“I’m your man,” Seth said, holding out his hand. “Yes, sir, I reckon that this venture is just the thing that will suit me. I’m all there, you bet.”
And so the agreement was made, and before arriving at the end of the voyage Seth had selected four of the best and most trustworthy men on board to join the party. It was arranged that each, in addition to his pay, should receive a small share in the undertaking, should it turn out a success; and, with the prospect of an adventure that might render them independent for life, they gladly “signed articles,” as they called putting down their names to an agreement which the mate had drawn out, binding those who expressed their willingness to embark in the enterprise to be true to Mr Rawlings to the last, and obey his directions; he on his part promised that the treasure, should they succeed in finding it, would be divided share and share alike amongst their number. And thus the list was filled.
The band consisted so far of Tom Cannon and Black Harry, two of the foremast hands; Jasper the black steward, and Josh the cook, another darkey, as has been already mentioned; besides Seth and Sailor Bill, whom Seth stoutly declared his intention, with Mr Rawlings’ consent, of taking with him, declining the skipper’s proposal of giving him up to the British Consul when they arrived at Boston, so that he might be sent home to England as a lunatic sailor at the government expense.
“Nary a bit,” said Seth; “whar I goes, thaar goes he, poor chap! Under Providence, he saved my life; and under Providence I’ll never desart him, Cap, till he chooses to cast off the hawser hisself!”
Mr Rawlings encouraged the seaman in his resolution; for he took great interest in the lad, and looked forward to noting any change in his mental condition, whom he firmly believed would some day be suddenly restored to his senses by some similar mode to that by which he had been deprived of the proper use of his faculties.
Story 1—Chapter VI.
Minturne Creek.
When the Susan Jane’s anchor was dropped, and the longshore men came on board to unload cargo, the little party of Mr Rawlings’ followers went on shore, drew their pay, and took their discharge; and then, after a few days’ stay, took rail for Chicago, where Mr Rawlings was to join them, to make the final preparations for their start to the Far West.