A few moments later Captain Flint’s rowing boat grounded beside the Amazon . It was instantly seized and pushed off again by Nancy and Peggy.
Captain Flint had been laying his oars in. But feeling himself again afloat, he dipped his blades in the water again and turned to look at his enemies. His manner was not at all fierce. His face was red, but that was with the heat of rowing. His voice was mild. Almost, it might have been thought that he was shy.
“May I come ashore?” he said.
“Friend or enemy?” asked Nancy breathlessly.
“Well, not an enemy,” said Captain Flint. “Distressed British seaman, more like.”
“You’ve had the Black Spot,” said Nancy. “We’ve got nothing more to do with you.”
“I’ve come to apologise,” said Captain Flint. “Not to you, Nancy.”
“Shall we let him land, Captain John?” asked Nancy. But John, at hearing Captain Flint’s last words, had walked away.
“You have been an awful pig to him, you know,” said Nancy, “but we’ll let you land.”
Captain Flint brought his boat in once more, stepped out of her, and taking no notice of anyone else, walked after Captain John.
Captain John was walking away along the path to the harbour. Captain Flint hurried after him.
“Young man,” he said in a very friendly voice.
“Yes,” said John.