"Oooh, cap'n, how do we explain that to Drake?" Julian pondered.
"I don't think we does Julian, I don't think we does; they'll think we is mad an' lock us up. Come on Cap'n Julian, race 'e back ta Portsmouth?"
"Aye ye ol' sea dog, 'e can't catch me, har ha, ha, ha, ha."
"Ah har, har, ho, ho, ho, ho, he, he, he, he."
From the original story published on the Internet as Burdett's, the Universe and everything. Copyright © Les Burdett 21 November 1997
This story version copyright © 24 January 2023
Part four: Roger v Grey Beard
The Mass o’ Hearties was a much faster ship than The Wood Pigeon, so that when there was a good breeze Julian would leave Roger far behind. On days when there was little or no breeze Roger would use the donkey drive to catch up and overtake Julian. The race back to Portsmouth was close run but exactly three months, two days, six hours and fourteen minutes after they left Treasure Island, they sailed into Portsmouth harbour side by side.
"That be strange," Roger muttered to himself, "both ships clearly fly the Jolly Roger, but there be no crowds ta meet us, just the Portsmouth Militia."
Julian had similar thoughts. "Ooh I do like a man in uniform, but where is everyone else?"
The two ships anchored in the harbour and Roger and Julian were brought ashore in rowing boats, as they landed the captain of the militia met them.
"Captain Roger and Julian Fitznicely, you are under arrest. I am
instructed to escort you to Admiralty House along with Black Beard," He said firmly.
"Under arrest? What for? We be the good guys," Roger replied.
"I do not have all the details captain, but I understand that two ships flying the Jolly Roger have been attacking ships near Gibraltar."
"Ah har, 'ave they now, an' 'oo do 'e think that be then?"
"Well, everyone thinks it is you captain. Now, no more chatter, we must head for London straight away."
At Admiralty House they were, as usual, met by Bernard.
"Ah, captains, or should I say ex-captains," Bernard greeted them with a sarcastic tone.
Julian decided it was his turn to speak. "Ah har, Bernard, 'e's makin’ a big mistake, 'e should know that we be 'onest sailors, we aint no pirates."
"Oh, I know that Julian, ha, ha, ha, don't you know it's April fool's day. King Henry and the Queen want to play a good trick on you; don't let on I told you."
"Ooh Bernard, you are naughty!"
"I know," chuckle, "let's go in, Drake is waiting."
The three entered Drakes office.
"Ah, Roger and Julian. I can't stand the Kings pathetic April fool's jokes, so let's just get down to business; you can give the King his laugh later. While you were out catching Black Beard there have been some developments you should know about. Grey
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