“Why—er I—er,� the man faltered, he actually did not dare to say what had been in his mind, and I’ve no doubt that my pistol never looked bigger than it did when I quietly laid my hand on its butt.
It was probable that the others had not as yet decided what was to be done with her, whatever Pimball may have determined upon. I took advantage of their hesitation and pushed the matter to a speedy conclusion.
“Well,� I said quickly, “I want her for myself.� Did I hear a groan in the cabin back of me? If I did, I could not afford to hesitate, I could not let them hear. “You saw how she treated me,� I cried, raising my voice and banging on the table with my fist; “she struck me, she had me imprisoned. I want her to be given over to me alone.�
“But—� began Pimball, not relishing the abandonment of this prize which he had evidently marked for his own.
“I tell you what it is, mates,� said I, disregarding him and addressing the rest directly, “I am a poor man and the treasure, or my share of it, means a great deal to me, but revenge means much more. You give the woman to me and I will divide my share of the treasure among the crew.�
“Well,� began Pimball uncertainly, but the sentiment of the crew under this appeal to their greed was palpably against him.
“Don’t be a fool, man,� cried the sailor who had spoken before. “Give the lad the wench. When we git the treasure we can buy all the women we need.�
“Aye, let him have her!� urged a second.
“He’ll bring her to her knees,� said a third.
“This very night,� added a fourth with a hideous leer and a horrible laugh.