Ogle combines false colors, deliberately poor ship-handling, distance, and silence to make Swallow look like easy prey. The disguise draws Ranger away from Bartholomew Roberts's other ships, allowing the 50-gun fourth rate to overwhelm the smaller pirate vessel beyond sight and hearing of Cape Lopez. Ogle then returns with the captured Ranger still present, sustaining the appearance of a merchant prize being brought back. A former Royal Navy sailor finally recognizes Swallow, but the warning comes too late: the ensuing action kills Roberts, captures hundreds of pirates, and breaks the force.
Chapter · 33:58-39:42
HMS Swallow lures Black Bart's squadron apart
Captain Chaloner Ogle disguises HMS Swallow as a clumsy Portuguese merchantman, isolates a pirate consort, and returns behind the captured vessel to surprise Bartholomew Roberts.