Here I must depart from my narrative yet again. For it was about this time that the Sea Merchant II returned to Kapri. Again, Snoffduffle will narrate the story.

On Tuesday, at 3:45 in the afternoon, the Sea Merchant II was spotted off the coast. We had been waiting for several days for her to arrive. The Sea Merchant I had come with the letters from Baron Blastfurnace and Captain Desmet the previous week. Upon receiving the news, I immediately informed the Grand Duke, and we hurried to the dock to meet the ship. I told the dockworkers that the Grand Duke and I would be the first ones on board, and they were to wait until we returned from talking to the crew before unloading the ship. We stood and watched the ship arrive.

“You know how important this is, Snoffduffle.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Of course, sir. I will make sure you are not disturbed.”

“Thank you.”

Once the Sea Merchant II was docked, the Grand Duke and I boarded the ship and were met by Captain Desmet.

“Grand Duke, did you receive my letters?” Captain Desmet inquired.

“I did, and I must insist that you and your entire crew return to the galley.”

“It was entirely my fault, and I accept full responsibility. I failed you.”

“Captain. Stop talking and summon the crew to the galley immediately. Do you understand?”

“Of course, sir.”

Desmet called the entire crew back to the galley. I stood guard at the door.

Once the crew was rounded up, Grand Duke Goatbeard addressed them.

“Captain Desmet. I am aware of the actions of Baron Britpop. Not only from your letter but from the very mouth of Captain Peanut Butter himself.”

The crew instantly created a ruckus. Moubray jumped up and shouted over the din, “Did he kill him?”

“No. Now listen to me. No more outbursts. Baron Britpop’s life depends on what I have to tell you. So pay attention.”

The crew sat back down and quieted themselves.

“I know this will be hard to believe, but Baron Britpop is under the protection of Captain Peanut Butter onboard The Jellyfish. Together, Captain Peanut Butter and I devised a plan to capture the man who planned to kill Baron Britpop. Through Snoffduffle’s investigative work we have learned that the Baron’s own head butler is the one who attempted to bribe this crew to assassinate Britpop.

For this plan to succeed, you all must play a role. I am prepared to compensate you for your efforts in this matter.”

“I don’t want no money. I just want five minutes alone with that butler,” one of the crew said.

“Here, here,” others said.

“That’s enough, swabs. Let the Grand Duke finish,” Captain Desmet shouted.

“Thank you, Captain. For this to work, you must pretend that you actually carried out the deed and that Britpop is dead. And you must go looking for your payment. Moubray, you will take charge of this endeavor. When the butler Stenfelt pays you, we will have unquestionable proof of his guilt, and he will receive justice for his crime. I can assure you of that. What say you? Will you assist me in this matter?”

There was a single round of “Ayes!” from the entire crew.

“Moubray, you will meet me in my office in one hour to discuss the next steps.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Captain, dismiss your crew. But remain here. We still have much to talk about.”

“Aye, sir.” Captain Desmet replied and immediately dismissed the crew.

I am not at liberty to share the details of the meeting between the Grand Duke and Captain Desmet. But I can say that Captain Desmet remains a valued employee and still captains the Sea Merchant II.