A little later, Marbury set out for the dock to inspect the pirate ship. As he was going down the steps, Parkington called to him, that, if he had no objection, he would be glad to accompany him.
"Come along, sir," he answered—"but I think, if the others do not mind, they would better remain to welcome the ladies, and insure that the house is here for them—there is just a chance that the pirates may return."
"Is not this attack most unusual?" Sir Edward asked, as they came in sight of the landing.
"It is more than unusual—it is extraordinary. We have not known of a pirate north of the West Indies for forty years—and, as for one venturing inside the Capes, I fancy, it is not in the memory of man. Of course, we had heard of Long-Sword, as the most notorious buccaneer on the old Spanish Main; but that is far from the Chesapeake. We never thought to see him here, sir."
"I think I should like to talk with him," said Parkington. "It will be quite an interesting experience."
Marbury laughed. "You will be all the rage in London—the man who spoke with Long-Sword—and survived!"
"I am not so sure as to London—and I care nothing for being the rage. It is the novelty of the thing that takes me."
"Well, you may quiz him to your heart's content, and I think you will find him, outwardly at least, a gentleman. He impressed me as being of superior birth—however much he may have backslid in his calling—and his manners are the equal of your own."