And so that you may mend as far as you can the harm you have done, it's yourself shall bear them the message, my lord." "I'll see you damned before I do," fumed his lordship.
"Why, that's unreasonable and unreasoning.

But if ye insist, why, another messenger will do as well, and another hostage aboard--as I had originally intended--will make my hand the stronger." Lord Julian stared at him, realizing exactly what he had refused.
"You'll think better of it now that ye understand ?" quoth Blood.
"Aye, in God's name, go, my lord," spluttered Bishop, "and make yourself obeyed.

This damned pirate has me by the throat." His lordship surveyed him with an eye that was not by any means admiring.

"Why, if that is your wish..." he began.

Then he shrugged, and turned again to Blood.
"I suppose I can trust you that no harm will come to Colonel Bishop if you are allowed to sail ?" "You have my word for it," said Blood.