# XVII: The Dupes explained — Captain Blood

> Chapter companion for Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xvii-the-dupes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters