A voice came from just outside the rowboat. "So, Blackbeard, I see you've become a reader."

"Very amusing, Israel. Yer so funny, I may need to shoot you in your other knee, too!" snarled Blackbeard.

Israel almost got whiplash from his backpedaling. "No, sir, of course not, sir. I only meant, that's a fine lookin' book you're carrying, what with the decorations on it."

"That's better, Israel," said Blackbeard. "Well, I'm off to me cabin. So if you need me, feel free to... leave me alone."