by Perry Comer
Rather than answer, David punched Simon and they both rose up, Simon chasing David.
He then whispered to Honest, “Go back down the beach and find Porter. Set the signal that we are here. Jackson has probably seen us but let us dispel any question.”
Honest rose and stretched. “I've off to find a tot,” he said and started along the path back into the village.
Donland made as if he were sleeping. Those passing paid him no attention. He was aware of every curious eye and every word spoken. After a bit, he roused and stretched then pulled out his watch. It was a quarter of eleven. David and Simon were making their way along the beach back to him. He watched the boys for a moment but then movement caught his eye, there was a ship. It came from behind one of those anchored. She was still far out to see but he judged by her sails that she was bound for the anchorage. He studied her until David came up to him, his palm out as if begging.
“Please sir, a penny for bread,” David said loudly.
Donland said, “Away you beggars or I'll have your backbones for the pot!”
The boys shrank back. David said softly, “None about,” He then shouted, “A pox on you!” He grabbed Simon by the arm and ran in the direction Honest had set off.
Donland's attention was on the newcomer. He decided she was at least two-masted. No doubt she would be bringing news of the two British sloops beating back and forth just out of sight of the anchorage. Her presence was not a good omen.
It took her an hour to gain the anchorage. She was indeed two-masted, a small brig. He squinted and thought he could make out four guns and the American pendant. He concluded she was another privateer that frequented the anchorage.
Honest slumped against the tree. “I seen her,” he said in a low voice. Then added, “Porter has the signal set. Hornet will see it.”
“If there is trouble we will rendezvous there. Mister Welles had nothing to report and they have entered the village. Go and find them, I doubt they are far. It may be well to buy them some bread and a bit of fish. I'll wander along the beach for a bit,” Donland said.
Honest called, “Here lads!” and turned to the path.
The boys heard and ran after Honest. Donland paid them no attention.
He strolled along the beach examining the various boats and occasionally trekked up to the village. The anchorage was quiet; the anchored vessels bobbed up and down as the swells rolled into the beach. He was about to turn and start back for the palm trees when a boat was lowered from Jackson's Folly. He casually wandered to an overturned boat and sat.
The boat was small, four men oared it and a fifth sat in the rear. It wasn't until the boat was beached that he was able to recognize Monroe who hurried up the sand and disappeared between two buildings. The boat was re-launched and began making back to the ship.
Donland was torn, should he follow Monroe or should he stay and observe the brig. He decided to stay put.
The brig anchored and quickly launched a boat. It too was a small boat and crewed by four with two men seated in the stern. He felt exposed and trudged across the soft deep sand to where he had seen Monroe go between the buildings. Turning first to the left then to the right he was surprised to see Monroe seated at a table underneath a lean-to. A woman appeared, she spoke to Monroe and he answered. She left. Donland approached.
“A tot Sir?” Monroe asked.
“I would prefer a glass of wine, this heat forbids me to drink rum,” Donland answered.
“Rum only or water, and I'd not recommend the water,” Monroe said.
The dark-haired dark-skinned woman returned with a clay jar and set it before Monroe. “Sit, he said to Donland.
“Otro,” Monroe said to the woman.
“Si,” she replied and turned back to the door of the small building.
“What ship?” Monroe asked.
Donland considered the question then answered, “Lady Ellen of Providence. She went down in a storm and I had to swim for the beach.”
“Lucky, I would say,” Monroe said.
“And you?” Donland asked as the woman sat a jar in from of him.
“Yonder,” Monroe nodded. “First of the Folly.” He handed a coin across to the woman.
Donland took a sip of the rum. It was strong, burned and he decided against drinking it.
“I saw another dropping her hook, know her?”
“Never laid eyes on her, I'd venture she's fresh from the yard. Probably, Bahaman if I'm to guess.”
Two men sat down at the other table. Both were dirty and bearded each with two pistols in their belts. Donland knew at once that these were watchers. He said to Monroe loud enough to be heard, “I've come from Fajardo, I was told there are vessels to be sold.”
“And where might you have been told?” Monroe asked.
“Savannah, an acquaintance told me and I was on my way here when the Lady Ellen went down,” Donland answered.
“I've only just arrived myself and know nothing of vessels for sale. Captain Jackson may know of vessels to be sold, he's been in the waters for most of his life,” Monroe stated.
“Will he be coming ashore?” Donland asked.
“Aye, when time allows. He'll be seeking a wench for the night to be sure. He likes the women mor'n most. I'm to return to Folly, before morning but if there is a profit to be had I could signal my boat. Captain Jackson not only loves his women but he loves gold more. For a price, he'll go betwixt you and a seller,” Monroe said as calmly as if he were telling the truth.
“A price is not objectionable,” Donland said.
“Then let us go down to the beach,” Monroe said and stood.
The two men rose. The shorter of the two, a man Donland judged to be late thirties by the gray in his beard asked, “Who are you?”
Donland eyed the man before speaking. The man placed a hand on the butt of his pistol. Donland grinned and said, “Donaldson of Hartford and who are you to ask?” He put his hand into his trousers pocket and found the butt of the pocket pistol.
The man answered, “I'm Slaughter and this be Duncan, we keep an eye out for newcomers.”
“And you do this for the village overseer?” Donland asked.
“Aye, Captain Scoggins, master of Dolphin,” Slaughter answered.
“Then it is Captain Scoggins I should do business with, where is he?” Donland asked.
“At sea, and he'll do no business with the likes of you,” Slaughter said and tightened his grip on the pistol.
“Perhaps when he returns he will. I've come to buy a vessel.”
“Then you have a purse?”
“Aye, I've a purse but before you consider relieving me of it, I should tell you it contains little. The arrangements for the purchase of the vessel will come when the deal is made. I would be a fool to carry such a sum on my person. I'll say no more until Captain Scoggins returns and I'm certain his anger would be kindled against any man who would rob me.”
Slaughter relaxed his grip on his pistol. “Dolphin will anchor any day, you best mind your ways before he drops his hook,” Slaughter warned.
“I've only come for a vessel and will await his pleasure,” Donland said and turned.
“Mister Monroe I should like to call on your captain,” he said to Monroe.
“Aye,” Monroe answered.
Donland stepped from the lean-to and into the bright sun. Monroe followed.
“Call you boat, I will go with you!” Slaughter said at their backs.
Donland turned, “As you please,” he said.
Two grubby, dirty men flanked Jackson, one with a mouthful of rotten teeth and the other a tall black man with a large scar running along his jaw.
Monroe was quick off the mark, “Captain Jackson this man is Donaldson of Hartford, he's come to buy a vessel and seeks your assistance.”
Jackson smiled and said, “Assistance comes with a price in these waters.”
“Such is business,” Donland replied.
“Let's have a glass away from thi
s heat,” Jackson said. He addressed Monroe, “See to our guests.”
Donland followed Jackson down the hatchway. Behind him came Slaughter.
In the tiny cabin, Jackson pulled a jug of rum from a locker. He set three pewter mugs on the table and poured and asked. “What size vessel are you seeking?”
“Large enough to be fitted out for trade and commerce,” Donland answered.
“And what flag will you sail under?” Jackson asked.
Donland reached and took one of the mugs and answered, “The United States, I've a letter of marquee.” He took a sip.
Jackson straightened, amazement played at his eyes. “I would see the letter.”
Donland pulled the packet Sumerford had given him from his coat. He opened it and produced a folded paper and passed it to Jackson. It took only seconds for Jackson to examine it, fold it and give it back to Donland.
“What does it say?” Slaughter asked.
“Read for yourself,” Donland said and extended the paper to Slaughter.
“You tell me,” Slaughter said to Jackson.
“It is as he said,” Jackson said and grinned.
Donland was relieved, it was as he suspected, Slaughter could not read. The bluff had worked.
Jackson appeared as if he would laugh but he said, “For a good price I would sell the Folly, my old bones have had enough of hammocks, storm, and bastards.”
“Captain Scoggins makes all deals, you best say no more without him,” Slaughter said.
Donland and Jackson both faced Slaughter.
“Perhaps, I should make an accommodation with Captain Scoggins,” Donland said.
“I hear he be a fair-minded man, I've no objection,” Jackson played along.
“Then we've concluded our business until Captain Scoggins will give us audience,” Donland said and drank the contents of the mug.
“Mister Slaughter would you be so kind as to inform Mister Monroe that we are ready to return?” Donland asked.
Slaughter did not answer.
“Now if you please Mister Slaughter,” Donland said and picked up the jug. “I'll have another tot of rum and join you.”
Slaughter again said nothing but turned and started to the hatchway.
Donland whispered, “Well-played!”
Jackson whispered back, “Officers are held in a house in the village, the men are on a cay below the battery.” Raising his voice he said, “Drink to your health Mister Donaldson and to a prosperous future!”
Slaughter was the last to go down into the boat that was commanded by Midshipman Allen. Monroe chose not to return to the village. Donland wondered why but felt there was a reason behind the decision. “Give way all!” Allen ordered.
Donland kept his counsel and did not speak on the crossing. Slaughter sat in the stern with a hand on his pistol.
“Bill pull us to shore,” Allen ordered.
Bill climbed over the gunnel and once in the water grinned at Donland.
“You go with me,” Slaughter said to Donland once they were on the beach.
Donland asked, “Where?”
Slaughter placed his hand on the butt of the pistol. His meaning was clear and he said, “You'll see when we get there.”
Donland made a mental note of the four boats on the beach.
Chapter Eleven
David sat on a log at the edge of the beach. He seemed to be amusing himself with a piece of rope. Once Donland passed he rose and began to follow. Simon and Honest fell in well behind David.
“You there! Halt!” a voice called from behind Honest.
Honest turned and recognized Allen. He said to Simon, “Catch up to Mister Welles, stay close to him. I shall catch up to you.”
Simon hurried after David.
Honest turned to Allen. “Mister Allen, are you alone?”
“I am, you are the Captain's man?” Allen asked.
“Aye, sir, Honest John, cox'n. You have information?”
“Aye, for the Captain,” Allen said in a low voice.
Honest matched his volume, “Walk with me, the Captain is ahead with one of the blackguards. Mister Welles is following. I must not lose sight, walk with me.”
Allen's voice betrayed his concern. “Aye,” Mister Monroe expects them to be going to where the officers are held. He expects the Captain is to be held there until the Dolphin returns.”
“If he is to be held with the others that will be to our betterment. Captain Donland is not without resources and guile; he'll find a way to leave or to contact us if he knows we are about. Now, what news have you for the Captain?”
“Captain Jackson instructed us to keep watch on the battery, the one that fired on Hornet. We observed men on a cay, more than a hundred. They have some sailcloth for a few tents and this morning a boat brought food and water across from the battery. We could see swivel guns below the battery, Mister Jackson surmised the guns are aimed at the prisoners. There are four guns in the battery and a camp nearby but we couldn't tell how many men were camped there.”
Honest listened and then asked, “How many pirates aboard Folly?” Only three are aboard but those manning the battery watch the ship. Captain Jackson thinks it will be possible to slip out the stern windows and take the battery during the night.”
“What of the anchored ships?”
“Watch-keepers only,” Allen answered.
Honest kept his eyes on David and Simon as they talked. He asked, “What are you instructed to do? Are you to return?”
Allen was having difficulty keeping pace with Honest's long strides but he managed, “I'm to inform Captain Donland and remain to assist or to act as courier. I'm expected back but when the boat returns, Mister Monroe is going to distract the pirates so that I'm not missed.”
Ahead, David and Simon halted and began shoving each other. Both boys were soon on the ground wrestling.
“Smart lads, they've found the house.” Honest said.
“How do you know?” Allen asked.
“They're being boys, tussling like that so they won't be suspected,” Honest said and grinned broadly. “Best if you remain here, wait for me or I'll send one of the lads to you.”
“Aye,” Allen said. He moved away from Honest and ducked behind a donkey cart.
“Hey! Hey!” Honest shouted as he neared the boys. He reached down and brought both boys up by the scruff of their necks. They continued to lash out at each other. “Enough!” Honest said sternly. He looked around and caught sight of a trough of water. He marched the boys to the trough and dunked their heads. Both boys came up gasping. Honest turned his attention to the stone building; two heavily armed men stood outside the double doors which had a large wooden bar across them. Beside the house was a wooden barn.
Honest whispered to David, “Run as fast as you can between the stone house and the barn, find a spot to hide and listen for voices inside. If you hear anything come back and find me, I'll be down this lane. Go when I give you a kick.
“Aye,” David whispered.
“You little bastard!” Honest shouted and swung his foot to kick David's arse. The boy was fast and only got a partial blow.
David ran for the side of the house; the guards ignored him.
“And you, you little thief, I've got something for you too!” Honest said loudly and swung his leg to kick Simon; he whispered, “run!” then purposely missed the boy and landed in the muddy street. From across the way, there was laughter from the two armed men. Honest picked himself up and ran after Simon.
Honest found Allen. “Stone building up yonder, perhaps a house mor'n likely a warehouse. All I could see was a door and no windows. Mister Welles is keeping watch, if he hears anything he is to find me. We'll wait here until he returns.”
“I've found a place to hide,” Allen said and pointed to a small stable. “We can watch for Mister Welles from there.”
“Aye,” Honest said and followed Allen.
A half-hour passed before they saw David. “Get him,” Honest said to
Simon.
David appeared to be out of breath. “Ran all the way,” David, said between gulps of air. “Captain Donland is in there with some others. I heard five voices, one of them was that pirate that was aboard ship. Sounded like he was beating the Captain and the others protested. Then one of the guards came around to where I was and I had to run. He chased me around the back of the house, but it ain't a house, there's no windows and no door at the back. Anyway, I climbed a fence into a pig wallow then down between two huts. He was too big to follow. I got lost trying to get back here.”
“Think they are alerted?” Allen asked Honest.
“No, I think not,” Honest said. “He's just a boy.”
“How are we going to get the Captain out?” David asked.
“That I can do,” Honest assured David. “With Mister Allen's help, we'll free them all after night falls.”
“Mister Welles can you lead us around to the back of that building?” Honest asked.
“Aye, but maybe not in the dark,” David answered.
“We'll find a place to wait,” Honest said and turned to Allen. “You will need these,” Honest said and held a pistol and a knife to Allen. “Use the pistol only if you must, we best not alert others. “
“Aye, Allen said as he took the weapons. “What of you, have you others?”
Rather than answer, Honest reached down and removed a large knife strapped to his leg. “This will do me. But we've time to better ourselves. I will fetch Porter to aid us. You wait here until I return, maybe as much as an hour,” Honest said.
“It'll be nearing dark,” Allen stated.
“Aye, near it but it can't be helped,” Honest replied.
Porter sat on a log and had fashioned himself a makeshift camp complete with a lean-to. For all appearances, he was a hermit. A small fire smoldered in a sandpit.
“Have you news?” Honest asked he neared.
Porter roused from the stump and stood. “Aye,” he answered. “You look as if you need a tot of rum.”
“Water would do me, have you any?”