The Jamaica Merchant sped toward the Restitution in an angry fume of boiling waves.

"Take a few men," Kent said to Caleb. "Go below and get the chest of treasure we acquired from that Dutch merchantman. You know the one?"

"Aye, Cap'n."

"Dump out half the gold and bring the chest to me along with two empty ones."

The dark man gathered a few of the slaves and disappeared below just as the ship veered to starboard, sails snapping in the wind.

The ...