assured Paul that
Balbo was reliable and thoroughly honest in his dealings. At the same
time he strongly advised him to take passage in the brig that had just
arrived in the offing bound for New York and consult his father before
embarking in the enterprise proposed by the wrecker. The next day Mr.
C., the captain and Paul dined together. Paul promised the captain, that
if he would consent to his gathering curiosities during the voyages
they would make together and give him a share of all treasure recovered,
he would lay the matter before his father on his arrival in New York.
If Mr. Boyton consented he would join him in Nassau, with all the
improved apparatus he could secure for the business. The form of
agreement was drawn up and a bargain concluded subject to the approval
of Paul's father. Three days later Paul sailed for New York on the brig
Saco, and after a quiet voyage arrived safely at home once more. The
collection of curios he had with him and the previous shipments he
had made convinced his father that in no other position would Paul be
so valuable to him. He was delighted with his success and allowed him
a liberal sum for his labors. Paul was glad to be with his family once
more and proved to his much loved mother that he had not forgotten her
in all his wanderings as he had a splendid collection of the richest,
rarest and most beautiful specimens he had gathered during his voyage as
a present for her. The liberal supply of money obtained from his
father's generosity was recklessly divided between his sisters. A
few days after reaching home, he broached the subject of Captain
Balbo's proposition to his father. Mr. Boyton did not like the idea of
wrecking or treasure hunting, but he was perfectly content that Paul
should join the captain for the purpose of collecting curiosities, and
was willing to supply him with money and all the improved apparatus
required for that purpose. Paul promised his father that the outlay
would be applied according to his directions; but made the firm resolve
to himself that he would tackle the treasure ships mentioned to him by
Balbo.

CHAPTER IV.

A month after he reached home, young Boyton started again for Nassau
where had sent several letters to the captain of the "Foam" informing
him as to when he might be expected to arrive. He sailed on a trading
schooner, and when they entered the harbor at Nassau, he was glad to
find the "Foam"