And so as to
make quite sure of their obedience, they shall go a little voyage
with us, themselves. Here's what you require. Now write - unless
you prefer the yardarm."
Colonel Bishop heaved himself up in a pet. "You constrain me with
violence..." he was beginning.
Blood smoothly interrupted him.
"Sure, now, I am not constraining you at all. I'm giving you a
perfectly free choice between the pen and the rope. It's a matter
for yourself entirely."
Bishop glared at him; then shrugging heavily, he took up the pen
and sat down at the table. In an unsteady hand he wrote that
summons to his officers. Blood despatched it ashore; and then
bade his unwilling guest to table.
"I trust, Colonel, your appetite is as stout as usual."
The wretched Bishop took the seat to which he was commanded. As
for eating, however, that was not easy to a man in his position;
nor did Blood press him. The Captain, himself, fell to with a
good appetite. But before he was midway through the meal came
Hayton to inform him that Lord Julian Wade had just come aboard,
and was asking to see him instantly.
Pages:
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470