The Buccaneers' Code Read Online Free PDF Page A

brushed the question aside. “Even Captain Blacktooth has loads of experience, and look where that’s gotten him! Doesn’t everyone always say that what a good leader really needs is passion?” She frowned. “Well, even if they don’t, I’m saying it now. You, Hilary Westfield, are the most passionate pirate I know. I bet you’ve dreamed of leading the VNHLP your whole life.”
    Hilary squirmed. “Perhaps I have,” she said. “That still doesn’t change the fact that most of the pirates in the League want to run me through.”
    â€œSome of them do,” Miss Pimm allowed, “but others have already joined you, haven’t they?”
    It was true that Mr. Twigget, Captain Blacktooth’s own first mate, had signed on to Hilary’s crew several months earlier. He’d even brought a handful of scallywags with him. All of them had taken more than a few cannonballs to the mainsail from their former crewmates, but they hadn’t run back to Blacktooth’s ship yet. Then, of course, there were Partridge, Flintlock, and Worthington, waiting for Hilary’s word at the Salty Biscuit. Still, earning theloyalty of a dozen pirates was hardly the same as commanding an entire fleet.
    Miss Pimm didn’t wait for Hilary to reply. “Not only do you have passion,” she said, “but you have influence. You’ve stood up to Captain Blacktooth before, and you’ve shown you don’t fear him. That’s more than any other pirate can say for himself.”
    â€œAnd you’ll be a wonderful leader!” cried Claire. “Oh, please say yes. I’ll pretend to be cheerful if you refuse, of course, but I shall really be absolutely crushed.”
    The gargoyle looked up at Hilary. “You know,” he said, “saving the kingdom from villains does sound thrilling.”
    Miss Pimm didn’t say another word. She simply met Hilary’s gaze without blinking once.
    â€œFine. I’ll consider it.” Hilary stood up from her chair, feeling entirely outnumbered. “But I’ll need a few days to think before I make a decision. If you see any pirates on your way out the door, you’d better tell them I’m not at home.”
    O VERNIGHT, THE SNOW stopped falling, and the wind changed. A warm breeze blew in from the southern kingdoms, carrying the scent of the sea and melting the ice along the roadways. Early the next morning, before Mrs. Westfield had a chance to prohibit unladylike excursions, Hilary pulled on her boots, tucked the gargoyle into her bag, and walked down to the harbor to watch the ships sailby. Some were narrow-hulled clippers built for speed, and others were gun-laden frigates built for battle, but Hilary kept her eyes on the sturdy, confident ships that flew black flags as they set off to bury treasure or to seek it, keeping the coastline behind them and all manner of adventures in front of them. Those ships were built for piracy.
    â€œI don’t know why you’re hesitating,” the gargoyle remarked. “I can tell you’re itching to kick Captain Blacktooth in the trousers.”
    Hilary raised her eyebrows at him. “Weren’t you the one who said that if we challenged him, we’d end up with fish swimming up our snouts?”
    â€œI’ve changed my mind,” the gargoyle said. “Someone needs to protect the kingdom, and I think it should be you. After all, you’re very good at protecting me.”
    Hilary turned away from the harbor and began to crunch through the snow back to Westfield House. “Protecting a gargoyle is one thing,” she said, “but protecting a kingdom is another thing altogether. Do you truly think I’m the best pirate for the job?”
    â€œYou’re certainly not the worst,” the gargoyle said cheerfully. “Besides, it will make an excellent chapter in my memoirs.”
    By the time they returned to Westfield