"Nobody owns them, so the oyster pirates come down and make a bluff at working them." "Why a bluff ?" "'Cause they 're pirates, that 's why, and because there 's more money in raiding the private beds." He made a sweeping gesture toward the east and southeast.

"The private beds are over yonder, and if it don't storm the whole fleet 'll be raidin' 'em to-night." "And if it does storm ?" Joe asked.
"Why, we won't raid them, and French Pete 'll be mad, that 's all.

He always hates being put out by the weather.

But it don't look like lettin' up, and this is the worst possible shore in a sou'wester.

Pete may try to hang on, but it 's best to get out before she howls." At first it did seem as though the weather were growing better.