The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-03-21
How Sir VIM. Phips Found the Treas
ure in the Sea.

told of Spanish vessel. wrecked off Pu-
erto Plata more than fifty years before,
with very large treasure. His means
not being sufficient for this expedition,
Phips sailed for England and made d.
rect application to the Admiralty to aid
him in his search. So ably did this true
son of the sea represent his cause, that he
was given command of the Rose Algisr, a
ship mounting eighteen guns and carry
ing hundred men.
The exact position of the wreck was un-
known, and the untrustworthy character
of the crew added great difficulties to the
undertaking. 1t should be remembered,
also, that diving bells, diving -armor, and
the like, were then unknown. But the
courage and indomitable perseverance of
Phips now came into play, and he had a
capital chance to show the stuff of which
he was made.
Soon after they had sailed, the crew
came aft, armed, and determined to force
Phips to yield to their wishes, which
probably were that they should all turn
pirates. Without giving them time to
deliberate, Phips few at their leader,
hurled him on the deck and dispatched
him on the spot-s deed so prompt and
daring that it awed the mutineers into
submission for the time. One who has
never seen a mutiny at sea can form but
little idea of its desperate character, and
the rspidity of action and unhinching
nerve required where men are shut up
alone on the wide ocean with a quarrel SC
deadly in its nature that no compromise
can be thought of for moment, and nc
quarter can be allowed with safety to him
who gives it.
But the next plot to seize the ship was
even more dangerous. The Rose Algiee, be
ing in need of repairs, was taken to a cove
in q small uninhabited island, careeneC
on one side in order to reach the dam
aged place. Most of the stores were
moved on shore, the ship. was hove down
and bridge was laid between the deck
and the land. Under the pretence OF
pastime, most of the crew now betook
themselves to the woods, and there plotted
to return at seven in the evening, seize
the ship, force Phips and eight faithful
men on shore, and leave them there to
perish, and themselves sail away on pi.
ratical cruise. But the carpenter was one
of the few who stood by the captain, and
yet they could not risk putting to sea
without him. They sent for him, there
fore, on some pretext, and, having him in
their power, offered him the choice of in,
slant death or of joining his fortune with
theirs. He begged for half an hour &c
think about it, and said that at any rate he
should have to return on board for his
tool-chest. They granted his request, and
sent two men with him to watch his
movements. Soon afterwards, he was sud
denly taken with a pretended cramp oil
collie, and in great seeming agony rushed
into the cabin for medicine; there he
found Phips, and in few rapid words re.
vealed the plot. In less than two hours
the mutineers would be marching on the
ship. Not an instant was to be lost. I'm
mediately the guns were loaded and
trained to command the shore and all the
approaches to the stores; the bridge was
taken in, and when the mutineers ap-
peared they found themselves caught.
In tones of thunder, Phips bade them not
to stir or he would NOW them down with
his batteries; nor did they dare to DISC
hey. The bridge was again laid down,
and the eight loyal men brought back the
stores to the ship. When all was safely
on board again, the mutineers were told
that they were to be left to the fate they
had intended for their commander. In
despair at so terrible prospect the mis-
cradle men threw down their arms, and
protested their Willingness to submit if
Phips would but relent and not sail away
without them.
After long parley, he agreed to let
them come on board, they having first
given up their arms. But, with such q