"And I," laughed Daland, "leave my little corner and cruise around the world in search of that same gold."
It was now the stranger's turn to become interested.
"Do you live near here?" he asked.
"Aye, just around the next headland. There's a cosy hearthstone and cheering cup awaiting me there, and I should have been there now, if it had not been for this wretched storm."
"Perhaps it has blown you a little good luck," replied the Dutchman; "that is, if you really care for money."
"What do you mean?"
"Just this. I was in earnest, awhile ago, when I said I would give all my gold for a plot of dry land. My heart is hungry for a bit of home life; and if you will let me be your guest while we are ashore, I shall make you a rich man."
"Do you mean that?" asked Daland staring at him.
"I will pay you in advance," said the stranger. And he blew a shrill whistle to his crew and shouted out some orders in a strange tongue. In answer some of the curious-looking sailors ran down into the hold and came up again bearing a heavy chest which they brought to the strand and opened.
There before Daland's greedy eyes lay revealed a glittering mass of precious stones and fine gold, richer than anything of which he had ever dreamed. His fingers twitched and he fairly gasped with amazement.