That is my opinion."
"Well, it's not mine, now," said Captain Blood. "So, I've refused
them."
"Refuse'!" Cahusac's broad face grew purple. A muttering from the
men behind enheartened him. "You have refuse'? You have refuse'
already - and without consulting me?"
"Your disagreement could have altered nothing. You'd have been
outvoted, for Hagthorpe here was entirely of my own mind. Still,"
he went on, "if you and your own French followers wish to avail
yourselves of the Spaniard's terms, we shall not hinder you. Send
one of your prisoners to announce it to the Admiral. Don Miguel
will welcome your decision, you may be sure."
Cahusac glowered at him in silence for a moment. Then, having
controlled himself, he asked in a concentrated voice:
"Precisely what answer have you make to the Admiral?"
A smile irradiated the face and eyes of Captain Blood. "I have
answered him that unless within four-and-twenty hours we have his
parole to stand out to sea, ceasing to dispute our passage or hinder
our departure, and a ransom of fifty thousand pieces of eight for
Maracaybo, we shall reduce this beautiful city to ashes, and
thereafter go out and destroy his fleet.
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