Neither Miss Blimey nor Betty hates Veronica knew exactly when the Raven had sprung a leak, but they had been steadily taking on water for 3 days and it was getting to the point where the piramatic pumps were no longer able to keep the water down to a manageable level. Miss Blimey had to admit they were in trouble and had to find a port immediately in which to have repairs made to the ship. It was all part and parcel of living on the seas, and leaks were bound to happen sooner or later, though Miss Blimey sorely wished it were later as she had been planning to hold a surprise party for Betty H.V. She had even sent out the invitations and was expecting the rabble of guests to arrive within the hour. Miss Blimey knew that she had two options. Either she cancelled the festivities at the eleventh hour or the guests got wet feet. Neither option was appealing. The outlook seemed bleak but fate was on the side of Miss Blimey once again and at that moment a strange ship appeared on the horizon. A wondrous vessel, it was almost as beautiful as it was illogical. The main sail featured upon it two crossed severed arms, whose hands clutched many golden doubloons, a signature Miss Blimey did not recognise from any of the full registered pirates she had heard tale about. As the ship approached Miss Blimey could make out the helm, which appeared to be carved out of amber and glinted invitingly in the sun. Miss Blimey had always wanted an amber helm, but had not been able to reach to the extravagance. Miss Blimey's gaze then fell on the captain of the ship, a tall, finely dressed, bearded man who seemed to be doing some kind of sailing jig as he steered his ship closer to the Raven. Miss Blimey held back the urge to smile at his antics and waited solemnly for him to hail her ship. Presently he did so.

"Lo fair pirate-ess of the seven seas, what brings ye to these waters and why the look of solemnity? Do ye hath no liquor with which to cure this curse which prevails upon you?" he cried out.

"You what?" replied Miss Blimey, obviously taken aback.

"Well it would seem that thy has a look of suspicion about thee, which I have heard can be dissolved with fizz drinks of some sort," replied the Captain.

"Quite possibly," countered Miss Blimey, smiling against her will as the captains verbose manner struck accord. "But who are you may I enquire?"

"Aha, I am the Reverend Farquar, Padre of the Leper Seas, a native to these fair parts," he answered.

"Indeed, but where are you headed and for what purpose?" enquired Miss Blimey

"I am headed nowhere and have no purpose except to sup from the subtle nectars of the ale and be French in my spare time!" was the Reverend Farquar's answer.

"You're intent, is it peaceable?" laughed Miss Blimey as the words left her mouth.

"But of course," he replied. "Though it appears that maiden's ship is in buggery and needs some repair, she sits to low in the water for such a fine vessel."

"Yes, the Raven is in strife and I need to get her to some port nearby to get her mended, and quickly as I have organised a surprise party for my first mate and it begins within the hour!" replied Miss Blimey.

"Never fear," said the Reverend Farquar. "My men will repair your Raven, on the condition we may attend this shin-dig you speak of."

"Brilliant!" yelled Miss Blimey, happily. "You will be our guests of honour if this thing you can do!"

Twenty minutes later the Raven was repaired. Soon after the guests began to arrive and indeed Betty hates Veronica was surprised. The Reverend Farquar was also the guest of honour, as Miss Blimey always keeps her word, and a rambunctious time was had by all. Hoorah!

The End