Chapter 30
“We’ve already removed the penknife,” the pirate said with a knowing chuckle, “so don’t get any ideas in that direction.”
Mance had justbegun to wonder if the compartment might contain a knife. “And in what direction do you recommend I think?” he wondered sharply.
“I was thinking you might turn to a bit of writing, actually. ‘Dearest Father…’”
“You expect me to write my own ransom note?” Mance snarled.
The pirate turned, finally, and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms with an insouciant grin that Mance recognized. “It’s an excellent way to prove that we haven’t killed you,” David Moreton pointed out.
“But—but you died!” Mance cried. “Two years ago! In the South Seas! The crewman who washed ashore, he said there were pirates and you had—” Mance broke off again, looking around again, aghast. “Davey, you didn’t. Tell me that you didn’t falsify your own death andsteal your father’s best ship!”