Chapter 6 Summary

Flashy has only disjointed memories of dropping down the river into the sea and preparing a ramshackle fleet of 80 vessels, including darting spy boats, sampans, long-boats, stately praus and cutters, Dido's pinnace, J.B's flagship the sloop Jolly Bachelor, and the paddle-steamer Phlegethon. Weapons range from bows, arrow, and poisoned darts to blades and firearms of every kind, six-pounder naval guns, and Congreve rockets mounted on three praus. On 5 August 1844, they sweep out at dawn into the China Sea. Flashy stays at J.B.'s side, figuring it is the safest spot.

J.B. explains that pirates are not criminals in the English sense; it is a way of life that must be steered towards peaceful, honest pursuits. Fear and profit makes even good men like Makota join the pirates. J.B. begins by protecting Sarawak. He is too quiet to be a...