But laugh though he might, he knew as well as Pitt that in going ashore that morning he carried his life in his hands.

Because of this, it may have been that when he stepped on to the narrow mole, in the shadow of the shallow outer wall of the fort through whose crenels were thrust the black noses of its heavy guns, he gave order that the boat should stay for him at that spot.

He realized that he might have to retreat in a hurry.
Walking leisurely, he skirted the embattled wall, and passed through the great gates into the courtyard.

Half-a-dozen soldiers lounged there, and in the shadow cast by the wall, Major Mallard, the Commandant, was slowly pacing.

He stopped short at sight of Captain Blood, and saluted him, as was his due, but the smile that lifted the officer's stiff mostachios was grimly sardonic.