Born into a Hard Life, a Riddle

 As told by Anie at Bosun's Deadmen Tales.

I was born into a hard life in dear England. Me father and brother did pass from the fever and me penniless mum did try her best. I was a wily chile and did scheme t' keep the family in food. But I had a taste for adventure. The sea was me siren. A borrowed letter and some copper won me a position as a soldier for the Crown. But I had bigger dreams and sailed as hired muscle. The coins rolled into me purse.

Bout 10 years ago pirates swarmed me boss' ship. They pirates were a keen band, I did see souls like me own. I followed this band and did learn their leader was a hunched and fearful wreck named Cpt. John Rackham. Boarding Calico Jack's ship was to breathe free. All were skilled sailor with a ken for the borrowed coin. We did plunder many a cargo run. Even Jack's woman was a fierce fighter named Anne. Heady days and rum soaked nights.

On an October day in Jamaica way the damned pirate hunters did board our ship. We fought hard but the whole crew was caught and charged and taken to the court. I write this story from Jamaica prison. I was not hung because of what I told the judges. Anne knew too. We two got sent to prison and the rest be hanged.

Know ye what I showed the judges to save me neck?

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My name was Mary Read. When a youngster I pretended to be my dead brother Mark to scam our relatives for coin. It suited me and I played a man mostly me whole life. But I did tell Anne, Anne Bonny, me secret. We were saved by the magistrates as we told them we were both quick with child.

My candle burns low now, my story here ends.