Pirate's Promise Read Online Free PDF Page B

pirates. Their ship was wrecked off the Carolina shore. They were caught and thrown into prison.
    Some other pirates broke into the prison and set him free. He ran away to sea with them.
    But he missed the plantation. He missed his mother and father.
    One night he went back. His father would not open the door.
    â€œYou are a pirate now. You have brought shame upon us,” said his father. “Leave this plantation and never come back. I shall try to forget I ever had a son!”
    Davy went back to his ship. He took another name, so that he would bring no more shame to his father and mother. Time went by, and he became captain of a pirate ship.
    But he was weary of the sea. He was weary of a pirate’s life.
    He could not go home again. He could not go ashore and live the life of an honest man. Too many people knew his face. He would be sent to prison or put to death.
    That was the end of Captain Land’s story.
    He asked Tom, “Do you know the man in my story? Do you know his name?”
    â€œIs it—Captain Land?” asked Tom.
    â€œYes,” said the captain. “I know this life, and I’ll not let you be drawn into it. Trust me, and I’ll look after you.”
    They heard Benjy’s voice outside, “Why do you come here?”
    Someone else spoke in a loud voice, “English boy! Come out! I am waiting!”
    It was Captain Red.

13. The Meeting
    Captain Land opened the door.
    Captain Red took off his hat and made a mock bow. “Good day to you. Where is the boy?”
    â€œThe boy is here,” said Captain Land.
    â€œI’ve come for him,” said Captain Red.
    â€œThe boy is here,” said Captain Land, “and here he stays.”
    â€œEnglish boy!” called Captain Red. “I’ll have a word with you.”
    Tom went to the door.
    â€œAre you ready?” asked Captain Red. “Shall we go?”
    â€œNo, sir,” said Tom. “I—I’ll stay with Captain Land.”
    â€œThis is strange,” said Captain Red. “Half an hour ago you were ready to go with me. What changed your mind?”
    â€œI changed his mind,” said Captain Land. “I told him you were a friend to no one. I told him your word was not to be trusted. And there’s much more I might have said.”
    â€œYou’ve hated me always,” said Captain Red.
    â€œAnd you have hated me,” said Captain Land.
    â€œThat I have,” said Captain Red. “I hate you all day, and I wake up at night hating you!”
    He took a step forward. With his open hand, he struck Captain Land in the face.
    Captain Land stood still for a moment. Then he spoke in a quiet voice, “When shall we meet?”
    â€œWhenever you say,” said Captain Red.
    â€œTonight?” said Captain Land. “When the moon rises?”
    â€œGood,” said Captain Red. “And where?”
    â€œOn the beach,” said Captain Land, “by the old fort?”
    Captain Red nodded. “Swords or pistols?” he asked.
    â€œSwords,” said Captain Land.
    Captain Red showed his teeth in a smile. “Until tonight,” he said, and he walked away.
    Benjy had been listening. “Master!” he cried. “You must not!”
    Captain Land looked at the fire Benjy had made. It was almost out.
    â€œBuild up your fire and make my medicine,” he said. “I need to be strong tonight.”
    He went back into the house.
    Tom brought wood for the fire. He asked Benjy, “What did they mean? Are they going to fight?”
    â€œYes,” said Benjy.
    â€œIs it because of me?” asked Tom.
    â€œDo not blame yourself,” said Benjy. “The fight has been a long time in the making.”
    The new wood caught fire. The kettle began to boil. Benjy put in more leaves and bark. Tom heard him whisper, “Medicine, be strong!”

14. In the Moonlight
    As the day went by, Benjy said over and over, “Do not fight,