"If any woman wants you, she may take you," said the Captain, gently. "Otherwise, you know the rules."
Whereat, the Coward laughed mockingly and twirled his moustache, while One Eye cursed him under his breath.
"Well, are we going to rest here all day?" he exclaimed. "If we are not to attack, let us back to the brig. We would be in nice case if some one captured her, while we're nosing around ashore—this is a crazy expedition, anyway, so far from the ship."
"The only thing you are fit for," said the Captain, "is to stir up trouble. We've never overhauled a prize, but it ought to have had more treasure or more girls aboard. It is an awful affliction, One Eye, to have it so in the blood. But there is some truth in what you say—we are a half mile from the brig and it is dangerous. Suppose you bear our terms to the man at the door, yonder."
"Not I, Captain! I'm ready to take my chances with the rest, but excuse me from walking up, alone, to be shot."
The other surveyed him with an amiable smile. "Afraid, are you——"
"No, I'm not afraid," said One Eye, laying hand on his sword. "But I——"
"Then you will go?"
"No—I won't go."
"And you?" to the Coward.