"Did you kill her?"
"I didn't have to. They'll think that one of them is mine. No hue or cry will be raised and no search made for me. Do you arrange that the crew of the Mary Rose be given liberty for the evening yonder at the Blue Anchor. They've not been ashore yet, I take it?"
"No, but they will go to-morrow."
"That's well. Meanwhile gather together the bold fellows who have stomach for a cruise and are willing to put their heads through the halter provided there are pieces of eight on the other side, and then we'll take the frigate to-morrow night and away for the Spanish Main. That will give us a start. We'll pick up what we can along the coast first, then scuttle the ship, cross the Isthmus, seize another and have the whole South Seas before us—Peru, Manila, wherever we will."
"The King has a long arm."
"Yes, and other kings have had long arms too, I take it, but they have not caught Harry Morgan, nor ever shall. Come, man, wilt go with me?"
"Never fear," answered Hornigold promptly. "I've been itching for a chance to cut somebody's throat."
He did not say it was Morgan's throat, but the truth and sincerity in his voice carried conviction to the listening captain.
"Thou bloody butcher!" he laughed grimly. "There will be plenty of it anon."
"Where will you lay hid," asked the boatswain, "until to-morrow night?"