Blood's commission was made out and sealed
in the presence of Mallard, the Commandant, and the other officers
of the garrison, who looked on in round-eyed astonishment, but kept
their thoughts to themselves.
"Now ve can aboud our business go," said van der Kuylen.
"We sail to-morrow morning," his lordship announced.
Blood was startled.
"And Colonel Bishop?" he asked.
"He becomes your affair. You are now the Governor. You will deal
with him as you think proper on his return. Hang him from his own
yardarm. He deserves it."
"Isn't the task a trifle invidious?" wondered Blood.
"Very well. I'll leave a letter for him. I hope he'll like it."
Captain Blood took up his duties at once. There was much to be done
to place Port Royal in a proper state of defence, after what had
happened there. He made an inspection of the ruined fort, and
issued instructions for the work upon it, which was to be started
immediately. Next he ordered the careening of the three French
vessels that they might be rendered seaworthy once more.
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