Upon my word, I can be wickeder than common, as you shall see when good fortune helps us to overhaul a prize." The Revenge had been at sea for about a week and all had gone well, except she had taken no prizes.

The crew had been obedient and fairly orderly, and if they made fun of their farmer-captain behind his back, they showed no disrespect when his eyes were upon them.

The fact was that the most of them had a very great respect for him as the capitalist of the ship's company.
Big Sam had early begun to sound the temper of the men, but they had not cared to listen to him.

Good fare they had and generous treatment, and the less they thought of Bonnet as a navigator and commander, the more they thought of his promises of rich spoils to be fairly divided with them when they should capture a Spanish galleon or any well-laden merchantman bound for the marts of Europe.

In fact, when such good luck should befall them, they would greatly prefer to find themselves serving under Bonnet than under Big Sam.