A prodigious enterprise, my dear.

These simple-minded and honest Dutch people would fall into it like a flock of sheep.

They honestly believe Kidd was a bold pirate, who amassed a great fortune by plundering towns on the Spanish Main.

That, having more gold and silver than he could invest to advantage, he buried it on the bank of the river, a few leagues above this place, where he entered into an agreement with the devil to stand guard over it until he returned.

They believe, also, that Hanz Toodleburg, whose father knew Kidd well, and perhaps had something to do with his adventures, is the only man now living who possesses the secret of where that treasure is buried.".