beyond one tenth."

"That is a matter between yourself and M. de Cussy, my General."

"Oh, no. It is a matter between myself and you."

"Your pardon, my General. The articles are signed. So far as we are
concerned, the matter is closed. Also out of regard for M. de Cussy, we
should not desire to be witnesses of the rebukes you may consider that
he deserves."

"What I may have to say to M. de Cussy is no concern of yours."

"That is what I am telling you, my General."

"But--nom de Dieu!--it is your concern, I suppose, that we cannot
award you more than one tenth share." M. de Rivarol smote the table in
exasperation. This pirate was too infernally skillful a fencer.

"You are quite certain of that, M. le Baron--that you cannot?"

"I am quite certain that I will not."

Captain Blood shrugged, and looked down his nose. "In that case,"
said he, "it but remains for me to present my little account for our
disbursement, and to fix the sum at which we should be compensated for
our loss of time and derangement in coming hither. That settled, we can
part friends, M. le Baron. No harm has been done."

"What the devil do you mean?" The Baron was on his feet, leaning forward
across the table.

"Is it possible that I am obscure? My French, perhaps, is not of the
purest, but...."

"Oh, your French is fluent enough; too fluent at moments, if I may
permit myself the observation. Now, look you here, M. le filibustier, I
am not a man with whom it is safe to play the fool, as you may very soon
discover. You have accepted service of the King of France--you and your
men; you hold the rank and draw the pay of a Capitaine de Vaisseau,
and these your officers hold the rank of lieutenants. These ranks carry
obligations which you would do well to study, and penalties for failing
to discharge them which you might study at the same time. They are
something severe. The first obligation of an officer is obedience. I
commend it to your attention. You are not to conceive yourselves, as you
appear to be doing, my allies in the enterprises I have in view, but my
subordinates. In me you behold a commander to lead you, not a companion
or an equal. You understand me, I hope."

"Oh, be sure that I understand," Captain Blood laughed. He was
recovering his normal self amazingly under the inspiring stimulus of
conflict. The only thing that marred his enjoyment was the reflection
that he had not shaved. "I forget nothing, I assure you, my General