Black Sam - Prince of Pirates

Forty-Six - GRAND SCHEME

Forty - Six - GRAND SCHEME

March 1717

Sam stared with mixed emotions. At first sight, it was exciting; he had never seen it before, at least not like this. The large pile of gold, silver, and precious gems gleamed in the flickering light of his candle lantern. The many barrels of sugar, rum, and other goods were not as shiny, but valuable nonetheless. It was an overwhelming thought to be sure, being in possession of such an extensive treasure.

However, that was also the problem; it was not his, but the entire crew’s. With two ships and a little over one hundred hands per ship, there were over two hundred shares to divvy up. He divided the pile up in his mind and the image he had after eliminating all other shares was not enough. He would have to double the size of this pile and then do the same on the Mary Anne. Sam took a deep breath and then blew out the candle.

Now topside, Sam took to walking the deck. He scanned the men as he went, getting a personal feel for the state of things. When he got back amidships, he called for Hendrick Quintor.

“Yes, sir,” Hendrick said towering over Sam.

Looking up at Hendrick Sam felt he knew the answer to his next question. “Can you fight, Hendrick?”

Hendrick gave Sam a suspicious look. “Yes sir, why?”

Sam gave Hendrick’s arm a slap. “Good to know. Signal the Mary Anne and gather the men from both crews here.”

“Yes, sir,” Hendrick said turning to his task.

***

Sam stood by Paulgrave as the two crews joined on the Sultana.

“You missed me too much, didn’t you?” Paulgrave said with a grin.

“Pick your battles wisely my friend.” Sam stepped out into the middle of the men.

“Battles?” Paulgrave said more to himself.

Sam smiled and then called everyone to attention. He looked to his men. “Gentlemen,” he said raising his hands. He looked to Paulgrave’s crew. “Ladies,” he said with a sly smile. This of course got jeers from Paulgrave’s men and left his own laughing and cheering.

With the corners of his mouth slightly curled up in his natural, self-confident smile, Paulgrave looked to his men and shook his head, as if to say don’t pay attention to this drivel.

“We have been successful in our campaign up to this point and we have a pile of treasure in the bottom hold of this ship to prove it. We have earned a celebration, agreed?”

The men cheered and yelled in response.

Sam began to pace around the main mast, looking at the men gathered all around it. “Then tonight we break out the rum.”

The men cheered again.

He raised his hand for silence. “I thought to usher in that celebration, what would be better than a friendly boxing tournament? The Sultana Crew against the crew of the Mary Anne.”

A few men yelled out taunts and there was a little laughter.

“Of course, the winning crew will get a reward.” Sam motioned for four men to come forward. The men carried over two barrels and sat them at Sam’s feet.

He knocked on one of the barrels. “A second ration of rum to use at tonight’s celebration if you wish.”

More cheers.

“And this one,” he said leaning against the other barrel, “is full of treasure.”

Louder cheers and whistles.