Captain Blood · Chapter
XVII: The Dupes explained
Captain Blood faces the bitter aftermath of his naval victory, trapped in Maracaybo by a formidable fort.
What happens
Captain Blood faces the bitter aftermath of his naval victory, trapped in Maracaybo by a formidable fort. After a failed reconnaissance and a divided council, he negotiates with Deputy-Governor Don Francisco for ransom while dealing with the defection of Cahusac and his followers.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Identity
Don Francisco appeals to Captain Blood's honor as a gentleman, and Blood reflects on the utility of a chivalrous reputation among pirates.
Rebellion and Authority
Blood's defiance of the Spanish Admiral and his council's internal dissent highlight the tension between buccaneer autonomy and external authority.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Cahusac's defection with his followers represents a clear betrayal, while Blood's council remains divided in loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Captain Peter Blood
Presides over a crestfallen council, negotiates with Don Francisco, and deals with Cahusac's defection.
- Cahusac
Defects with his followers after negotiating a separate surrender with the Spanish Admiral.
- Don Diego de Espinosa y Valdez
Referred to as Don Francisco, the Deputy-Governor who offers to raise ransom.
- Wolverstone
Member of Blood's council, favors desperate chances.
- Nathaniel Hagthorpe
Opposes Blood's plan to storm the fort, deeming it harebrained.
- Jeremy Pitt
Member of Blood's council, loyal but reluctant.
Key passages
“It was a crestfallen Captain Blood who presided over that hastily summoned council held on the poop-deck of the Arabella in the brilliant morning sunshine.”
Captain Blood, feeling defeated, led an urgent meeting on the deck of his ship under the bright morning sun.
Sets the tone of disappointment after the naval victory.
“I have shown your excellency this morning of what I am capable... I make you, purely out of humanitarian considerations, this last offer of terms.”
Blood writes a letter to the Spanish Admiral, boasting of his victory and offering terms to avoid further bloodshed.
Highlights Blood's strategic use of diplomacy and his self-image as a humane leader.
“It is the end, he told Captain Blood. This time we are checkmated.”
Cahusac declares that they are trapped and doomed.
Cahusac's pessimism contrasts with Blood's determination.
“I am here to tell you, Don Pedro, that if you will hold your hand for three days, I will undertake to raise the ransom you demand, which Don Miguel de Espinosa refuses.”
Don Francisco offers to gather the ransom himself within three days, despite the Admiral's refusal.
Shows the Deputy-Governor's desperation to save the city.