"Ah! Strange how the strongest men succumb to it. We will have him carried below. I should have told you before this that I design to make you both as comfortable as possible. You berth aft with me. On the brig I can offer you very limited hospitality, but on the Royal James you shall have the comforts of an admiral."
"I want no comforts," I answered coldly. "Any comforts you may offer me would be a mockery. My very being here is a discomfort most insufferable."
He stiffened.
"'Sdeath, sirrah! Bear in mind that I am your elder in years and deserving of respect for my relationship."
"To me you are a singularly bloody pirate, and that is all."
"The injustice of youth!" he commented evenly. "I was the uncle and tender guardian of the mother you never knew, Robert."
"I share my father's feelings upon that point," I cried, and raised my hand in a threatening gesture.
He did not stir.
"Your conversion will be quite as difficult as I had foreseen," he said. "No, you would gain naught by striking me. Impartially I may recommend you to adopt an attitude which will secure you the maximum of liberty and opportunity. Of what avail for you to force yourself into confinement?"
"Sir," I returned, "be convinced of this: The day you attack a defenseless ship I will slay as many of you as I can and contentedly die."