Captain Merrick positioned himself on the foredeck of the Satisfaction, spyglass pressed to his eye and Badeau and Kale by his side.

"Helm, three points to larboard. Up topsails," he ordered the first mate. So far Hanson had obeyed him, but rebellion leaked from each glance he shot toward Merrick.

Marching across the deck, Hanson repeated the orders to the men, sending four pirates clambering into the shrouds, and within minutes, the frigate veered to port as the rudder ...