"Here is a bit of memorandum which may entertain you lads. Lieutenant Maynard had Blackbeard's quarters searched before the brig was burned. Some valuable stuff was found, but nothing what you'd call a pirate's treasure."
The lads looked at each other but kept their own counsel and Captain Wellsby went on to explain:
"There was a private log, Blackbeard's own journal, with a few entries in it, and most of the leaves torn out. I made a copy of what could be read, for the late Captain Teach was a better pirate than scrivener. Here, Jack, you are the scholar."
Jack read aloud this extract, which was about what might have been expected:
"Such a day! Rum all out,—our company somewhat sober. A confusion amongst us,—rogues a-plotting—great talk of separation. So I looked sharp for a prize. Took one, with a great deal of liquor on board, so kept the company hot, very hot. Then all things went well again."
"That sounds familiar enough to me," was Joe Hawkridge's comment. "And the rest of his writing will be much like it."
"Not so fast," exclaimed Captain Wellsby. "Scan the next page, Jack. 'Twill fetch you up all standing. Not that it puts gold in our pockets, for we know not where to search, but I swear it will make your eyes sparkle and your mouth water."
Trying to hide his excitement, Jack saw a kind of rough inventory, and it ran like this:
"Where I Hid Itt This Cruse:
1 Bag 54 Silver Barrs. 1 Bag 79 Barrs & Peaces of Silver.