After that I go to my own vessel, and when I have settled matters there I will return to this fine ship, where I shall strut about the quarter-deck and live like a prince at sea.

Now look ye, youngster, what is your name ?" "Charter," replied Dickory grimly.
"Well then, Charter," the pirate continued, "I shall leave you in charge of this vessel until I come back, which will be before dark." "Me!" exclaimed Dickory in amazement.
"Yes, you," said the pirate.

"I am sure you don't know anything about a ship any more than your master did, but he got on very well, and so may you.

And now, remember, your head shall pay for it if everything is not the same when I come back as it is now." Thereupon this man of piratical business was rowed to the bark, quite satisfied that he left behind him no one who would have the power to tamper with his interests.

He knew the crew, having bound most of them to him on the preceding night, and he trusted every one of them to obey the man he had set over them and no other.