" He laughed, with more mirth
than he had used in the last two months.
"Set a course for Port Royal, Jeremy, and make all speed. We'll be
level yet with M. de Rivarol, and wipe off some other scores at the
same time."
Both Lord Willoughby and the Admiral were on their feet.
"But you are not equal to it, damme!" cried his lordship. "Any one
of the Frenchman's three ships is a match for both yours, my man."
"In guns - aye," said Blood, and he smiled. "But there's more than
guns that matter in these affairs. If your lordship would like to
see an action fought at sea as an action should be fought, this is
your opportunity."
Both stared at him. "But the odds!" his lordship insisted.
"Id is imbossible," said van der Kuylen, shaking his great head.
"Seamanship is imbordand. Bud guns is guns."
"If I can't defeat him, I can sink my own ships in the channel, and
block him in until Bishop gets back from his wild-goose chase with
his squadron, or until your own fleet turns up."
"And what good will that be, pray?" demanded Willoughby.
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