"I was coming out on the Royal Mary...."
"That is what we were advised."
"But the Royal Mary fell a victim to a Spanish privateer, and I
might never have arrived at all but for the gallantry of Captain
Blood, who rescued me."
Light broke upon the darkness of Calverley's mind. "I see. I
understand."
"I will take leave to doubt it." His lordship's tone abated nothing
of its asperity. "But that can wait. If Captain Blood will show
you his commission, perhaps that will set all doubts at rest, and we
may proceed. I shall be glad to reach Port Royal."
Captain Blood thrust a parchment under Calverley's bulging eyes.
The officer scanned it, particularly the seals and signature. He
stepped back, a baffled, impotent man. He bowed helplessly.
"I must return to Colonel Bishop for my orders," he informed them.
At that moment a lane was opened in the ranks of the men, and
through this came Miss Bishop followed by her octoroon woman. Over
his shoulder Captain Blood observed her approach.
"Perhaps, since Colonel Bishop is with you, you will convey his
niece to him.
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