Imagination had made some of its highest flights, and even found a relative of Kidd, who was to join the expedition a few miles up the river, and who possessed the power to make the devil surrender sounding-rock--in case he proved obstinate and refused to acknowledge Hanz's authority.

Titus Bright's inn was the place where all the wisdom of the settlement concentrated of a night.
And it was here that all the various features of the great expedition were discussed over ale and cider.

Sundry honest Dutchmen shook their heads suspiciously, and declared no good would come of it if Chapman got his finger in.

Others said it was all clear enough now where Hanz Toodleburg got his dollars and his doubloons.

It was no wonder that he was so much better off than his neighbors.