Or it may be that he merely wants the brig.

If that be so, he can quickly rid himself of us." That was a cruel speech when women had to hear it, but the captain was a rough fellow.
The boats came on as quietly as if they were about to land at a neighbouring pier.

Dickory and Lucilla cautiously peeped over the rail, Dickory without his hat, and Lucilla, hiding herself, all but a part of her face, behind him; the Manders crouched together on the deck, the father with glaring eyes and a knife in his hand.

The crew stood, with their hats removed and their chins lowered, waiting for what might happen next.
Up to this time Dickory had shown no signs of fear, although his mind was terribly tossed and disturbed; for, whatever might happen to him, it possibly would be the end of that mission which was now the only object of his life.

But he grated his teeth together and awaited his fate.
But now, as the boats came nearer, he began to tremble, and gradually his knees shook under him.
"I would not have believed that he was such a coward as that," thought Lucilla.
The boats neared the ship and were soon made fast; every help was offered by the crew of the brig, and not a sign of resistance was shown.
The leader of the pirates mounted to the deck, followed by the greater part of his men.
For a moment Captain Ichabod glanced about him, and then, addressing the captain of the brig, he said: "This is all very well.