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rest of that day passed quickly and enjoyably, for Raph Elkins took David under his wing and, until it was time for the evening  meal, the two lads viewed the town and  loitered along the shore and wharves where  many ships were at anchor. Fascinating odors filled their nostrils and romantic  sights held them enthralled. Perhaps Raph was less engaged than David, for he was more accustomed to the shipping, but he enjoyed  his cousin’s pleasure and through it found a  new enthusiasm. To David the sea and the ships that sailed it had ever held a strong  appeal, and secretly he entertained the  longing that most boys have for the feel of a  swaying deck and for all the exciting adventures that were supposed to befall—and frequently did—the hardy mariners of those  days. Piracy was still a popular trade in southern waters, and Teach and Bradish and  Bellamy, and even the renowned, were names to bring a romantic flutter