"Sure, Captain, I'll go.—What are the terms?" was the prompt response. "I'm not afraid."
"Tut! tut!" said the Captain, stepping between them. "What did I tell you about squabbling. I only wanted to try the temper of you both. I will go myself. Await me here," and he walked briskly toward the house.
Marbury saw him coming, and went down to meet him.
"Monsieur!" greeted the pirate, and bowed, his hat across his heart.
Marbury's only response was a curt inclination of the head.
"We have called, this morning, monsieur," the pirate remarked, "to collect his Majesty's taxes, if it will occasion you no particular inconvenience."
"By 'his Majesty,' I presume you mean the Devil," said Marbury.
"Precisely, monsieur. Your mind is very quick—it is a great pleasure to deal with one so exceedingly discerning."
Marbury gave a shrug of deprecation.