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