But as he gazed and wondered the thought of a scheme flashed across the mind of the merchant, a thoroughly business-like scheme.

This bold young pirate captain might seize upon such supplies as they were in need of, but he, Felix Delaplaine, of Spanish Town, Jamaica, would pay for them.

Thus might their necessities be relieved and their consciences kept clean.

But he said nothing of this to Ichabod; the pirate might deem such a proceeding unprofessional and interpose some objection.

Payment would be the merchant's part of the business, and he would attend to it himself.