He had been informed that a great man, a hero and chief among his fellows--in fact, the dean of the piratical faculty, and known as "Blackbeard," the most desperate and reckless of all the pirates of the day--was now here.
To meet this most important sea-robber and to receive from him the hand of fellowship had been Bonnet's desire and ambition since he had heard that it was possible.
The morning was advanced and the Revenge was rolling easily at her anchorage, but Bonnet was somewhat uncertain as to the next step he ought to take.

He wanted to see Blackbeard as soon as possible, but it would certainly be a breach of etiquette entirely inconsistent with his present position for him to go to see him.

He was the latest comer, and thought it was the part of Blackbeard to make the first visit.
Paul Bittern now came aft.

"The men are getting very restless," he said; "they want to go on shore.

They'd all go if I'd let 'em." Captain Bonnet gave his sailing-master a lofty glare.
"If I should let them, you mean, sir.