Major Mallard advanced. "Colonel Bishop, I have orders to arrest
you. Your sword, sir!"
"By order of the Governor of Jamaica," said the elegant little
man behind Major Mallard. Bishop swung to him.
"The Governor? Ye're mad!" He looked from one to the other.
"I am the Governor."
"You were," said the little man dryly. "But we've changed that in
your absence. You're broke for abandoning your post without due
cause, and thereby imperiling the settlement over which you had
charge. It's a serious matter, Colonel Bishop, as you may find.
Considering that you held your office from the Government of King
James, it is even possible that a charge of treason might lie
against you. It rests with your successor entirely whether ye're
hanged or not."
Bishop rapped out an oath, and then, shaken by a sudden fear: "Who
the devil may you be?" he asked.
"I am Lord Willoughby, Governor General of His Majesty's colonies
in the West Indies. You were informed, I think, of my coming."
The remains of Bishop's anger fell from him like a cloak.
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