“We’ve got flagons in our ship,” said Peggy. “They are just like these.”
She filled all the mugs from the barrel. Nancy Blackett, meanwhile, was sitting by herself, thinking hard. She took a mug when it was brought to her by Roger, and she took a hunk of molasses from the bag when it was offered to her by Titty, but, for a moment or two, she hardly seemed to see them.
At last she said, “The proper thing is to drink to the Jolly Roger, skull and crossbones, death and glory and a hundred thousand pieces of eight. But you aren’t pirates, so we can’t all drink to that. Really we ought to drink confusion to our enemies. …”
“The pirate with the parrot,” said Titty.
“The houseboat man,” said Captain John.
“Right,” said Nancy, “I’ve got it. Swallows and Amazons forever, and death to Captain Flint!”
“Swallows and Amazons forever,” repeated Peggy, “and death to Uncle Jim!”
“Captain Flint, you chump-headed galoot,” said Captain Nancy.
The others said it all right, even Roger.
“Now swig,” said Captain Nancy.
It was certainly the finest lemonade that pirate or explorer ever swigged.
“I never tasted better rum,” said Able-seaman Titty.
“It is good,” said Captain Nancy. “And so are your molasses.”
Toffee does not help talking, and for a little time no one said anything.