too, Nancy’s and Peggy’s I mean, but I see their tent is here, so I suppose you are all together in things. Take back your Black Spot, and make peace with me, and we’ll have a first-class war at once. If you want to capture the houseboat come and do your worst. I’ll be ready for you. I’ve got nothing else to do now and I’ll make up for lost time.”
“Shall we forgive him?” said Peggy. “He’s quite good at being one of us if he likes.”
“We’ll forgive him,” said Nancy, “if it’s to be war, and a real battle on the houseboat. We’ll forgive him because he’s ashamed, and because he’s in trouble. He really has had his houseboat burgled.”
“Well, he deserved it,” said Titty.
“Yes,” said Nancy, “but nobody ought to be allowed to burgle it except ourselves.”
“Real battle,” said Captain Flint. “At three o’clock tomorrow. I must tidy up below after those scoundrels. But at three o’clock tomorrow I’ll be cleared for action.”
“Really and truly?” said Peggy.
“Honest Pirate!” said Captain Flint.
“All right,” said Nancy.
“Take back your Black Spot, then,” said Captain Flint.
“You keep it,” said Nancy, “to remind you never to turn native again.”
“I will,” he said. “But look here, I’d like to know the names of my enemies. And, by the way, why in your Black Spot did you call me Captain Flint?”
“Because Titty, that’s their able-seaman, said you were a retired pirate.”