The weather in the Caribbean has been very odd of late, with strange storms and winds and far-off lightning. It draws out all manner of curious creatures: several crewmen bring Stephen little crabs of a species he has never before seen, with unusual markings, and, standing on the deck in Bridgetown harbor, he catches with his own hands a most remarkable beetle that he preserves to show to Sir Joseph when he makes his report.
Mercer has missed their rendez-vous. When the Leopard calls next in Port Royal, Stephen makes discreet inquiries, but no one knows what has become of him; even Lord Beckett's residence is being redecorated and prepared for a new King's representative. He concludes that Mercer, like his piracy-obsessed lord, was caught up in the recent spate of battles, and crosses him off the list of contacts he keeps encoded in his mind.
Mr. Mercer gave us a great deal of information about French and Spanish ships in Caribbean waters, but I cannot say I am unhappy to see him gone, he writes in his diary.
