"Shure enough, dere ish mine poor poy, Tite. He ish such a goot poy. It
most preaks his muder's heart to have him go dis long voyages," said
Hanz, taking the pipe from his lips, as his eyes filled with tears. "If
I only could have a fortune und de little farm for mine poor Tite when
he gits home."

"Give us your hand, sir," said Mr. Topman. "You talk now like a man, and
a father. I'm a father, sir, and know how to feel for you. Had a son at
sea four years. Gave him a fortune when he came home. A most
enterprising and highly respected merchant now. Has ships at sea, rides
in his carriage, and a balance in his bank." The thought of providing a
future for Tite was more than Hanz could resist, and his unsuspecting
nature yielded to the temptation.

"And now," said Mr. Topman, rising from his chair, "if Mr. Toodleburg
will sign these papers--they merely set forth that he possesses and will
confide to the house of Topman and Gusher, their heirs or assigns, the
secret of where Kidd's treasure is buried, and that he shall have a
tenth interest in all the profits. A sure gain and no risk, you know."

The three gentlemen now returned to the little room. Topman handed
Chapman the paper, and requested that he would read it, which that
gentleman affected to do.

"Perfectly straightforward and correct," said Chapman; "perfectly! I am
sure you are very kind to these people, and I wish the great Kidd
Discovery Company every success."

Angeline brought the little old ink-bottle, and Hanz, with feelings of
hesitation, it must be confessed, signed the papers, when the visitors