That is the sort of Deputy-Governor
that the late Government thought fit to appoint: an epitome of its
misrule, damme! He leaves Port Royal unguarded save by a ramshackle
fort that can be reduced to rubble in an hour. Stab me! It's
unbelievable!"
The lingering smile faded from Blood's face. "Is Rivarol aware of
this?" he cried sharply.
It was the Dutch Admiral who answered him. "Vould he go dere if
he were not? M. de Rivarol he take some of our men prisoners.
Berhabs dey dell him. Berhabs he make dem tell. Id is a great
obbordunidy."
His lordship snarled like a mountain-cat. "That rascal Bishop shall
answer for it with his head if there's any mischief done through
this desertion of his post. What if it were deliberate, eh? What
if he is more knave than fool? What if this is his way of serving
King James, from whom he held his office?"
Captain Blood was generous. "Hardly so much. It was just
vindictiveness that urged him. It's myself he's hunting at Tortuga,
my lord. But, I'm thinking that while he's about it, I'd best be
looking after Jamaica for King William.
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