But I do not lead my men into
fruitless danger."
"If I command you..." the Baron was beginning. But Blood
unceremoniously interrupted him.
"M. le Baron, when M. de Cussy engaged us on your behalf, it was as
much on account of our knowledge and experience of this class of
warfare as on account of our strength. I have placed my own
knowledge and experience in this particular matter at your disposal.
I will add that I abandoned my own project of raiding Cartagena, not
being in sufficient strength at the time to force the entrance of the
harbour, which is the only way into the city. The strength which you
now command is ample for that purpose."
"But whilst we are doing that, the Spaniards will have time to
remove great part of the wealth this city holds. We must take them
by surprise."
Captain Blood shrugged. "If this is a mere pirating raid, that, of
course, is a prime consideration. It was with me. But if you are
concerned to abate the pride of Spain and plant the Lilies of France
on the forts of this settlement, the loss of some treasure should
not really weigh for much.
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