Bartlett—[His voice more and more that of a somnambulist.] It’s time I settled down to home with ye, Sarah, after twenty years o’ whalin’. They’s plenty o’ big trees on my place, bullies, and shade and green grass, and a cool wind off the sea. [He shakes off the growing drowsiness and glares about him in a rage.] Hell’s fire! What crazy truck be I thinkin’ of? [But he and the others sink back immediately into stupor. After a pause he begins to relate a tale in a droning voice.] Years ago, when I was whalin’ out o’ New Bedford—just after I got my first ship, it was—a man come to me—Spanish-looking, he was—and wanted to charter my ship and me go shares. He showed me a map o’ some island off the coast of South America somewhere. They was a cross marked on it where treasure had been buried by the old pirates. That was what he said. But I was a fool. I didn’t believe him. I didn’t see’s I could take a chance. He got old Scott’s schooner—finally. She sailed and never was heard o’ since. But I’ve never forgot him and his map. And often I’ve thought if I’d ’a’ went that vige—— [He straightens up and shouts with aggressive violence.] But here she be! Run right into it—without no map nor nothin’. Gold and diamonds and all—all them things he said was there—there they be in front o’ our eyes! [To the now alert Jimmy.] Open ’er up, Jimmy!
Jimmy—[Getting up—in his soft voice.] Aye, Captain. [He reaches down to lift the lid.]
Bartlett—[A sudden change of feeling comes over him, and he knocks Jimmy’s arm aside savagely.] Hands off, ye dog! I’m takin’ care o’ this chest, and no man’s hand’s goin’ to touch it but mine!
Jimmy—[Stepping back docilely—in the same unmoved, soft tone.] Aye, Captain. [He squats down to the left of the chest.]
Bartlett—[Seeming suddenly to notice the cook for the first time.] So there you be, eh? [His voice growing thick with rage.] I ain’t forgot what ye said down by the shore there! Lucky for ye I didn’t catch ye then! “Brass and copper—junk,” ye said—“not gold! Not worth a damn,” ye said! Ye blasted son o’ a liar! No share for ye! I’ll not forget. And keep your distance o’ me if ye want your hide! [Looking at Abel.] Ye’ve been tellin’ that boy your lies too, I kin tell by the look o’ him. [Sternly.] Come here, boy!
Abel—[Advances with faltering steps.] Y-yes, s-sir?
Bartlett—Open up that chest! Open it up, ye brat! [With a desperate movement of fear Abel reaches down and flings open the lid of the chest. As he does so, Bartlett’s huge hand fastens on the collar of his coat, and holds him with face bent over the box. Horne, Cates, and Jimmy Kanaka pull themselves close, their necks craning for a look inside. Butler takes a few steps toward them.]
Butler—[In a low uncertain tone.] Maybe I was wrong, Captain Bartlett, sir.
Bartlett—[Shaking the terror-stricken boy.] What d’ye see there, ye little swab? What d’ye see there?
Abel—Aw—leggo—I’m chokin’!