So much reputation came to the young mariner—at this exploit—that he was soon offered the command of the Emilie: a privateer of one hundred and eighty tons and four guns. He accepted with glee, but when about to go to sea, the Governor refused him Letters of Marque.
“What shall I do?” asked the crest-fallen Robert, approaching the owners of the trim and able craft.
“Sail for the Seychelles (Islands off the east coast of Africa) for a cargo of turtles,” said they. “If you fail to find these; fill up with corn, cotton and fruit. Fight shy of all English cruisers, and battle if you have to.”
Surcouf bowed.
“I am not a regular privateer,” he answered. “For I have no Letters of Marque. But I can defend myself if fired upon, and am an armed vessel in war-time. I may yet see some fighting.”
He was not to be disappointed.
While at anchor at the Seychelles, two large and fat English men-of-war appeared in the offing. Surcouf had to run for it.
Steering in among the many little islets, which here abound, he navigated the dangerous channels and got safely off, his men crying,
“Voilà! Here is a genius. We did well to ship with such a master!”
But the gallant Surcouf soon turned from privateer to pirate.