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In the previous chapter, Elise arrived in Kapri and learned that Britpop and Andelbert had been abducted and were on their way to Philadelphia.
Captain Peanut Butter will continue his portion of the tale.
We had sailed the coast for a week and had only seen one British naval ship. We flew the British flag, which provided a temporary advantage when we were spotted, but it soon became apparent that we were not a British ship. Fortunately, The Jellyfish is one of the swiftest ships on the high seas, and we easily outran them, but I was growing concerned. We needed to find British supply ships.
Then, from the crow’s nest, Jonas shouted, “Ship! Starboard.” I grabbed my spyglass, and to my relief, it appeared to be a British supply ship. Fate was with us, and the wind was favorable. We sent an intercept course. As we neared the ship, Stout fired a cannon shot across her bow, and we raised the pirate flag.
The ship’s Captain was wise and raised the white. It is better to lose cargo and live to sail another day than to die at the hands of pirates. Once close enough, we threw the grappling hooks and drew aside the ship. I took Stout and Barrelhoop with me and boarded the vessel. The rest of The Jellyfish crew kept muskets trained on the enemy crew.
I approached the ship’s Captain.
“I am Captain Peanut Butter. I am commandeering your ship for the Continental Navy.”
“A pirate sailing for the Yanks?” the Captain said.
“What is your name, Captain?”
“I am Captain Lawrence Lorry.”
“Captain Lorry, I have a letter from the Continental Congress authorizing me to capture and seize any British cargo ships and their contents. I am also authorized to offer you and your crew the chance to change your allegiance and serve in the Continental Navy. Otherwise, you will be held as prisoners of war.”
Captain Lorry turned to his crew and shouted, “Lads, the pirate has offered the choice of joining the Continental Navy or becoming a prisoner of war. I cannot tell you what to do, but I am no traitor to the Crown. I will not serve this rebel cause.”
“Nor will I,” shouted a sailor.
The rest of the crew followed the Captain’s lead. They were obviously loyal to their Captain. Or their King.”
“Very well,” I said. “You will be placed in irons in the hold. We sail for Philadelphia, where you will be taken into custody.”
A sailor stepped forward. Barrelhoop raised his sword. The sailor put up his hands.
“I mean no harm. I have no desire to join the Continental Navy or become a prisoner of war, but I would ask to join your crew.”
I was surprised at his statement.
“Why is that?”
“I have heard the tales of the Yankee privateers. Each crew member gets a portion of the prize taken. A privateer can earn far more than a cargo ship or naval sailor.”
“This is true, but at the risk of their life.”
“Every sailor risks their life.”
“This is also true. However, the risks are greater for a privateer. It matters not. I am no privateer, I am a Captain in the Continental Navy.”
“And yet you behave as a privateer.”
“Watch your words, Swab,” Stout said.
“Appearances can be deceiving. I see now that you are smarter than you appear,” I replied. “I suggest you use your wit to reason with your crew.”
As we sailed toward Philadelphia, I thought on the sailor’s words. He spoke the truth. I was a privateer in all aspects except title. My insistence on being called a Naval Captain did little to ease my guilt at breaking my promise to Ana. I was pirating again. All I could do was hope she would forgive me when my term was over—if I survived.
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Mark
“Lads, the pirate has offered the choice of joining the Continent Navy or becoming a prisoner of war." Now, there's a tough choice if I ever heard one. Ranks right up there with, "We can hang you right now or transport you to New Zealand." Er... wait... what?