"You may be sure that none will harass you on the score of your
piracy, considering what it was that drove you to it. But why be
in haste? We have heard of you, to be sure, and we know of what
you are capable upon the seas. Here is a great chance for you,
since you declare yourself sick of piracy. Should you choose to
serve King William out here during this war, your knowledge of
the West Indies should render you a very valuable servant to His
Majesty's Government, which you would not find ungrateful. You
should consider it. Damme, sir, I repeat: it is a great chance
you are given.
"That your lordship gives me," Blood amended, "I am very grateful.
But at the moment, I confess, I can consider nothing but this great
news. It alters the shape of the world. I must accustom myself
to view it as it now is, before I can determine my own place in it."
Pitt came in to report that the work of rescue was at an end, and
the men picked up - some forty-five in all - safe aboard the two
buccaneer ships. He asked for orders.
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