"Maybe we better go aboardt der Spaniard and catch der little gal, ja."
"An excellent idea," returned my great-uncle, looking expectantly at me. "I shall lead the boarders myself, and in the confusion I may be hard put to it, single-handed, to direct the fighting and save the O'Donnells from injury. If you two——"
"We'll do it," I said ungraciously. "'Tis of a parcel with your crazy notions that you can not even safeguard your accomplice without aid."
"That is quite true," he agreed mildly. "I am free to admit, Robert, your presence takes a load off my mind, notwithstanding your escape from Flint hath created other difficulties for me to contend with. However, I shall be sufficiently grateful to you if you will assist me. My notions, whether 'crazy' or not, are not easily carried into execution."
I nodded to the white ensign at the main peak.
"Will you fight under false colors?"
"They are not false," he retorted with tightened lips. "We fight for England today."
"England and Flint and Long John Silver and Bill Bones and Martin and Coupeau and——"
"Myself? Perhaps. But if those you have named share in the rewards of victory 'tis that England may profit thereby and the Good Cause triumph. What doth it matter if King James return to London?"
"What indeed?" I echoed sarcastically, yet impressed against my will by his deadly earnestness.