Stede Bonnet frowned and bit his lip. All he said was:
"You meddle with matters that concern you not, my good sir. I am a man able to make my own free choice."
"Captain Bonnet does honor to the trade of piracy," cried the admiring Jack, at which his uncle declared, with a wrathful gesture:
"I must remove this daft lad to England to be rid of you, Stede Bonnet. You have cast a wicked spell over him."
"To England?" said the pirate, with a sympathetic glance at the boy. "I would sooner lie in gaol."
"And reap your deserts," snapped Uncle Peter.
"No doubt of that," frankly agreed the pirate. "And what thinks the lad of this sad penance?"
"I hate it," was Jack's swift answer. "Will you grant our merchant ship safe conduct, Captain Bonnet?"
"What ship, boy? You have only to name her. She will go scathless, as far as in my power."
"The _Plymouth Adventure_," replied Jack. "It would ruin my uncle's temper beyond all mending to be taken by pirates."
"I pledge you my word," swore Stede Bonnet. "Moreover, if trouble befall you by sea or land, Master Cockrell, I pray you send me tidings and you will have a friend in need."
That night those who dwelt near the harbor heard the clank of a windlass as the crew of the _Royal James_ hove the cable short, and the melodious, deep-throated refrain of a farewell chantey floated across the quiet water. With the flood of the tide and a landward breeze, the brig stole out across the bar while the topsails were sheeted home. When daylight dawned, she had vanished in the empty reaches of the Atlantic.
The brig sailed without Jack Cockrell. His shrewd uncle saw to that. It was not by accident that a constable of the town watch loitered in the lane by the Secretary's house. And Uncle Peter himself was careful not to let the lad out of his sight until the beguiling Stede Bonnet had left his haunts in Charles Town. Life resumed its routine next day but the boy's whole current of thought had been changed. He was restless, craving some fresh excitement and hoping that more pirates might come roaring to the tavern green.
He found welcome diversion when the _Plymouth Adventure_, merchant trader, arrived from London after a famous passage of thirty-two days to the westward. Her master's orders were to make quick dispatch and return with freight and passengers direct from Charles Town. Jack was given no more leisure to brood over his own misfortunes. There were many errands to be done for Mr. Peter Forbes, besides the chests and boxes to be packed and stoutly corded. As was the custom, they had to supply their own furniture for the cabin in the ship and Jack Cockrell enjoyed the frequent trips aboard.