"Just to make myself and my lads here safe from Colonel Bishop's
gallows. I've said that I trusted to your gallantry not to leave
him in the lurch, but to follow him hither, and there's a note
from his hand gone ashore to summon the Harbour-Master and the
Commandant of the fort. Once they are aboard, I shall have all
the hostages I need for our safety."
"You scoundrel!" said his lordship through his teeth.
"Sure, now, that's entirely a matter of the point of view," said
Blood. "Ordinarily it isn't the kind of name I could suffer any
man to apply to me. Still, considering that ye willingly did me
a service once, and that ye're likely unwillingly to do me
another now, I'll overlook your discourtesy, so I will."
His lordship laughed. "You fool," he said. "Do you dream that I
came aboard your pirate ship without taking my measures? I informed
the Commandant of exactly how you had compelled Colonel Bishop to
accompany you. Judge now whether he or the Harbour-Master will
obey the summons, or whether you will be allowed to depart as you
imagine.
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