M. de Cussy finally consenting to exceed his instructions,
the articles were drawn up and signed that very day. The buccaneers
were to be at Petit Goave by the end of January, when M. de Rivarol
had announced that he might be expected.
After that followed days of activity in Tortuga, refitting the ships,
boucanning meat, laying in stores. In these matters which once
would have engaged all Captain Blood's attention, he now took no
part. He continued listless and aloof. If he had given his consent
to the undertaking, or, rather, allowed himself to be swept into it
by the wishes of his officers - it was only because the service
offered was of a regular and honourable kind, nowise connected with
piracy, with which he swore in his heart that he had done for ever.
But his consent remained passive. The service entered awoke no zeal
in him. He was perfectly indifferent - as he told Hagthorpe, who
ventured once to offer a remonstrance - whether they went to Petit
Goave or to Hades, and whether they entered the service of Louis XIV
or of Satan.
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