Do not suppose, children, that he had been to a fortune-teller to inquire
his destiny. It was his own energy and spirit of enterprise, and his
resolution to lead an industrious life, that made him look forward with so
much confidence to better days.

Several years passed away; and William Phips had not yet gained the riches
which he promised to himself. During this time he had begun to follow the
sea for a living. In the year 1684, he happened to hear of a Spanish ship,
which had been cast away near the Bahama Islands, and which was supposed
to contain a great deal of gold and silver. Phips went to the place in a
small vessel, hoping that he should be able to recover some of the
treasure from the wreck. He did not succeed, however, in fishing up gold
and silver enough to pay the expenses of his voyage.

But, before he returned, he was told of another Spanish ship or galleon,
which had been cast away near Porto de la Plata. She had now lain as much
as fifty years beneath the waves. This old ship had been laden with
immense wealth; and, hitherto, nobody had thought of the possibility of
recovering any part of it from the deep sea, which was rolling and tossing
it about. But though it was now an old story, and the most aged people had
almost forgotten that such a vessel had been wrecked. William Phips
resolved that the sunken treasure should again be brought to light.

He went to London, and obtained admittance to King James, who had not yet
been driven from his throne. He told the king of the vast wealth that was
lying at the bottom of the sea. King James listened with attention, and
thought this a fine opportunity to fill his treasury with Spanish gold. He
appointed William Phips to be captain of a vessel, called the Rose Algier,
carrying eighteen guns and ninety-five men. So now he was Captain Phips of
the English navy.