"
And now another intervened - the brawny, one-eyed Wolverstone, less
mercifully disposed than his more gentlemanly fellow-convict.
"String him up from the yardarm," he cried, his deep voice harsh and
angry, and more than one of the slaves standing to their arms made
echo.
Colonel Bishop trembled. Mr. Blood turned. He was quite calm.
"If you please, Wolverstone," said he, "I conduct affairs in my own
way. That is the pact. You'll please to remember it." His eyes
looked along the ranks, making it plain that he addressed them all.
"I desire that Colonel Bishop should have his life. One reason is
that I require him as a hostage. If ye insist on hanging him, ye'll
have to hang me with him, or in the alternative I'll go ashore."
He paused. There was no answer. But they stood hang-dog and
half-mutinous before him, save Hagthorpe, who shrugged and smiled
wearily.
Mr. Blood resumed: "Ye'll please to understand that aboard a ship
there is one captain. So." He swung again to the startled Colonel.
"Though I promise you your life, I must - as you've heard - keep
you aboard as a hostage for the good behaviour of Governor Steed
and what's left of the fort until we put to sea.
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