The Pyrate

by Michael Aye

  “Aye,” Cooper agreed, “but not without sore toes.” They both laughed at Cooper’s admission. Placing the empty bottle on the bar, he waited until he got one of the bartenders’ attention. Since he couldn’t be heard, he pointed at the bottle and held up a finger indicating one. The bartender nodded his understanding. Waiting for the delivery of the bottle, Cooper dug out coins to pay and reached out his hand to the man. “Cooper Cain,” he said by way of introduction.

  “Beau Cannington,” came the reply. “You’re a sailor, I take it from the tattoos, and get-up of your friends.”

  “Aye,” Cooper acknowledged, but didn’t elaborate any further. “And you sir, what’s your profession?”

  “I am a physician and surgeon. I just arrived from Georgia hoping to build a practice where I can stand on my own skills.”

  “I’m from England,” Cooper said, suddenly interested in the young doctor. “I’m recently new to the area myself. Do you come here often?”

  “Couple of nights a week, usually for a nightcap before going to bed. I’ve hung around longer tonight hoping the crowd would thin out a bit,” Cannington said.

  “I don’t blame you,” Cooper responded. The bartender was now there with the new bottle. He picked up the coins and set the bottle on the table. “Keep the change,” Cooper said. Turning to the doctor, he said, “Nice meeting you. Maybe we will meet again soon.” The two shook hands and as Cooper turned he found himself shoved back against the bar. The bottle of rum was knocked from his grip, shattering as it hit the floor, rum splashing everywhere.

  The young man who’d shoved him made no apology, and ignored Cooper as he got right in Beau Cannington’s face. “You sir, are a scoundrel, a low life and are not fit to call yourself a physician.” The way the man said it was more like ‘phyzecician’.

  Cooper was livid. The rum had ruined a new pair of breeches and silk stockings. It had not done his shoes and toe a lot of good either. On top of that, he was being ignored like some servant. “I do not know you, sir, nor do I know the reason for your rudeness and ill behavior but look what you have done to this bystander,” replied the doctor.

  The man angered Cooper even more with his retort. “He will be dealt with later.”

  Cooper was livid; his hand went to his small sword. Cannington put his hand on Cooper’s sword hand and said, “Wait.” Turning back to the angry man, Cannington spoke in a controlled but firm voice, “Would you do me the honor, sir, of letting me know whom I’m addressing?”

  “Robert Jochum,” the man snorted.

  Cannington nodded and asked, “What offense have I supposedly committed to cause such an inflamed attack upon my person.”

  “You know,” the man hissed, spittle spraying the taller Cannington’s clothes.

  “Obviously I don’t, sir, otherwise why would I inquire?”

  The room had gotten very quiet and still. Chair legs scrubbed loudly on the floor as Cooper’s comrades rose and in single file made their way to the bar.

  “You’ve forced yourself on my fiancé,” Jochum replied loudly.

  Cooper was amazed at Beau Cannington’s restraint. He would have already run the lout through.

  “Again, I must ask of whom are you speaking?” Cannington asked.

  “Kimberly Johnson. You have forced yourself on Kimberly.”

  A voice in the crowd said, “I know Kim, probably didn’t take much forcing.”

  Jochum didn’t turn his head but retorted, “I’ll deal with you next.”

  “I’m sorry, sir,” Cannington said to Jochum, “the young lady has never mentioned that she was betrothed. Otherwise, I would not have called upon her.”

  “She doesn’t know it,” Jochum said.

  Cannington was fuming, “She doesn’t know it. You dare to confront me with such slander and then admit that the lady in question does not know you are engaged.”

  “She knows, everybody knows. she just forgets sometimes.”

  “Well, sir, I did not know, so it’s apparent that not everybody knows. You should inform Miss Johnson. Now, if you will apologize for your slander and compensate my new friend, we will then consider the matter closed,” Cannington said.

  Swat…Jochum slapped Cannington with his gloves. “How dare you tell me what to do you…you quack.” All pretense of civility was gone.

  “You pitiful excuse of a human being, I will kill you. But first you must know I tried to avoid your little Miss Kimberly but I got tired of running.” Then with a cruel smile, Cannington said, “She proved to be a most experienced lover.”

  Now it was Jochum who was on the offensive. “This is Mr. Bordeaux, he is my second.” With that he turned and hurriedly left the room.

  “My apology to both of you,” the man said. “I have tried to explain to my cousin that the lady in question is…how do you say it? No lady. I will try to talk sense to him. Would the apology need to be in writing or would a spoken apology be acceptable?”

  “Either would be fine, sir,” Cannington said.

  “Thank you,” Bordeaux said. “I can’t promise it as Robert is a rash young man. His father is most rich and so he has provided his son with everything except a judgment in women and a means to control his anger.” Facing Cooper, Bordeaux rolled out several bills. “This should pay for the suit and shoes. Please accept my apologies and know nothing was meant in regards to your person. You could do me a favor and chalk it up to a lovesick idiot.”

  “Now sir,” the man said after Cooper had taken the money, “one thousand dollars for a hundred dollar suit.” He was indeed trying to ease his cousin’s rudeness. “Would you be so kind as to give me the name of a second?” Bordeaux said, speaking to Cannington. “Someone I can either issue an apology or set the time, place, and choice of weapons. Should you have to go through this nonsense, you are the one who has been called out so you have your choice of weapons.”

  “I will be his second,” Cooper volunteered. “With your permission,” he said to Cannington, who consented with the nod of his head. “Should it be necessary we will choose pistols,” Cooper stated.

  Bordeaux nodded his head. “An address?”

  “The Hotel Provincial, my name is Cooper Cain.”

  After Bordeaux left, Cannington said, “Why pistols? I’m not the best with blades but I’m little better with pistols.”

  “Because he is an expert with blades, I think. The rapier at his side was a Gills from London. Generally, a man who can carry one of those is a man of substance who has been trained in the manly art. I would venture to say that with a rich father, the son has had training by a master swordsman. I know, I have been trained by the master of masters, Jean-Paul dé Giraud. I would also say it was a master who either awarded the blade to Jochum upon completion of his training or recommended it to be purchased.” After a pause in which Cooper took a drink of rum the bartender had set up for Raven’s men and Cannington, he continued, “I have been in New Orleans for months and that’s the first time I’ve seen one of those blades.”

  “I trust your advice,” Cannington said.

  “You should,” Spurlock said. “I’ve seen Coop in action. He’s the devil himself with a blade.”

  ***

  Cooper knocked on Captain Taylor and Debbie’s quarters upon arriving at the hotel. After apologizing for the intrusion, Cooper related the events, leaving nothing out. A messenger arrived the next day and sadly reported no apology would be given. The time was to be at dawn the following morning, if agreeable. Captain Taylor produced a cherry wood case with two of the finest dueling pistols with ivory handles that Cooper had ever seen. Cannington had arranged for a surgeon to accompany them.

  The site was the dueling oaks. Many ‘affaires d’honneur’ had been settled under the giant branches of the majestic trees. The grounds belonged to the Allard family and were a popular location for duels. Sometimes multiple duels were fought, one after another.

  Cooper introduced the captain to Dr. Cannington. “Let’s do away with the Dr
. Cannington, call me Beau.”

  “Then I’m Cooper or Coop as most of my friends call me.” With a smile, Cooper said, “Everybody calls the captain, captain.”

  “I can see that,” Beau responded.

  ***

  The sound of the barouche’s wheels and harness as the driver drove to the oaks was the only sound as the men grew silent. A deep silence created by the weight of the upcoming duel, a needless fight. One in which one or both men might be killed. A grave situation to ponder, to create the somber silence.

  Arriving first, at dawn, the men dismounted. Two small portable stands were set up; one to hold the case of pistols and the other to hold the surgeon’s bag and instruments. When Jochum’s carriage arrived it was followed by two more carriages full of friends, all drinking and carrying on as it if were a circus they were attending and not a duel.

  Jochum was dressed in a white ruffled silk shirt as was Beau. They both wore capes to ward off the early morning dew and chill that was in the air.

  Another coach pulled up and a M’sieur LeClair stepped out. An unbiased referee who would make sure the duel was conducted in a honorable fashion. Stepping from his coach, he heard the laughter and boisterous language from Jochum’s group and a look of disapproval came over his face. “Seconds,” he called. Once Cooper and Bordeaux attended him, a purse of twenty-five dollars was given, the fee for his professional service.

  Pocketing the money, LeClair looked at Bordeaux and said, “I do not like the atmosphere coming from your principal’s side, sir. The duel will not take place until the affair can be conducted with proper respect and honor.”

  “My apologies, M’sieur LeClair. I will attempt to bring order to the occasion.” After a few moments of heated conversation a carriage filled with Jochum’s cronies too drunk to behave drove away. Bordeaux returned and again apologized.

  Looking toward Jochum’s side, LeClair said, “The situation seems to have been taken care of. Are you satisfied, M’sieur Cain?” Cooper gave a slight nod. “Gentlemen, are we sure that this ‘affaire d’honneur’ must continue? Are there not other means to settle one’s slight?” This was a standard attempt that was asked each time there was a duel.

  “I’m afraid not, sir,” Bordeaux said, a slight tremble in his voice. “I have just tried once more to get my party to think about his actions. Alas he persists in his demands. Regardless of the outcome, I hope Mr. Cain and Dr. Cannington know I have tried and take no pleasure in the situation.”

  “Well said, M’sieur. Is there any ill feeling on your behalf toward this gentleman?” LeClair asked Cooper.

  “None, sir, he has conducted himself most honorably. I know not the rules of etiquette but unless it’s not appropriate I would shake Mr. Bordeaux’s hand,” Cooper said.

  “Not at this time,” LeClair said. “It might upset Mr. Jochum. Now if you will, kind sirs, have your principals meet with me. Captain Taylor,” LeClair called, “the weapons please.”

  Taylor picked up the case off the small stand and walked to LeClair. The case was opened and one at a time the weapons were loaded and primed. The hammers eased back and the pistols were laid back into the case. Captain Taylor then looked at LeClair, who gave a slight bow with his head indicating he was satisfied with the loading of the pistols. Taylor then stood back.

  Since Cannington had chosen the type of weapons, Jochum was given first choice of the pistols. They were a perfect match so Jochum reached in and took the one with the handle turned to his side. Beau then took the other pistol out of the case. LeClair had the men stand back to back.

  It was sunrise. They held the pistols at their shoulders with the barrels pointing up toward the sky. Both men were lean and muscular. Beau’s hair somewhat longer that his opponent and he was taller by nearly a head.

  Clearing his throat, LeClair called so all could hear, “Gentlemen, at the count of three you will both advance ten paces, then at ten you will halt. On my command you will turn and fire. One, two, three you may advance.”

  The combatants took ten paces each and LeClair called, “Halt, you may...” before he could complete the sentence, Jochum turned and fired. The ball whished past Cannington’s head.

  Eyeing the man with hatred and disgust, Beau aimed his pistol and then at the last second swung his arm slightly so the ball would miss. As Canninton pulled the trigger, Jochum panicked and instead of standing still as required, he moved a step sideways, walking into the ball by doing so. The ball struck him in the forehead, creating a third eye. Jochum fell instantly to the ground, dead.

  Angry men swarmed on the field of honor. They were all shocked at the outcome of the duel. One of the men braver than the others pulled his pistol and aimed it at Beau. Many things happened at once. Captain Taylor gave a shrill blast on his bosun’s pipe and half a dozen men appeared from behind trees where they had been waiting. Cooper pulled his blade and rushed to Beau’s side.

  Before he could get there, LeClair, stood in front of Beau holding up his hands. “Please, please,” he said. “Let’s not turn this into a melee. Honor has been served but what happened was an accident. It was in no way deliberate.”

  As people continued to rush forward, LeClair took out two pistols and fired one into the air getting everyone’s attention. “I will personally shoot the next man who moves before I’m finished with what I have to say.” The crowd grew silent. “A foul was committed on the part of Mr. Jochum. He turned and fired before the word. Dr. Cannington then pointed his pistol directly at Mr. Jochum but then moved his arm so as to miss his opponent. It was Mr. Jochum who unfortunately panicked and took a side step as Dr. Cannington fired. Had Mr. Jochum stood his ground as honor demanded he would not have been harmed. Embarrassed by his foul perhaps, but not harmed.”

  Bordeaux stepped forward, “M’sieur LeClair is an unbiased and honorable man. I trust his word and abide by it. This duel is done. Someone load Robert into a coach so that I can carry him home.” Turning toward Beau and Cooper, he said, “We could have been friends had the situation been different. I hold no fault with either of you. But, Dr. Cannington, Robert’s father is a very rich and powerful man. Robert was an only son. The father knows his son was a hothead. I was given the task…unattainable task I might add, of keeping Robert out of trouble. I had sent word to his father that he needed to intervene. It was my misfortune that the father was away at Natchez. He was to return today. He will not bring personal harm upon your body, Doctor, but he will ruin you otherwise. I would consider it wise if you should move your practice from New Orleans.”

  “Thank you for your advice, sir, I will consider it,” Cannington said.

  Bordeaux turned and walked to his coach. Spurlock picked up the captain’s pistol that Jochum had dropped and wiped it with a cloth and put it in its case. Without thinking, Beau handed him the pistol that still hung at his side.

  “I had started to kill the lout,” Beau said. “I then decided he wasn’t worth it.”

  “If only he had stood still,” the referee shook his head, and then said, “you are without fault, M’sieur. Jochum proved a coward in the end. It is a good thing you chose pistols however. I have seen several men fall to his blade.”

  “It was Mr. Cain who chose. He recognized the man as a swordsman.”

  LeClair looked at Cooper with new interest. “You have knowledge of such things, M’sieur?”

  “I was a student of Jean-Paul dé Giraud, sir,”

  “The best of the best,” LeClair said. Turning back to Beau, he said, “You fought with honor. However, it is as M’sieur Bordeaux said. You would do well to leave the city.” Hands were shook and the referee returned to his coach and left.

  Walking toward the barouche it dawned on Beau that the captain had staged men so as to respond if needed. “I must thank you, Captain, for your foresight, and your assistance with the duel. It’s my first and hopefully my last. Now I guess it’s back to Georgia.”

  “Not necessarily,” Cooper said. “Have you ever considered b
eing a ship’s surgeon?”

  “No, I haven’t,” Beau admitted. “What type of ship do you have?”

  “A pirate ship,” Cooper responded boldly. Beau looked very surprised and coughed.

  Spurlock said, “Damn Coop, you’ve given the man apoplexy.”

  “Aye,” Taylor agreed. “It’s not the way I would have said it but it does make the point. Accompany us back to the hotel and we will discuss it. The decision will be yours without hard feelings if you decline the offer. If you agree, you will have a more rewarding practice than you would on St. Peters Street.”

  “Who treats your men now?” Beau asked.

  “The carpenter,” Captain Taylor admitted.

  “Humph… it does sound interesting,” Beau admitted.

  “I think you will find your skills will be put to good use if you decide to join us,” Taylor said.

  “I agree, it’s something to discuss,” Beau said.

  “Good,” Taylor replied. “Let’s be on our way.”

  PART III

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Raven lay hove to in a gentle sea with a slight land breeze. Captain Eli Taylor stood on the quarterdeck, with Cooper Cain and his new bride, Sophia, standing before him. On the quarterdeck also stood the best man, David MacArthur, and the maid of honor, Cindy Veigh. Guests included Debbie Russell, Lucy, Linda, Jean LaFitte, Dominique Youx, and the Raven’s crew. Due to Sophia’s previous circumstances, Cooper knew a wedding in the traditional sense was not very doable. He also knew a ship’s captain could perform the ceremony at sea. Therefore, after a brief conversation with Sophia, the two asked the captain to marry them, which he readily agreed to do.

  Cooper had wanted the contract burned but Lawyer Meeks had felt this not wise should legal matters arise. Sophia had whispered, “What does it matter? We have each other.”

  Once the ceremony was over, the Raven sailed back to Barataria. Robinson, Bridges, Johannes, and Quang acted as an honor guard of sorts and rowed the newlyweds to Grand Isle. Gus, Jumper, and Belle, with the help of Millie, had decorated the dock with sweet smelling gardenias. The path up to the porch was strewn with rose petals and a rose was on each side of the steps leading up to the porch. The inside stairs also had roses on each step and the couple’s bedroom had vases filled with roses.