The Old Buccaneer seems to have had money too.

But you can see what her people had to complain of: his insolent contempt of them was unexampled.

And their tyranny had roused my lady's high spirit not a bit less; and she said right out: 'When he comes, I am ready and will go with him.' There was boldness for you on both sides! All the town was laughing and betting on the event of the night in June: and the odds were in favour of Kirby; for though, Lord Cressett was quite the popular young English nobleman, being a capital whip and free of his coin, in those days men who had smelt powder were often prized above titles, and the feeling, out of society, was very strong for Kirby, even previous to the fight on the heath.

And the age of the indomitable adventurer must have contributed to his popularity.

He was the hero of every song.
"'What's age to me!" cries Kirby; "Why, young and fresh let her be, But it 's mighty better reasoned For a man to be well seasoned, And a man she has in me," cries Kirby.' As to his exact age: "'Write me down sixty-three," cries Kirby.' I have always maintained that it was an understatement.