He had made himself liked.
They respected him.
In addition to being a daring leader, he paid well.
No man cares to fight on an empty belly and a vacant pocket.
“What do you want, Effendi?” asked one.
“I shall take possession of the pirate ship Catamaran, and I require a crew to sail her up the Red Sea.”
“How far?”
“To Suez.”
“If you fellows will ship with me for the run to Suez, I will make you a present of the vessel when we arrive there.”
“What a great man!” was the cry.