Renato strained at the scope, trying to follow their progress. Something was definitely afoot. For Lafitte to personally board a captured vessel was almost unheard of. Renato could only surmise the treasure had been found.
Long minutes elapsed before Lafitte reappeared. By this time, the Lady’s upper deck had sunk nearly to the level of the General’s. If the grapnels were not released soon, the brig would be in danger of sinking along with the galleon. Close on Lafitte’s heels came Andre and three other crewmen, struggling with a heavy burden. As they manhandled it over the Lady’s side, Renato’s heartbeat quickened. It was a long black chest, seemingly of polished ebony, with gold-chased trim. This, then, was the fabulous treasure trumpeted by Lafitte.
For a long moment the chest hung pr
