"Captain William reeled. His visions were now taking solid forms; they had created for him a new world.
"'Down! down!' he commanded.
"They broke open a bag which was like a crystal sack. It was full of treasure, and in its folds was a goblet of gold.
"They shouted over the treasure and held up the golden cup to the balmy air. It had doubtless belonged to a Spanish don.
"More salt bags of gold! The deck was covered with gold! It is related that one of the officers of the ship went mad at the sight. But Captain William did not go mad as he surveyed the work of the men in the vanishing twilight. He had been there in spirit before; he had expected something, and he was on familiar ground when he had found it. He had been a prophetic soul.
"He carried home the treasure to England, and, soul of honor that he was, he delivered every dollar's worth of it to the duke. His name filled England; and his honesty was a national surprise, though why it should have been we can not say. But didn't I tell you he was an honest man?
"The duke was made happy, and began to cast about how to bestow upon him a fitting reward.
"'What can I do for you?' asked his Highness.
"I have a wife in Boston town, over the sea. She is a good woman. Her faith in me made me all I am. She is the world to me, for she believed in me when no one else did.'
"'You are a fortunate man. We will send her the goblet of gold, and it shall be called the Albemarle Cup.'