"I confess," he
admitted, "that there is much force in what you say."
"You take a load from my mind," said Captain Blood. "I would not
appear unnecessarily harsh, especially since I and my friends owe
you so very much. For, whatever it may have been to others, to us
your raid upon Barbados was most opportune. I am glad, therefore,
that you agree the I have no choice."
"But, my friend, I did not agree so much."
"If there is any alternative that you can suggest, I shall be most
happy to consider it."
Don Diego stroked his pointed black beard.
"Can you give me until morning for reflection? My head aches so
damnably that I am incapable of thought. And this, you will admit,
is a matter that asks serious thought."
Captain Blood stood up. From a shelf he took a half-hour glass,
reversed it so that the bulb containing the red sand was uppermost,
and stood it on the table.
"I am sorry to press you in such a matter, Don Diego, but one glass
is all that I can give you. If by the time those sands have run
out you can propose no acceptable alternative, I shall most
reluctantly be driven to ask you to go over the side with your
friends.
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