You have fixed their ransom at twenty thousand pieces of eight.

That sum then belongs to your crews and mine in the proportions by the articles established.

You'll hardly wish to dispute it.

But what is far more grave is that you have concealed from me this part of the prizes taken on your last cruise, and for such an offence as that the articles provide certain penalties that are something severe in character." "Ho, ho!" laughed Levasseur unpleasantly.

Then added: "If you dislike my conduct we can dissolve the association." "That is my intention.