pect which of late had been slumbering. A sudden shame of
his disordered, ill-kempt appearance made him perhaps the more defiant.
There was almost a significance in the way he hitched his sword-belt
round, so that the wrought hilt of his very serviceable rapier was
brought into fuller view. He waved his captains to the chairs that stood
about.

"Draw up to the table, lads. We are keeping the Baron waiting."

They obeyed him, Wolverstone with a grin that was full of understanding.
Haughtier grew the stare of M. de Rivarol. To sit at table with these
bandits placed him upon what he accounted a dishonouring equality.
It had been his notion that--with the possible exception of Captain
Blood--they should take his instructions standing, as became men of
their quality in the presence of a man of his. He did the only thing
remaining to mark a distinction between himself and them. He put on his
hat.

"Ye're very wise now," said Blood amiably. "I feel the draught myself."
And he covered himself with his plumed castor.

M. de Rivarol changed colour. He quivered visibly with anger, and was
a moment controlling himself before venturing to speak. M. de Cussy was
obviously very ill at ease.

"Sir," said the Baron frostily, "you compel me to remind you that the
rank you hold is that of Capitaine de Vaisseau, and that you are in
the presence of the General of the Armies of France by Sea and Land in
America. You compel me to remind you further that there is a deference
due from your rank to mine."

"I am happy to assure you," said Captain Blood, "that the reminder is
unnecessary. I am by way of accounting myself a gentleman, little though
I may look like one at present; and I should not account myself that
were I capable of anything but deference to those whom nature or fortune
may have placed above me, or to those who being placed beneath me in
rank may labour under a disability to resent my lack of it." It was a
neatly intangible rebuke. M. de Rivarol bit his lip. Captain Blood swept
on without giving him time to reply: "Thus much being clear, shall we
come to business?"

M. de Rivarol's hard eyes considered him a moment. "Perhaps it will be
best," said he. He took up a paper. "I have here a copy of the articles
into which you entered with M. de Cussy. Before going further, I have to
observe that M. de Cussy has exceeded his instructions in admitting
you to one fifth of the prizes taken. His authority did not warrant his
going