Cup of Gold · Chapter
The Division of Spoils explained
After the capture of Panama, the buccaneers transport the treasure across the isthmus to Chagres, where they prepare to divide the spoils.
What happens
After the capture of Panama, the buccaneers transport the treasure across the isthmus to Chagres, where they prepare to divide the spoils. Captain Morgan, in high spirits, provides rum for celebration. However, during the night, the galleon containing all the treasure disappears, having been sailed away by Morgan's crew. The buccaneers, enraged and unable to pursue due to sabotaged ships, scatter to various fates.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Morgan's apparent betrayal of his men by absconding with the treasure illustrates the corrupting influence of power and greed.
The Nature of Wealth and Value
The treasure, representing the spoils of conquest, becomes a source of conflict and dissolution among the buccaneers.
The Futility of Conquest
Despite their successful capture of Panama, the buccaneers' efforts are rendered futile as the treasure vanishes, leading to their dispersal and demise.
Characters to notice
- Henry Morgan
Captain Morgan is in good spirits after the journey, rolling out rum for the men, but is implicated in the disappearance of the treasure galleon.
Key passages
“The buccaneers went out of ruined Panama. They carried all of the treasure with them across the isthmus on the backs of mules.”
The pirates evacuated the destroyed city of Panama, transporting the entire loot across the isthmus using mules.
Describes the logistical movement of treasure after the conquest.
“Captain Morgan was in good spirits. The journey was over, he told the men, and it was time for pleasure. He rolled out forty kegs of rum onto the beach.”
Morgan was cheerful, announcing the end of the journey and celebrating by distributing forty barrels of rum on the beach.
Highlights Morgan's celebratory mood before the betrayal.
“The galleon had put to sea during the night, and all the wealth of Panama had gone with her.”
During the night, the galleon sailed away, taking all the riches of Panama with it.
Key event: the disappearance of the treasure ship.
“They swore brotherhood in the name of revenge. They planned the horror of the retribution. And they scattered.”
They vowed to unite for revenge, plotted terrible retaliation, but then dispersed.
Describes the buccaneers' reaction and eventual fragmentation.