IV
All lights and candles must be put out before eight o’clock at night and after that hour if any of the crew continued drinking they were to do it on the open deck. This rule in relation to drinking was not observed on board a number of the pirate ships. The snapping of arms and smoking of tobacco in the hold was also forbidden on board most ships.
V
Every man must keep his gun, pistol and cutlass clean and fit for service. This rule was seldom broken for its necessity was recognized by all. Moreover, there was always more or less competition between men over the beauty and richness of their arms. When an auction was held “at the mast,” sometimes as much as £30 or £40, would be bid for a pair of fine pistols. These were slung into bright colored sashes worn over the shoulders in a manner peculiar to the pirates, giving a very showy appearance to the swaggering individual.
VI
No women were allowed on board and if any man induced a woman to go to sea in disguise he was to suffer death. When a vessel was captured if a woman was found among the passengers a sentinel was placed over her immediately to prevent ill consequences from so dangerous a cause for quarrels. As a rule, boys were not allowed in pirate companies but exceptions to this rule sometimes occurred.
VII
To desert the ship or to abandon quarters in time of battle was punished with death or marooning.
VIII
No man was permitted to strike a member of his company while on board ship. All quarrels must be settled on shore, with sword or pistol, the quartermaster acting as master of ceremonies. The usual rule was for him to attempt a reconciliation but if the difference could not be healed without a fight he would go ashore with such assistants as he thought proper and after placing the meh back to back they would walk apart the number of paces agreed upon and at the word of command immediately turn and fire. If both missed, they might fall to with cutlasses and the man who drew first blood was declared the victor.