"But ye carry passengers, I see," he insinuated. "Gold and women! 'Tis a fine combination, Murray, but there's a rule in our Articles you were all for establishing. Number Four, eh? It sticks in my crop, for ye called it once on me.
"'And that there may be less occasion for broils amongst our company, we do further decree that gaming may be prohibited at any time when in the captain's judgment it becomes dangerous to our harmony, as likewise, that at no time and under no circumstances may women be taken and kept as spoil aboard our vessels or any vessel upon which our company may chance to fare.'
"What d'ye say to that? What of Rule Four now?"
"I wish it was observed as strictly aboard the Walrus as on the Royal James" returned Murray. "As to gaming, it seems that you allow your crew full license."
"I'll govern my own ship," responded Flint sourly. "Ye ha' yet to answer my questions."
My great-uncle took snuff.
"This lady," he said, with the slightest emphasis, "is the daughter of my friend here, Colonel O'Donnell, a gentleman who represents in our venture the group of my friends who made it possible for me to intercept the treasure-ship."
O'Donnell, whose face had been growing redder and redder throughout this conversation, plucked his daughter by the elbow and led her away.
"I'll be thanking ye to let me know when the time comes there's an end o' mangy curs in these parts," he remarked over his shoulder. "'Tis not to be hearing my daughter insulted and my own self explained to the scum of the sea that I'll be standing quiet and idle in front of as——"
"Peace, chevalier!" interrupted Murray, and there was a ring in his voice that compelled obedience.