"Not if they were snugly guarded," said D'Ogeron. "I use my precautions. There are two entrances to this harbour, but only one channel. There are many bays, but only one anchorage. Your ships are in it now; my batteries command them."
"Monsieur," said Rupert stiffly, "do you distrust me?"
"Except for my own rogues, and you are not one of them——"
"Thank God!"
"Except for my own rogues, I trust no one."
"Monsieur," said Rupert, "I am not in the habit of having my word doubted. I have had the honour to inform you before that I came in peace."
"So have done others, and yet I have seen them bubble out with war when it suited their purpose."
"Monsieur, you may have your own individual code of honour in these barbarous islands, but I still preserve mine. You have seen fit to put in question my honesty. I must ask you to call back your words, or stand by the consequences."
The Governor winked a vinous eye. "You don't catch me fighting a duel," said he. "The honour of the thing we may leave out of the question: we don't deal in it here. And beyond that, I have all to lose and nothing to gain."
"Monsieur," said the Prince, "you have your sword, and I have mine. I can force you either to fight or apologise."