"
A silence of astonishment fell upon the ship - of astonishment and
suspicion at this sudden yielding. But Pitt, although he shared it,
was prompt to obey. His voice rang out, giving the necessary orders,
and after an instant's pause, a score of hands sprang to execute
them. Came the creak of blocks and the rattle of slatting sails as
they swung aweather, and Captain Blood turned and beckoned Lord
Julian forward. His lordship, after a moment's hesitation, advanced
in surprise and mistrust - a mistrust shared by Miss Bishop, who,
like his lordship and all else aboard, though in a different way,
had been taken aback by Blood's sudden submission to the demand to
lie to.
Standing now at the rail, with Lord Julian beside him, Captain Blood
explained himself.
Briefly and clearly he announced to all the object of Lord Julian's
voyage to the Caribbean, and he informed them of the offer which
yesterday Lord Julian had made to him.
"That offer I rejected, as his lordship will tell you, deeming
myself affronted by it. Those of you who have suffered under the
rule of King James will understand me.
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