray his trust, even in the very face of

death. Nor did days of urging and threatening turn him from his purpose.

Brisbau was released, and given to understand that the men were in

control of affairs; and that his animosity towards Captain Redfield must

cease.

The woods were scoured for the treasure. Days passed, and weeks, and the

search was incessant; but there was no discovery made. Captain Redfield

and his wife, now prisoners in chains, were urged and implored; but he

could not be persuaded to give the information, although the mental

tension he suffered was almost unbearable.

One day on a sudden determination, Brisbau set sail with his men and

companions, together with the prisoners. His purpose was to take a short

cruise and then return; meantime allowing Captain Redfield a further

opportunity to disclose his secret; otherwise--and he repeated his

threat made upon his first day at Rindout.

The ship stopped at Charleston, and, almost immediately upon its

arrival, it was seized under a suspicion of piracy, and a search made

for evidences of the unlawful traffic. The prisoners were released

through some favor of the authorities, but Brisbau and his men were

imprisoned. In the hands of the king's officers their lives were in

great jeopardy, but they finally escaped the scaffold.

As to Captain Redfield and his wife, the unexpected release was a most

welcome boon. For her he had felt the tenderest and most agonized

solicitude. The temptation to acquiesce in the demand of his captors

and thus free her from the trying situation came often to him with a

weight under which he almost broke down. When it was over, the joy of

freedom was as great as the suffering had been while they were

prisoners. He lived thereafter at Charleston, and soon outgrew the

suspicion with which he was at first regarded, of having being connected

with the buccaneers. He determined to settle down to an honest,

industrious life. My grandfather was born soon after.

Captain Redfield was never afterwards known to refer to anything

connected with a pirate in conversation with any one; and I have never

learned whether or not he ever afterwards visited Rindout. I know he was

wealthy; but then he worked hard and saved his earnings, and I do not

believe he increased his store from the hidden chests on Money Island.

The story I have now written he told to my grandfather in his old age,

and, upon relating it, he urged the greatest caution in his use of it.

Twice my grandfather made unsuccessful efforts to find the chests. He

urged that I, his grandchild, should keep the knowledge of the treasure

as a family heritage; but that I might do as I liked about it. After

giving the subject very careful thought, I have now given up the secret

of Money Island, and have not withheld a single detail which was told

me. Of course, nearly a century and a half has elapsed since the

precious booty was hidden. The story, therefore, is old, but I do not

believe it has suffered from age. Captain Kidd was executed in London

not long after the hiding of the treasure, and his associates gave up

their old calling; and probably no one has since disturbed the precious

chests.

* * * * *

Now, as to when I first heard Mr. Landstone's story. It was when I was a

boy in the early forties, and the events connected with its telling have

modified its conclusion, as will presently be seen. I have heretofore

spoken very little of the subject to any one; and when I have done so at

all, it has been to one or two intimate friends as a matter of

particular confidence. In my old age, however, I am going to let my tale

forsake its hiding-place and become public property.

My parents owned a summer home on Greenville Sound not far from Money

Island. To us children it was the very heart of life. The best pleasure

of the year was confined to the four months spent there from the first

of June to the last day of September. We rowed, sailed, fished, swam,

hunted, frolicked, and ran the whole gamut of youthful delights. Those

good days are yet vivid in memory; and it is a matter of regret with me

that my grandchildren--as fine boys and girls as ever lived--cannot have

the same wild, wholesome fun at the Sound as fell to my lot when I was a

boy.

The time that I now speak of, however, was about the middle of May, the

balmy month of soft breezes and bright flowers. I had been particularly

studious in school, and my father agreed to let me spend three days at

the Sound in company with a young friend. We arranged our food supply,

took the old family rockaway, and set out early in the morning, as happy

a pair of boys as ever started on a project of pleasure.

After spending an hour or two at the Sound house, arranging our fishing

tackle and looking after the boats, which had been hauled up for the

winter, we started out on a sail towards the beach. It was a fine day

for sailing, and the breeze bore us away as smoothly and quickly as if

we had been in a balloon. As we passed Money Island, we observed a boat

moored on the south side, and tried to locate the occupants; but we

could see nobody, and concluded that it belonged to a fishing party who

had, for some reason, left the boat tied there.

We sailed on; and when we had gone perhaps half a mile away. I happened

to turn around, and was surprised to see two men stealthily embarking in

the boat with what appeared to be shovels and rods of some kind. This

sight was too much for our youthful imagination. So we decided at once

to change our course, and essayed to follow at a distance the movements

of the other boat. This we had no difficulty in doing; and we

afterwards learned that we were successful in our efforts to avoid the

suspicion of purposely following it.

The men sailed down the Sound a short distance to the south, and made

for the shore in a little cove at a somewhat secluded place.

We were familiar with the locality, and decided to wait until later for

a closer observation. Accordingly, we bore once again toward the beach,

and enjoyed an hour watching the breakers roll upon the shore, and in

picking up curios, such as are always to be found upon the sea beach.

Upon our return, we passed close to the little cove into which the boat

had gone, and could readily discern through the trees a tent not far

inland; in front of which were seated the two strangers, watching a pot

hung over a fire made upon the ground. This excited an additional

flutter of wonderment with us. Indeed, what we had seen, coupled with

the current tradition regarding Money Island, soon wrought us up into a

fever of excitement; for it was very suggestive of a search for the

treasure on the island.

I had heard from my early childhood that Captain Kidd, the historic and

lordly pirate, who reigned supreme upon the high seas during the

seventeenth century, was supposed to have buried some of his booty on

Money Island. Everybody was familiar with the tradition; and I doubt if

there is, even now, a single person reared in the town of Wilmington, of

in the vicinity of the Sound, who has not likewise been told the same

indefinite story about the little island. But the presence of these two

strangers, and their somewhat mysterious conduct, gave the tradition a

touch of reality such as it could never have otherwise had.

We concluded that these men had evidently some positive information on

the subject, and were showing their confidence in that information by

prosecuting a search for the hidden treasure, at much trouble and

expense. This was clear to us, and we talked the matter over that night

with eager interest. We surmised every possible case that might have

furnished the strange visitors with a working clue to the discovery of

the treasure. Speculation ran high. But there was one thing that we

became agreed upon, and that was, to become, if possible, parties to the

secret enterprise. We pondered with boys' shrewdness how this should be

done. This we could not decide upon; but we determined to play a venture

toward the desired end. The attitude of innocent curiosity seemed best

suited to our purpose. So we planned to draw up at Money Island in the

morning if we observed that the men were there; and to approach them in

an unsuspicious manner, as if we had just happened to stop at the Island

without any definite motive. This should work as a capital ruse, and, we

felt confident, it would initiate a connection on our part with the

mysterious search.

That point settled, we concluded to investigate the tent and its

occupants as well as we might under the cover of darkness, and we

promptly set out upon that project. We approached within a hundred feet

of the tent, and saw the men still sitting in the light of the fire at

the tent door; but there was no discovery of importance. They were

merely talking quietly and carelessly about some ship that one of them

seemed to be interested in. We could hear their conversation

distinctly, and we were also able to take a good observation of their

appearance.

One of them was a man upwards of sixty, of robust build and gray hair

and beard. He had a kind face, which bore the aspect of one accustomed

only to the quieter walks of life, unfamiliar with adventure and

ill-suited to an enterprise such as they were now apparently engaged

upon. The other man had a weather-beaten face with a long nose, and a

swagger of manner which betokened the sailor. This, we afterwards

learned, had been his occupation. We watched them for about an hour; but

finally withdrew in the hope of making a better acquaintance in the

morning.

Soon after daylight we began eagerly to watch for the boat, which

appeared around a bend in the Sound after the lapse of an hour or so and

headed straight for the Island. We loitered about the yard a little

while longer, and then made ready our yacht without any appearance of

haste.

On setting sail, we made for the beach; but, upon reaching there, turned

back at once and sailed for Money Island in an indirect course. We soon

reached there and stepped upon the shore. The men immediately dropped

their implements. They returned our salutation pleasantly. We observed

with much surprise the disturbed state of the ground and the holes which

had been dug; and then began to make inquiries as innocently as we could

as to their object. Our plans of the night before began to work

successfully.

By sheer force of persistence, we won our way into their confidence, and

worked with them until late in the afternoon. For they were indeed on a

determined search for Captain Kidd's buried treasure.

We were in constant expectation of discovering the chests of gold--two

iron chests, which Mr. Landstone, the elder gentleman, assured us he

felt positive were there. But the discovery was not made, and they said

this had been the fourth day of labor on the Island.

The conclusion was reached that, either the surrounding water had

encroached upon that portion of the Island where the treasure had been

buried, and had thus imposed an almost impossible barrier to its being

unearthed; or that the chests had become imbedded beneath the massive

roots of two dwarfed old oaks which stood gnarled and storm-worn in the

centre of the island. To the task of removing these trees the men felt

entirely unequal after their days of work; and, therefore, it was

decided to wait a day or two, and approach the task of doing so, if at

all, with renewed spirit.

Upon invitation, we boys accompanied the men to their camp and had

supper with them. We were entertained by stories of adventure and

travel, of sea voyage, of Indian warfare; and, finally, after several

requests of Mr. Landstone, with the story of Money Island. He said he

would tell it upon condition that its secrecy would be kept inviolate,

at least for many years. So, in the weird light of a large pine-wood

fire among the trees, we had the story of Money Island, told in the

living voice of a capital story-teller, in almost the same words as are

used in the MS he gave me that night, and which has now been publicly

printed.

When Mr. Landstone finished, we boys sat in breathless amazement,

overcome by the glamour of romance which the story had thrown around the

mysterious little island.

The old sailor forgot his pipe, which turned over and dropped its

contents to the ground. "Aye, sir," he exclaimed, "we will surely

uproot those trees in the morning!" And that became the decision of us

all.

I remember that, after a long pause, I asked, to reassure myself, "Mr.

Landstone, do you really believe that story?" He laughed and said,

"Well, you see I am on an undertaking I have had in mind for nearly

fifty years. Yes, I believe those chests are there."

That was enough. I did not sleep an hour that night; and the next

morning we were early at the task of searching for the treasure. And a

stupendous undertaking it proved to be. All day we labored at one tree.

The roots were massive and wide-spread, and the work of cutting and

removing them required the utmost exertion. Finally, just before sunset,

we completed the task, and began to dig for the treasure in the earth

below.

Already water had begun to percolate into the hole, and ere we had gone

much deeper, it flooded it so that we found it impossible to continue

the excavation. Then we resorted to our sounding rod again for a last

ray of hope, and almost immediately it struck something hard! Our

spirits rose within us.

I tore off my clothes, and jumped into the water. After working for some

time, with the aid of a shovel, I brought to the surface a piece of

rusty sheet iron. Nothing more could be found. We gathered round the

worn sheet of metal, and held a solemn consultation.

The conclusion was reached that the piece of iron which we found was in

reality a part of one of Captain Kidd's chests, which had become

rust-eaten and crumbled, and which had been torn asunder by the growing

roots of the tree, and parts of it carried in various directions by

them as they had spread, scattering the contents through the ground.

We became animated with a new purpose; and the old sailor seized a

shovel and began vigorously to throw more earth from the excavation; but

darkness was falling, and we urged him to wait until the next morning.

"What about the sand already thrown out?" some one exclaimed at this

juncture. The suggestion had hardly been offered before we all bent

forward, and thrust our hands into the pile of wet, black sand lying

about us.

I at once felt something round and suggestive. "Look at this!" I cried.

It was a blackened gold coin! In the darkness we hurriedly sifted the

sand with our fingers; and each one soon found several pieces of money.

With feverish energy, we thus labored until late in the night, meeting

with constant success; and, when we stopped, every one had a precious

pile to carry back to the shore. The coins were all corroded and

misshapen through the action of the salty mud in which they had lain,

and the disturbance caused by the roots of the trees. A few silver coins

were found, but all were in a very worn condition; some being little

more than ragged discs of the thickness of paper. Others, or the remains

of them, crumbled into a black powder at the touch of our fingers. The

gold was in better preservation; and we secured a goodly store of it.

We secreted our treasure in the woods on shore, and early the next

morning returned to our work. I can well remember our exultant feeling

as we set out in our boats. "Boys," Mr. Landstone called out, as we were

sailing over the narrow stretches of water toward the island, "how do

you feel?"

"I feel like--like--" I answered, rising in my seat and lifting my hat

to cheer.

"None of that!" he said quickly--but I knew I was about to express the

excited feeling of us all.

As to our further success, I would say that it was unabated during

nearly the whole day. I think we secured every piece of precious metal

that had been buried beneath the tree. The following day we uprooted the

other tree, but failed to find any trace of more booty. We concluded

that the remaining chest had probably been removed; but that is still an

unsettled question.

Besides the coin, we had discovered the remains of much silver plate;

but it was of little value, being almost entirely destroyed. But the

gold--there was an abundance of it, and we were all made rich!

In the meantime our parents appeared on the scene to learn the cause of

our protracted absence from home. It is needless to say that there was

no rod of correction held over us that day.

If I had taken care of my share of the treasure as I should have done

after my father's death, I would be living in luxury and comfort to-day;

but, even regretting my poor judgment, I can now thank a good Providence

that I have been sustained through a long life, which has had an undue

share of misfortune, by the splendid fortune which came to me in that

happy May of long ago.

[Illustration: "The decaying hulks of blockade runners that rise a

little here and there above the waves"]