'I can't venture,' replied the other resolutely; 'I don't mind Kidd so much. He's bad enough, and has some desperate fellows leagued with him; but the worst of all is a hard-headed Dutchman, one Teunis Van Gelder. Since he came into our quarters, he and Kidd have struck up a kind of partnership: I've led a dog's life.'
'But they can't use the money,' urged Nick.
'Can any miser use his money?' inquired the other, 'yet no miser will part with it. They like to know it's there. I tell you, Sir,' said he, striking his club hard on the ground, and speaking with much emphasis, 'if they lost that money, they'd make my quarters too hot to hold me.'
'Well,' said Nick, 'I did not think that they could increase the temperature there; but if they did kick you out, would you mind it?'
'I was brought up there,' answered the other, 'and am somewhat used to the climate. I don't think I would feel at home any where else.'
Nick was unwilling to give up the chance of getting hold of the freebooter's treasure. 'Who is to tell them that you revealed it?' asked he; 'I would not.'
The stranger seemed impressed by this promise. 'Can I rely on you, Mr. Wanzer?'
Nick was vociferous in vindication of his trustworthiness.
'But there must be a consideration,' suggested the stranger. 'I never do any thing without it.'
'Just as you please,' said Nick, who was becoming reckless; 'I agree to any thing.'