They were, therefore,
compelled to be satisfied with a share in the gold we had already won.
And here it may be observed how wise are the ways of Providence and how
watchful appeared to be the good genius who followed our destiny. Had
limitless wealth been suddenly showered upon us, what evil consequences
might have followed? Man is, after all, but an avaricious creature, who
requires the discipline of necessity to restrain his covetous nature.
The prospect of gold-getting would probably have undermined Hartog's
authority, and would most likely have ended in disaster for us all. As
it was, we had enough, but not more than enough, and the discipline of
our ship, so necessary to our common safety, was maintained.
We paid Montbar, according to our agreement, gold to the value of sixty
thousand English pounds, that being half the value of the gold
obtained, with which he expressed himself well satisfied.
"Honesty is, after all, the best policy," he said. "Had I not restored
to you your ship I would have missed this treasure, that will well
repay me for my long voyage, which I had before thought profitless. I
regret your decision not to accompany me to the West Indies, but since
you have paid your ransom you are free to go whithersoever your fancy
may lead you, without let or hindrance.
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