"You made a worse when you gave him the King's commission, and so sheltered the rascal from the gallows I had prepared for him in Port Royal." "Aye--but the worst mistake of all in this matter of commissions," said Blood to his lordship, "was the one that trade this greasy slaver Deputy-Governor of Jamaica instead of its hangman, which is the office for which he's by nature fitted." "Captain Blood!" said his lordship sharply in reproof.

"Upon my soul and honour, sir, you go much too far.

You are...." But here Bishop interrupted him.

He had heaved himself to his feet, at last, and was venting his fury in unprintable abuse.

Captain Blood, who had also risen, stood apparently impassive, for the storm to spend itself.