I am acting upon the instructions of my Lord Sunderland; and with a full knowledge of all the facts, his lordship expressly designated Captain Blood for this commission if Captain Blood could be persuaded to accept it." Colonel Bishop's mouth fell open in surprise and dismay.
"Lord Sunderland designated him ?" he asked, amazed.
"Expressly." His lordship waited a moment for a reply.

None coming from the speechless Deputy-Governor, he asked a question: "Would you still venture to describe the matter as a mistake, sir?
And dare you take the risk of correcting it ?" "I...

I had not dreamed...." "I understand, sir.

Let me present Captain Blood." Perforce Bishop must put on the best face he could command.

But that it was no more than a mask for his fury and his venom was plain to all.
From that unpromising beginning matters had not improved; rather had they grown worse.
Blood's thoughts were upon this and other things as he lounged there on the day-bed.