Blood returns to Tortuga mourning the loss of Arabella. He drowns his sorrow in rum, gambling, and unsavory company. Wolverstone receives a tongue-lashing from Blood when he suggests they raid Port Royal.

Circumstances alter when M. d’Ogeron introduces Blood to M. de Cussy, the Governor of French Hispaniola. Cussy proposes Blood’s fleet should join forces with the French in their war with Spain; he promises rewards and honors. Blood and his officers consider the proposal and name the terms: one-fifth of the profits rather than the one-tenth M. de Cussy offers. Their intractability persuades Cussy to accept their terms, although his instructions didn’t allow for increasing the remuneration. Blood is willing to take this employment because it’s legitimate—he wishes to give up piracy for good—but he remains unenthusiastic about it, still pining for Arabella.

Captain Blood and his fleet sail to the bay of Petit Goave and await the arrival of the French fleet under their commander M. le Baron de Rivarol. Rivarol’s attitude toward the hired buccaneers is disdainful, which annoys Blood; he rebuffs the nobleman with his ironic wit, disregard for rank, and irrefutable logic. Although offended, Rivarol honors the contract M. de Cussy signed with the pirates.