So I thought I would speak to you and explain that it would be necessary for us to overhaul a merchantman and replenish our food supply.

It can be done very quietly, sir, and I don't think that even the ladies need be disturbed." Mr.Delaplaine stared in amazement.

"Do you mean to say," he exclaimed, "that you want me to consent to your committing piracy for our benefit ?" "Yes, sir," answered the captain, "that's what I suppose you would call it; but that's my business." "Now, sir, I wish you to know that I am a Christian and a gentleman," said Mr.Delaplaine.
"That's all very true, bedad," said Captain Ichabod, "but you're also another thing; you're a human being, and you must eat." "This is terrible," exclaimed the merchant, "that at my time of life I should consent to a felony at sea, and to profit by it.

I cannot bear to think of the wickedness and the disgrace of it." "Most respected sir," said Ichabod, "if the fellows behave themselves properly and don't offer to fight us, then there'll be no wickedness, bedad.

I can make a good enough show of men to frighten any ordinary merchant crew so that not a blow need be struck.