"I could swear it was the same," he muttered. "Señor, your name and rank?"
"I can not conceive that either concerns a bloodthirsty ruffian like——"
"Stop! Perhaps there is more in this than thou thinkest," said Mercedes. "Tell him, Alvarado. It can do no harm. Oh, señor, have pity on us! Unbind me," she added, "I give you my word. I wish but to pay my respect to the woman yonder."
"She gives good counsel, soldier," answered the boatswain. "Cut her lashing," he said to the sailor who guarded them.
As the buccaneer did so, Mercedes sank on her knees by the side of the dead woman.
"Now, sir, your name?" asked Hornigold again.
"Alvarado."
"Where got you that name?"
"It was given me by His Excellency, the Viceroy."
"And wherefore?"