little thought. As he waited he thought more about the treasure at hand
than of either--or all--his enemies.

He did not stir, but kept drumming till he knew that Gering was aboard,
and heard his footsteps, with the captain's, coming. He showed no
excitement, though he knew a crisis was at hand. A cool, healthy sweat
stood out on his forehead, cheeks and lips, and his blue eyes sparkled
clearly and coldly. He rose as the two men appeared.

Phips had not even told his lieutenant. But Gering knew Bucklaw at the
first glance, and his eyes flashed and a hand went to his sword.

"Captain Phips," he said angrily, "you know who this man is?"

"He is the guide to our treasure-house, Mr. Gering."

"His name is Bucklaw--a mutineer condemned to death, the villain who
tried to kidnap Mistress Leveret."

It was Bucklaw that replied. "Right--right you are, Mr. Gering. I'm
Bucklaw, mutineer, or what else you please. But that's ancient--ancient.
I'm sinner no more. You and Monsieur Iberville saved the maid I meant no
harm to her; 'twas but for ransom. I am atoning now--to make your
fortune, give you glory. Shall by-gones be by-gones, Mr. Gering? What
say you?"

Bucklaw stood still at the head of the table. But he was very watchful.
What the end might have been it is hard to tell, but a thing occurred
which took the affair out of Gering's hands.