We want her as a hostage for our safety." "Aye!" roared in chorus the buccaneers below, and one or two of them elaborated that affirmation.
In a flash Captain Blood saw what was in their minds.

And for all that he lost nothing of his outward stern composure, fear invaded his heart.
"And how," he asked, "do you imagine that Miss Bishop will prove such a hostage ?" "It's a providence having her aboard; a providence.

Heave to, Captain, and signal them to send a boat, and assure themselves that Miss is here.
Then let them know that if they attempt to hinder our sailing hence, we'll hang the doxy first and fight for it after.

That'll cool Colonel Bishop's heat, maybe." "And maybe it won't." Slow and mocking came Wolverstone's voice to answer the other's confident excitement, and as he spoke he advanced to Blood's side, an unexpected ally.

"Some o' them dawcocks may believe that tale." He jerked a contemptuous thumb towards the men in the waist, whose ranks were steadily being increased by the advent of others from the forecastle.