'This is much better than split peas,' said Bill Waite. 'I shall loathe peas all my life. I don't know which I despise most, Balaam or pease pudding. Mates, it must be a horrid thing to have such a skipper as Balaam.'
The men of the Cormorant said it was horrid.
'He's a cock-eyed blighter,' said Tom Paddle, 'and I most willingly would see you pirates 'ang him. And as for the grub we parts with, what belongs to you comes without grudgin'.'
It was very handsome of Tom Paddle. But he was known to be generous even when he was sober. He helped to transfer the provisions to the Scanderbeg with the heartiest good-will. When the transhipment was made, all the officers of both vessels breakfasted on board the Cormorant, while Balaam lay in his bunk hungry, not daring to call for anything.
'I know Wood will 'ang me,' he whimpered. Without brandy, he had to believe it.
'While I am a pirate, Mr. Briggs,' said Captain Wood pleasantly, 'I may as well carry it out. Can you spare me a coil of three-inch manilla?'
'With pleasure,' said Briggs. 'Is there anything else, sir?'
'What do you say, Mr. Boden?' asked Wood.
'I think we could do with half a dozen stunsail booms,' said Boden.
'I rather want them myself,' said Briggs anxiously.