Dark Before the Rising Sun Read Online Free PDF Page A

the mates might have a sovereign or two left once they finish celebratin’ here in London,” Kirby said as he eyed a couple of familiar figures at another table. He might not have recognized any of them. Their fancy clothes were new and out of character.
    â€œâ€™Tis especially interestin’ when ye consider that none of us has even gotten his hands on any of that treasure yet,” Fitzsimmons commented dryly, thinking of his own new finery into which the tailor had been only too happy to fit him with the expectation of his customer’s forthcoming riches.
    â€œWe’ve only been in port a few days now,” Alastair reminded him. “The captain’s got to clear himself of that warrant for his arrest before we can all sit down and have a proper accounting of the treasure. Then we can divide it up.”
    Kirby snorted loudly, nearly choking on his ale. “With the rumors goin’ around about the cap’n, his reputation’s blacker now than ’twas when he left London all them years ago. And no thanks to certain people I could name,” Kirby said as he eyed a crew member who was holding court at a table close to the conviviality of the hearth.
    Longacres’s outrageously lurid tales of pirates and highly exaggerated stories about the captain of the Sea Dragon were spreading through London like wildfire. And the old coxswain, in his loose-fitting breeches, square-cut jacket, and scarlet bandana, a pistol stuck in his broad belt, certainly looked the part of the bloodthirsty pirates of legend. The costume did little to damage his credibility. And the fact that this colorful old character was also a very wealthy man only added to his popularity.
    â€œReckon some folk don’t know when to keep their mouths shut.”
    â€œHe’s harmless enough, Kirby. Just enjoyin’ bein’ the center of attention. Though I do wish he’d be buyin’ himself some new clothes, or at least a new pair of breeches. He looks like he’s still sailin’ a ship flyin’ the skull and crossed bones.” Fitzsimmons grimaced.
    Alastair had been silent while studying the play of emotions across the little steward’s face. He thought how much more complex a man Houston Kirby was than most people knew. “You’re still troubled about something, aren’t you, Kirby?”
    For one of the few times in his life, Kirby didn’t have anything to say.
    â€œIf you’re worrying about the captain getting those charges against him dropped, I wouldn’t. He is, after all, a marquis, and a very wealthy gentleman now. I doubt whether even Their Honors will question him overmuch. ’Tis strange how another man’s title and wealth can influence someone. And yet we all know the finest title Dante possesses is the one he bears as master of the Sea Dragon . Besides, he is innocent of any wrongdoing where this warrant is concerned,” he added loyally, putting all their previous smuggling activities out of his mind.
    â€œAnd when did that ever save a man from the gallows?” Fitzsimmons was curious to know. “But ye be right about one thing, Mr. Marlowe. Them fine and most respectable bewigged old gents ain’t goin’ to hang no wealthy marquis. No matter what he’s done.”
    â€œAt least not this time,” Kirby muttered into his ale, his shoulders slumped as if he carried the weight of the world.
    â€œI hope you’re not forgetting that the captain also has two very respectable witnesses to testify in his behalf. I doubt very seriously whether a duke’s daughter or one of His Majesty’s own officers would be suspected of perjury.”
    Fitzsimmons laughed heartily. “Aye, the captain’s got the divil’s own luck for sure. To think that Captain Sir Morgan Lloyd himself would be the character witness for our captain! ’Tis strange enough to have me and all of London believin’ everythin’