Beard and Elsie Beard have been ambushing ships near Gibraltar, what's more they fly the Jolly Roger to fool ships into thinking they are safe. I'm sure that if you head off down to Gibraltar, you'll find Mr. and Mrs. Grey Beard not too far away."
"Ah har, Julian, will 'e sail wi' me ta catch the last of them there Beards."
"Aye Roger, it be my pleasure ta sail with 'e."
"Good, I'm sure the pair of you are more than a match for Grey Beard. One more thing, that fool Kirk was here again last week."
"Last week!" Roger and Julian spoke in unison.
"Yes, he captured a pirate ship and its' entire crew and brought them back for trial.”
“Which pirates did 'e catch, Admiral?” Roger asked.
“Johnny Kidd and the pirates that made up the crew of the 'Chantilly Lace', they were shaking all over when they were locked up in their cells.”
“Be Kirk stayin' for their trial?”
“No, damn fool thinks the Earth is a globe, so he's trying to sail round it, said he was heading east. I expect he's either off the east coast of Scotland or going round in circles in the Mediterranean. He has a new First Mate, Scottish chap by the name of Scottie; no surprise there. Keep an eye out for him, there's good fellows."
"Aye, that we will, we needs ta speaks to Cap'n Jim," Roger replied.
"Now then you two, King Henry and the Queen have invited you to the palace for afternoon tea. Don't be too hungry, they only
provide tea and biscuits, and they charge for the biscuits. They expect you to arrive dressed as convicts, you're supposed to have been arrested for piracy; all their idea I'm afraid. Bernard has hired some convict outfits for you. You must speak up when you talk to Henry, he's going deaf in his old age. Oh, and watch out for the Queen's Italian nephew, Christopher, the little sod painted graffiti all over my carriage last time I went to the palace."
"Ah har, sounds ta me like 'e need a spell of naval discipline, ha, ha, ha," Roger commented.
"Good idea Roger, do suggest it to the King."
Bernard helped Roger and Julian to get dressed as convicts. Julian noted that the stunning hoop design of the outfits enhanced his figure, making him look rather attractive in a slightly roguish manner; whereas it made Roger look fat.
Bernard called a taxi, then they were off to the palace to see the King and Queen.
When they arrived at the palace, the King and Queen were sat in the drawing room awaiting their arrival.
A servant announced their arrival. “The prisoners, Roger and Julian, your highnesses.”
"Ah ha, Wodger and Julius," King Henry said with a slight grin on his lips.
"Er, Julian your highness," Julian interrupted.
"Oh, no thank you sonny, I've given that up."
"Doo sit down," the Queen spoke pointing at two wooden stools.
They sat on the stools.
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