"If I had thought of it I should have sent you into Best in the bark." Ralph did not understand the words but he guessed at the meaning, and said, smiling, "I am quite content to remain where I am." "Tell him, Jacques Clery, that I have noticed that he works willingly, and as long as he behaves well he shall have the same treatment as if he belonged really to the crew; but warn him that if he is caught at any time making a signal, or doing anything to warn a vessel we may be approaching, his brains will be blown out at once." Jacques translated the warning.
"That's all right," Ralph said.

"Of course I should expect nothing else." As soon as the repairs were completed the sails were hoisted and the brig proceeded on her way.

In the days that followed it seemed to Ralph that the tactics of the privateer had changed, and that there was no longer any idea of making prizes.

A sharp lookout was indeed kept for any English cruisers, but no attention was paid to any sail in the distance as soon as it was determined that these were not ships of war.

Four days later, instead of there being as before five or six sail in sight at one point or other of the horizon, the sea was absolutely deserted.