CHAPTER XXI.
I MAKE A VOW TO SLAY MY LADY BIDDY, IF NEEDS BE.
About noon Rodrigues came into the cabin where my Lady Biddy sat, with his hair combed, rings on his fingers, and rigged out in a new suit of clothes—as fine as any popinjay. Taking off his hat with a low salute, he observed that the heavy rain was past, and fairer weather might now be expected, and so seated himself with easy insolence near Lady Biddy, who thereupon rose to her feet, and stood calmly waiting for him to announce his business there.
"I have come," says he, "to know if I can add anything to your convenience or comfort here during the stay which, as I pointed out yesterday, circumstances have necessitated."
"You can make my captivity less intolerable," replies Lady Biddy, "by letting me know at once when it is to end."
"If this breeze continues we may fairly expect to be at our journey's end in four days," says he.
"And what do you intend to do with me then?" asks Lady Biddy.
"Rather let me ask you, madam," says he, with a hideous smile, "what you intend to do with me?"
"I do not understand what you mean by that," replies Lady Biddy.
"It is for you to command," says he, "and for me to obey in anything that is possible."