In the meantime, the slack of the lines had been taken up, and now they were lashed firmly into place, so that the Shadow and the Goalong were held together exactly as if they had been one vessel. All this time the pirate chief had retained his position near the turret, with his arms folded across his breast; but now he took a few steps aft, until he was directly abreast of the group on the deck of the yacht, and then he swept them another bow.
“Ladies,” he said, ignoring Kane, “I have been lying on and off in the harbor of Hamilton for something more than a week in order, ultimately, to enjoy the pleasure of this moment. I regret that I cannot be assured that it is mutual.”
“What the devil do you want, and what have you stopped us for on the high seas?” demanded Kane angrily.
The rover turned his eyes, which shone like sparks of fire through the holes in the mask which concealed his face toward Kane. Then he made a gesture which his men evidently understood, for in an instant more Kane discovered that three wicked-looking rifles were aimed at his breast, and that behind each one of them was a masked figure in red.
“Mr. Kane,” said the pirate coolly, “you are not expected to speak at all, unless it is in reply to a question addressed to you. My men have orders to fire and to kill you if you do not obey. I trust you will have sense enough to remain uninjured, since silence on your part is all that is necessary in order to do so.”
Kane ground his teeth together in a rage; but he knew that the pirate had uttered no idle threat, and that it was useless to do other than to obey him.
“And shall I be shot, also, if I speak?” demanded Bessie boldly.
“You, Miss Harlan? I shoot you? Let me assure you that you are as safe from harm at this moment as if you were in the boudoir of your own home, surrounded by all your faithful attendants.”
“Humph!” said Bessie. “That may be true, but it doesn’t appear so. Are you not Count Cadillac?”