But Wood was a good pirate, and did not weaken.
'I think we want them more than you do,' said Wood with firmness. And he got them. Briggs was sore, but said nothing.
'Is there anything else you would like?' he asked with some natural bitterness.
'Yes,' said Wood, 'I think we'll take all Balaam's sea-stock of liquor. It will do him good.'
'I haven't the least objection to that,' said Briggs.
And half an hour afterwards the Scanderbeg made sail, and forged slowly ahead of the Cormorant on her way to Albany.
'We'll report you,' said Wood.
But when he was nearly out of sight, old Balaam pulled down his fortifications and came on deck, looking like a man who by a miracle has shaved what are known as the 'jimjams.' He sat down and wailed for Bunting.
'Yes, sir,' said Bunting.
'I think I'll have some brandy and gin with a dash of rum in it,' said Balaam.