Episode 14 - Old Friends
4th day of February, 1640.
Coggy and Davey Jones sat in the open launch while four oarsmen rowed toward a small cove.
"Right, lads," said Cog, "bring us up onto that thar beach 'n wait fer us ta return."
The Captain and Davey quickly disembarked and waded through the shallow surf before heading toward the Spanish town of Santiago.
Back aboard the Grim Reaper, Henry Morgan took command of the ship in Coggy's absence.
"Lads, tas been a long time since I wus in charge o' so many bloated bilge rats," he said, as he surveyed Coggy's crew trying to relieve their boredom.
"How's about a bit o' action?" he called to the eager swabs, "'Appen I hasn't plundered a ship in many a year - are ye up fer it?," he said, trying to rally the crew.
"Aye Sir!" they replied with glee.
Morgan made his way down from the Bridge and onto the deck.
"Right, yew scurvy buggers," he started, "We can't risk takin' tha Reaper out ta sea but I reckons if'n some of yew lice-ridden barnacles 'ill join me in a couple o' rowboats, we can head down tha coast 'n 'ave some fun wit a ship I noticed careening' thar," he said, with a grin.
Each and every one of Coggy's murderous swines raised their hands to volunteer.
"Arrr, seems as though we's gonna 'ave ta draw straws ta see which 'r the lucky ones," said Morgan, rubbing his hands.
La Foot appeared from below decks and headed toward the commotion.
"What'r yer doin' 'Enry?" he enquired.
"Nottin' ta worry about thar, Stinky" replied Morgan as he handed out the straws, "'Appen a few of us 'is gonna 'ave us a little trip down the coast while Coggy's in town," he finished.
"Henry, yew bleedin' halfwit!," said a concerned La Foot, "Coggy said we wus ta stay 'ere till 'e gets back!"
"Arrggh, lad, 'appen the good Cap'n left me in charge and I's decided I wants ta do a bit o' pilligin'" replied Morgan, trying to intimidate La Foot, "So don't go blabbin' yer mouth off, else I'll keal-haul yer sorry arse round this very bay!" he said, with a menacing scowl.
Meanwhile, Coggy and Davey Jones approached the outskirts of the town. Santiago was bustling with activity. Townsfolk went about their daily business and took no interest in the two salty sea-dogs as Cog and Davey made their way toward the steep hill that lead to the tavern.
"Look over thar," called Davey to Cog as he pointed towards the shipwrights.
Coggy glanced over, "So, some o' those sorry sods DID make it back, afterall" he said, as he surveyed the battered remains of several Spanish Galleons being refitted.
The two pirates climbed up the steps leading to the town square and where passed by several Spanish redcoats and gentry folk.
Trying to stay unnoticed, Cog and Davey quickly made their way into the tavern.
"I'll give yew even odds tha buggers in 'ere," said a confident Davey as he opened the door.
The tavern was a run-down dark hovel of a place with just a few scattered sailors here and there.
Davey looked around and recognized a familiar face, "Told ye!" he said, with a smile, as he led Coggy to a secluded corner.
In the corner sat a bedraggled looking man with torn dirty clothing and no boots on his feet.
"Barefoot, me auld mate!" said Davey as he sat down next to the startled man.
"Well I'll be damned! If'n it aint ol' Davey Jones himself!" replied Barefoot, as he recognized his mate.
Coggy quickly sat at the table next to the two men.
"So, how've ye been, matey," asked Davey to his friend.
Meanwhile, back aboard the Grim Reaper, Morgan and a couple of rowboats full of Coggy's Cutthroats finished preparing to make way.
"Bring us back some decent rum, 'Enry" called Pirate Jim.
Quinn glanced down into the departing boats an called, "Aye, and see if'n ye can get me some more tobacco, 'appen tha filth Cog has on board 'is rotting me teeth!"
Aboard his Baron Boat, Moose was peering through his spyglass and scratching his head, "Where tha bleedin' 'ell 'r those silly buggers goin'?" he said to himself, as he watched the two boats cast away from the anchored Sloop.
Meanwhile, Davey Jones had finished introducing Coggy to his mate and went to order a round of rum for the swabs.
"So yer tha one who knows the Ol'Man, eh?" said Coggy, scratching his stubbled chin.
"Aye, and believe me, I wish I'd never met tha theiv'n wharf rat, Cap'n," replied Barefoot.
"Why's that, lad?" asked Cog curiously.
"Well, mate," explained Barefoot, "Tha swine wus in dis very town not so long back. Ye see, the Ol'Git works fer a theiv'n yeller Spanish gov'nor from Cartagena, as I recall," he said, as Coggy looked on with interest.
Davey returned with a bottle of rum for his mates, and a keg for himself.
"Anyhow, the Ol'Bugger is some sort of tax collector, and 'e wus 'ere wit a bunch of his henchmen - collectin'" said Barefoot, as he took a swig of rum.
"So tha filthy Git works fer tha dons, eh?" said the interested Coggy.
"Aye, and the thief took me ship, me wench, and me boots 'cos I refused ta pay 'is filthy hide," said the angry Barefoot, "'appen I's been tryin' ta raise some funds fer a new ship and crew ... been stuck in this god-forsaken town ever since" finished the disgruntled Barefoot.
"Are ye sure 'es back in Cartagena?" asked Davey.
"Aye mate, he's thar alright, rumour 'as it that tha Treasure Fleet is in them parts this time o' year, and the Ol'Man and his whore, Cyclone, 'r preparing the Fleet for departure to Spain," replied Barefoot as he took another swig of rum.
"Thar aint no Treasure Fleet, lad," said Coggy, "Tis just but a myth."
"Arrrghh, tinks what ye like, Cap'n, but that's what I know's and it's the truth, matey" replied Barefoot, with conviction.
The three men continued talking for an hour and finished their rum.
Finally, Coggy and Jones shook hands with Barefoot and headed for the door.
"Hey Coggy," called Barefoot as the Captain and Davey opened the door to leave, "If'n ye ever catches up wit the Ol'Thief, see if'n yew can get me boots back fer me" said Barefoot, with a sound of resignation in his voice.
Three hours later...
Coggy's rowboat pulled alongside his flagship and the six crew quickly came aboard once more.
"Tis confirmed, Morgan!" said an excited Coggy.
"Aye, 'Enry, the Ol'Bugger's in Cartagena, alright!" added the equally excited Davey Jones.
Scratching his head, Coggy surveyed the casket of coins and jewels being divided by pirate Jim.
"Whar the bleedin' 'ell did this lot come from?" he asked.
"Arrr, Coggy, mate," started Morgan, "we's 'ad a lil' expedition in yer absence" he sheepishly explained.
Coggy scowled at Morgan as if all hell was about to break loose, but he looked back at that loot, and just gave his shipmates a simple wry smile.
The next day, the four hardy ships made sail and headed south towards the Spanish Main - and Cartagena!