“Do you think, my boy,” the earl pursued, greatly excited, “that they—the bad men—are—have been guilty of piracy on board that brig?”
“My lord, had you asked me that question two days ago, I could not have answered it as I can answer it now. To accommodate old friends—to save from possible disaster those who had been kind to me, and loving, in my boyhood, in the absence of the chief, I went out and piloted the brig in. While on board I saw that which surprised me; and I questioned one whom I knew I could trust.
“I will not speak his name. I will only say of him further, he and a score and more with him have resolved that the piratical brig shall know them no more. By no consent of theirs, but against their earnest protest, the iniquitous work has been carried on.
“Yes, my lord—those bad men, with the chief at their head, have been guilty of piracy. The brig is even now fresh from a piratical venture. A portion of her cargo may have been honestly purchased, to be dishonestly disposed of in England; but I verily believe the bulk of the property she has on board was robbed from other vessels.”
“And the brig is at this moment in the cove?”
“Yes.”
“Have you any idea of what they are doing with the cargo?”
“I do not think any of it has yet been moved. They are waiting for the return of their chief, who is at present away.”
“Percy, who is this chief?”
“Have you seen him, my lord?”