He often told his wife that, some time or other, he should be very rich, and would build a "fair brick house" in the Green Lane of Boston.
Do not suppose, children, that he had been to a fortune-teller to inquire his destiny.

It was his own energy and spirit of enterprise, and his resolution to lead an industrious life, that made him look forward with so much confidence to better days.
Several years passed away, and William Phips had not yet gained the riches which he promised to himself.

During this time he had begun to follow the sea for a living.

In the year 1684 he happened to hear of a Spanish ship which had been cast away near the Bahama Islands, and which was supposed to contain a great deal of gold and silver.

Phips went to the place in a small vessel, hoping that he should be able to recover some of the treasure from the wreck.