"The pirate captain, after a short confab with the mate, turned round, and spoke to me. 'Well, my man,' said he, 'I don't mind telling you that you've hit the mark in guessing that this is the Red Rover, and a pirate. I believe she has made something of a reputation for herself,' he added, proudly.
"I bowed.
"'Now I have a proposal to make to you. We're rather short-handed. We need two or three brave fellows, and I am inclined to think, from your bearing, that you will suit us. Now, if you would like it, you shall be admitted to equal privileges with the rest of the crew, with an equal share of whatever booty we manage to pick up, and that I may tell you, is not small. Here, Roderigo, step forward, and tell this man how much your share was last year.'
"Roderigo, a villainous-looking fellow, stepped forward, and answered, 'Nearly two thousand dollars in goods and money.'
"'You see, then, what are the inducements. Will you join us or not?'
"Now I very well knew what the consequences of my refusal would be, so I replied, without a moment's hesitation, 'I will.'"
"What, did you become a pirate?" asked Charlie, horror-struck.
"Pretty much in the same way that you became a sailor, my lad; because I couldn't help it."