He revealed something of the rage that had eaten into his brain.

"You do not understand," he said.

"It is that I treat you English heretic dogs just as you English heretic dogs have treated Spaniards upon the seas--you robbers and thieves out of hell! I have the honesty to do it in my own name--but you, you perfidious beasts, you send your Captain Bloods, your Hagthorpes, and your Morgans against us and disclaim responsibility for what they do.

Like Pilate, you wash your hands." He laughed savagely.

"Let Spain play the part of Pilate.