with almost too much goodwill. Gering, his arms upon the side of the
canoe, was looking into the water idly. It was clear far down, and
presently he saw what seemed a feather growing out of the side of a rock.
It struck him as strange, and he gave word to back water. They were just
outside the Boilers in deep water. Drawing back carefully, he saw the
feather again, and ordered one of the divers to go down. They could see
the man descend and gather the feather, then he plunged deeper still and
they lost sight of him. But soon he came up rapidly, and was quickly
inside the boat, to tell Gering that he had seen several great guns. At
this the crew peered over the boat-side eagerly. Gering's heart beat
hard. He knew what it was to rouse wild hope and then to see despair
follow, but he kept an outward calm and told the diver to go down again.
Time seemed to stretch to hours before they saw the man returning with
something in his arm. He handed up his prize, and behold it was a pig of
silver!

The treasure was found; and there went up a great cheer. All was
activity, for, apart from the delight of discovery, Phips had promised a
share to every man. The place was instantly buoyed, and they hastened
back to the port with the grateful tidings to Phips. With his glass he
saw them coming and by their hard rowing he guessed that they had news.
When they came within hail they cheered, and when they saw the silver the
air rang with shouts.

As Gering stepped on board with the silver Captain Phips ran forwards,
clasped it in both hands, and cried: "We are all made, thanks be to God!"

Then all hands were ordered on board, and because the treasure lay in a
safe anchorage they got the ships away towards it.