This punishment for
having stolen their vessel from those who trusted you, and to whom you
were bound by the laws of hospitality, has clearly been ordained by
Providence. Land, then, and, by your submission in face of adversity,
seek to atone for your treacherous conduct.'

"The party being landed and left to shift for themselves, I resolved to
continue my voyage to this place, of which I had been given the
bearings, in order that I might restore to you your ship, for I take no
booty except from Spain."

We again thanked our generous visitor, nor could we do less than place
ourselves and our ship at his disposal.

"Come back with me, then," said Montbar, "and join our band. I have
voyaged far into these southern latitudes in search of treasure, and I
may tell you that the islands of the south are by no means comparable
with those in the west."

But at this we asked time to consider. Although we had no cause to love
the Spaniards, we had no reason to hate them with the same inveterate
hatred displayed by Montbar. Besides, in spite of the glamour that
surrounded them, we knew the buccaneers to be no better than pirates.
Still it seemed a poor return to make Captain Montbar for the service
he had rendered us to refuse his request. While we hesitated between
two minds what we should do, I bethought me of the gold dust at the
place of the painted hands. We had never intended to abandon this
treasure by reason of a swarm of insects, however numerous and venomous
they might be. The fishermen from Lamakera had excuse for doing so,
since they lacked the equipment to combat the pests which infested the
caves, but, with the resources of a ship at our disposal, it would be
strange if we could not devise some means to carry off the gold, share
it with Montbar, and thus repay the obligation we owed him.

I mentioned this project to Hartog, who at once fell in with my plan.

"You are a wizard, Peter," he said, "for finding a way out of a
dilemma. If we can get this treasure, and either share it with Montbar,
or give it all to him should it not prove considerable, our debt will
be paid, so that we may continue our voyage whithersoever our fancy
leads us, but, with the price of the ship on my conscience, I could
never regard myself as a free man. Montbar knows this.

"It is the rule of the sea that captured vessels are spoils to the
victor. For all his fine speeches, I feel convinced that Montbar looks
upon the ship as his own