Raggett’s disappointment was apparent. “But the chart gives from two to ten fathoms?” “Well, Captain Raggett, that may be, and I don’t deny that it is so in spots, but there’s a lot of shoal places, though they may be known only to the local pilots. It’s no place for a big ship like yours; though, of course, you are the best judge of that. However, you can easily settle the matter to your own satisfaction by surveying the place.” “I may have to do that,” said Raggett as he gave Hoppy a significant look. “Now,” continued Raggett, “there’s Orleans lying to the west of Eastham, and Brewster still further west. Do the same conditions exist in the flats and sandbars off those townships?” “Yes, captain, those places are just as dangerous for large craft.” “Thank you. The information which I have received from others practically coincides with what you have said, though you seem to exaggerate the dangers of the localities. However, I shall have to verify the soundings, and I think I have the proper man for the work.” Again he gave Hoppy a meaning look. Hoppy knew full well what Raggett meant. He was, then, expected to act as pilot for the British and help them to destroy the lives and property of his kinsmen and neighbors! It required all his selfpossession to keep his outraged feelings in check, but he realized that it would be worse than useless to let Raggett suspect what he thought of the proposition, so he pretended ignorance of the British commander’s purpose. “It shouldn’t be hard for you to find a good man for the work in your ship’s company, Captain Raggett. Your tenders have been cruising in these waters for quite a long time and I suppose they know their way about.” Raggett smiled. “I’m afraid,” he said, “that my men have become better acquainted with the hospitalities of Provincetown than with the sandbars and shoals of the bay. As you are doubtless aware, the operations on this station have been more like a picnic than warfare up to the present. I think I told you that such is the opinion of some very important personages in London, and, looking at the matter calmly, I am inclined to agree with their views. To be perfectly frank with you, men, I am going to state the terms of your ransom. You will not find them harsh. For the sum of three hundred dollars I agree to let you have your whaleboat. That’s a good bargain for you, isn’t it?” “Three hundred dollars!” exclaimed Captain Knowles. “Why, Captain Raggett, where are we to get all that money? We haven’t three hundred cents in our possession!” “That’s more than the boat and cargo are worth,” put in Hoppy. “I’m afraid that’s the best I can do for you,” replied Raggett. “It is not much money, considered as prize-money to be distributed among a large number of men.”