“What do you want?”
“A man in a boat, sent by these miscreants, wishes to make some terms with you. M. Commander, must I welcome him with a shot from my swivel-gun, or send him on deck?”
“Send him on deck.”
“Where shall I conduct him?”
“Here.”
Pierre des Anbiez thought he understood the nature of the desired interview. The pirates, holding Reine des Anbiez as a hostage, wished, no doubt, to make terms for her ransom.
The artillery officer returned with the Bohemian.
“What do you want?” said the commander to him.
“Order this man to retire, monseigneur; your ears alone should hear what my lips will say.”
“You are very impudent,” replied Pierre de Anbiez, looking at Hadji, sharply.