"Where did you come from, and how came you to be on that island? How
many companions had you on it? Answer me, now, and mind you tell no
lies."
"I never tell lies." said I firmly.
The captain received this reply with a cold, sarcastic smile, and bade
me answer his questions.
I then told him the history of myself and my companions from the time
we sailed till the day of his visit to the island, taking care,
however, to make no mention of the Diamond Cave. After I had concluded,
he was silent for a few minutes; then looking up, he said, "Boy, I
believe you."
I was surprised at this remark, for I could not imagine why he should
not believe me. However, I made no reply.
"And what," continued the captain, "makes you think that this schooner
is a pirate?"
"The black flag," said I, "showed me what you are; and if any further
proof were wanting, I have had it in the brutal treatment I have
received at your hands."
The captain frowned as I spoke, but subduing his anger he continued,
"Boy, you are too bold. I admit that we treated you roughly, but that
was because you made us lose time and gave us a good deal of trouble.
As to the black flag, that is merely a joke that my fellows play off
upon people sometimes in order to frighten them. It is their humour,
and does no harm. I am no pirate, boy, but a lawful trader--a rough
one, I grant you, but one can't help that in these seas, where there
are so many pirates on the water and such murderous blackguards on the
land.
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