"Ho there..." he was beginning to call.
Then with a sudden audible catch in his breath, he stopped short.
Captain Blood's right hand had reemerged from the breast of his doublet, bringing with it a long pistol with silver mountings richly chased, which he levelled within a foot of the Deputy-Governor's head.
"And forearmed," said he.

"Don't stir from where you are, my lord, or there may be an accident." And my lord, who had been moving to Bishop's assistance, stood instantly arrested.

Chap-fallen, with much of his high colour suddenly departed, the Deputy-Governor was swaying on unsteady legs.

Peter Blood considered him with a grimness that increased his panic.
"I marvel that I don't pistol you without more ado, ye fat blackguard.
If I don't, it's for the same reason that once before I gave ye your life when it was forfeit.

Ye're not aware of the reason, to be sure; but it may comfort ye to know that it exists.