The worst of his crimes had been performed with an air of humorous cynicism.

He could have great admiration for an enemy such as Iberville; and he was not a man to fight needlessly.

He had a firm belief that he had been intended for a high position--a great admiral, or general, or a notable buccaneer.
Before Radisson had a chance to reply came Phips, who could not help but show satisfaction at Bucklaw's presence; and in a moment they were on their way together to the cabin, followed by the eyes of the enraged Radisson.

Phips disliked Radisson; the sinister Frenchman, with his evil history, was impossible to the open, bluff captain.

He had been placed upon Phips's vessel because he knew the entrance to the harbour; but try as he would for a kind of comradeship, he failed: he had an ugly vanity and a bad heart.