The righteous anger kindled by the conduct of his brother-in-law, and his grief for the poor stricken women, sobbing in the cabin, combined together to throw him into the most dolorous state of mind, which was aggravated by the knowledge that he could do nothing except to wait until the Belinda sailed back to Jamaica and to go to Jamaica in her.
As the unhappy merchant sat thus, his face buried in his hands, a small boat came alongside and a passenger mounted to the deck.

This person, after asking a few questions, approached Mr.Delaplaine.
"I have come, sir, to see you," he said.

"I am Captain Ichabod of the sloop Restless." Mr.Delaplaine looked up in surprise.

"That is a pirate ship," said he.
"Yes," said the other, "I'm a pirate." The newcomer was a tall young man, with long dark hair and with well-made features and a certain diffidence in his manner which did not befit his calling.
Mr.Delaplaine rose.

This was his first private interview with a professional sea-robber, and he did not know exactly how to demean himself; but as his visitor's manner was quiet, and as he came on board alone, it was not to be supposed that his intentions were offensive.
"And you wish to see me, sir ?" said he.
"Yes," said Captain Ichabod, "I thought I'd come over and talk to you.