There was here quite plainly a vague threat, a mutinous
spirit he could not understand. "You come to give advice, then,
do you?" quoth he, relenting nothing of his sternness.
"That's it, Captain; advice. That girl, there." He flung out a
bare arm to point to her. "Bishop's girl; the Governor of Jamaica's
niece.... We want her as a hostage for our safety."
"Aye!" roared in chorus the buccaneers below, and one or two of
them elaborated that affirmation.
In a flash Captain Blood saw what was in their minds. And for all
that he lost nothing of his outward stern composure, fear invaded
his heart.
"And how," he asked, "do you imagine that Miss Bishop will prove
such a hostage?"
"It's a providence having her aboard; a providence. Heave to,
Captain, and signal them to send a boat, and assure themselves
that Miss is here. Then let them know that if they attempt to
hinder our sailing hence, we'll hang the doxy first and fight for
it after. That'll cool Colonel Bishop's heat, maybe."
"And maybe it won't." Slow and mocking came Wolverstone's voice to
answer the other's confident excitement, and as he spoke he advanced
to Blood's side, an unexpected ally.
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