id M. de Rivarol.

"Indeed! But I thought that M. de Cussy was Governor of Hispaniola."

"Whilst I am here, monsieur, I am the supreme authority. It is as well
that you should understand it."

"Perfectly. But it is not possible that you are aware of the mistake
that has been made."

"Mistake, do you say?"

"I say mistake. On the whole, it is polite of me to use that word. Also
it is expedient. It will save discussions. Your people have arrested the
wrong man, M. de Rivarol. Instead of the French officer, who used the
grossest provocation, they have arrested Captain Wolverstone. It is a
matter which I beg you to reverse without delay."

M. de Rivarol's hawk-face flamed scarlet. His dark eyes bulged.

"Sir, you... you are insolent! But of an insolence that is intolerable!"
Normally a man of the utmost self-possession he was so rudely shaken now
that he actually stammered.

"M. le Baron, you waste words. This is the New World. It is not merely
new; it is novel to one reared amid the superstitions of the Old. That
novelty you have not yet had time, perhaps, to realize; therefore I
overlook the offensive epithet you have used. But justice is justice in
the New World as in the Old, and injustice as intolerable here as there.
Now justice demands the enlargement of my officer and the arrest and
punishment of yours. That justice I invite you, with submission, to
administer."

"With submission?" snorted the Baron in furious scorn.

"With the utmost submission, monsieur. But at the same time I will
remind M. le Baron that my buccaneers number eight hundred; your troops
five hundred; and M. de Cussy will inform you of the interesting fact
that any one buccaneer is equal in action to at least three soldiers of
the line. I am perfectly frank with you, monsieur, to save time and hard
words. Either Captain Wolverstone is instantly set at liberty, or we
must take measures to set him at liberty ourselves. The consequences may
be appalling. But it is as you please, M. le Baron. You are the supreme
authority. It is for you to say."

M. de Rivarol was white to the lips. In all his life he had never been
so bearded and defied. But he controlled himself.

"You will do me the favour to wait in the ante-room, M. le Capitaine.
I desire a word with M. de Cussy. You shall presently be informed of my
decision."

When the door had closed, the baron loosed his fury upon the head of M.
de Cussy.

"So, these are the men you have enlis