"The Sea Lion's cargo, well chosen and well stowed, would double that, deacon, if the right animals can only be found."
"May be so--but, just think, Gardner--this will be in good bright coined gold!"
"But what right can we have to that gold, even admitting that it is there, and can be found?"
"Right!" exclaimed the deacon, staring. "Does not that which Divine Providence gives man become his own?"
"By the same rule it might be said Divine Providence gave it to the pirates. There must be lawful owners to all this money, if one could only find them."
"Ay, if one could only find them. Harkee, Gar'ner; have you spent a shilling or a quarter lately?"
"A good many of both, deacon," answered the young man, again betraying the lightness of his heart with a laugh. "I wish I had more of your saving temper, and I might get rich. Yes, I spent a quarter only two hours since, in buying fish for the cabin, of old Baiting Joe."
"Well, tell me the impression of that quarter. Had it a head, or only pillars? What was its date, and in whose reign was it struck? Maybe it was from the mint at Philadelphia--if so, had it the old eagle or the new? In a word, could you swear to that quarter, Gar'ner, or to any quarter you ever spent in your life?"
"Perhaps not, deacon. A fellow doesn't sit down to take likenesses, when he gets a little silver or gold."
"Nor is it very probable that any one could say--'that is my doubloon.'"