First, you are right about the English merchants.

They and the Free Companions have long had an understanding, and word was sent by them to play tricks on your ships.

I was absent at the time, and though the thing was dirty work, as any one could see, some of the fools thought it a fair ploy, and Cosh was suffered to do his will.

When I got back I heard the story, and was black angry, so I took the matter into my own keeping.

I have ways and means of getting the news of Virginia, and I know pretty well what you have been doing, young one.