"They are my friends," said Dickory, "and I have none here, and I have brought a message to Captain Bonnet from his daughter, and it is urgently necessary that I return with one from him to her.

I must instantly endeavour to find a ship which is bound for Jamaica and sail upon her.

I have nothing to do with this ship, having come on board of her simply to carry my message, and it behooves me that I return quickly to those who sent me, else injury may come of it." "I like your speech, my boy, I like your speech!" cried Blackbeard, and he roared out a big laugh.

"'Urgently necessary' you must do this, you must do that.

It is so long since I have heard such words that they come to me like wine from a cool vault." At this Dickory flushed hot, but he shut his mouth.
"You are a brave fellow," cried Blackbeard, "and above the common, you are above the common.