"Well," the young man replied, recklessly; "I will fight, if I must. It is a glorious death for a gentleman, to die sword in hand!"
"Come," said the buccaneer, as he gave him a friendly tap on the shoulder; "you are a fine lad. Something can be made of you."
The Fifties still approached, and the circle grew more and more contracted.
[CHAPTER XXX.]
THE EXTERMINATOR.
For some minutes a mournful silence—a complete calm, which, however, was loaded with menace, hung heavily over the savannah.
At a whistle from the engagé, the dogs ranged themselves behind their masters, with heads down, lips drawn back to display their sharp teeth, and flashing eyes, they awaited the order to rush forward, though without giving the slightest bark or growl.
L'Olonnais, leaning on his long fusil, was smoking his pipe quietly, while casting sarcastic glances around.