Nor was this all the
riches concealed in the wreck; but Phips was obliged to return to
England before completing the business. Provisions had run low, and the
presence of so vast a treasure on board had stimulated the cupidity of
the crew to a dangerous degree, so that each day of delay in reaching
port was full of hazard. Every precaution was taken to guard the
treasure, but what probably prevented the crew from rising was the
promise Phips gave them, when matters had become most suspicious, that
they should each receive a share of the profits in addition to his
wages, even if his own portion were thus swallowed up. Phips reached
England without mishap, thus bringing to a successful termination one
of the most daring exploits of its sort that were ever attempted.
When the profits were divided, Phips received as his share a sum that
would now be equal to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The Duke
of Albemarle presented Mrs. Phips with a magnificent gold cup worth
fifteen thousand dollars, and King James expressed great pleasure at
the honesty and ability of Phips in the conduct of such a difficult
undertaking, and as a reward for bringing such a treasure into England
granted him the honor of knighthood, and offered him important
employment in the royal service.
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