they had met with many financial losses, so he had made out a deed to
them, which he handed to them, saying: "As I have been benefited through
you and your son, whom you trained so well, and who saved my child, I
feel that it is my duty to share my fortune with you. Here is a deed
which represents one-fourth of my wealth."

"No--no," answered Antonio's father. "Far be it from me to accept one
penny. True, we are not rich; but neither are we poor, and in the return
of our long-lost Antonio we feel richly repaid. We offer you our
gratitude and thank you for your protection of him, and for your
generosity."

"I regret that you will not accept my offer, but I trust you will not
prevent me from bestowing it upon your son, Antonio. He has been so well
tested that I know riches will not spoil him. Here, my dear Antonio,
take this deed."

"I," answered Antonio, "cannot accept your handsome gift, but if I may,
I would beg you to use your riches in behalf of those men who were taken
captive with me on that pirate ship, particularly the young lawyer, the
poor sailor and the old fisherman, and buy their freedom for them. There
is a society here in Salerno which devotes its time and attention to the
needs of the outcast, the lost and the captive; and as it is in great
need of funds, I know that your donation would be most acceptable to it
and be productive of much good. I beg you to use the money in this way.
A greater charitable work you can never perform."

Ashmed answered: "Not only half, but all of this money, I will give as a
ransom for the three unfortunates you name, and for many more."