"
Captain Blood considered. This, after all, was not piracy that was
being proposed. It was honourable employment in the service of the
King of France.
"I will consult my officers," he said; and he sent for them.
They came and the matter was laid before them by M. de Cussy himself.
Hagthorpe announced at once that the proposal was opportune. The
men were grumbling at their protracted inaction, and would no doubt
be ready to accept the service which M. de Cussy offered on behalf
of France. Hagthorpe looked at Blood as he spoke. Blood nodded
gloomy agreement. Emboldened by this, they went on to discuss the
terms. Yberville, the young French filibuster, had the honour to
point out to M. de Cussy that the share offered was too small. For
one fifth of the prizes, the officers would answer for their men;
not for less.
M. de Cussy was distressed. He had his instructions. It was taking
a deal upon himself to exceed them. The buccaneers were firm.
Unless M. de Cussy could make it one fifth there was no more to be
said.
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