“That will do, Bessie. Just keep to your story, if you don’t mind,” said Kane.
“Well,” she continued, “I saw then that something was the matter. My first thought was that Max was annoyed because his friends had come; but when he rose in his place, and, in an icy tone, said: ‘Miss Harlan, I am compelled, much against my will, to introduce a gentleman thief to you,’ I didn’t know what to say, or think. But before I could do either, the pirate had turned toward Max, and I could see the flash of his eyes through the holes in his mask, while he said icily:
“‘Mr. Kane, if I hear a repetition of your present offense, the consequences to yourself and your ladies will be upon your own head! I beg that you will present me properly, sir!’
“I was nonplused, Mr. Carter, and I could see that Max was swearing mad. However, he did as he was told.
“‘This is Captain Sparkle, a pirate,’ he said. And then he called out to my sister, who was just appearing, to go back and get his box of cigars for him.
“I turned to the pirate then, and said: ‘You have selected a late hour to make your call upon us, Captain Sparkle.’
“‘From necessity, believe me, madam,’ he replied, bowing.
“My sister and the count appeared at that moment, and Max introduced them by saying, between his teeth:
“‘My wife, and Count Cadillac—Captain Sparkle.’ Cora had brought the cigars with her, and Max lighted one of them. After that he seemed better.”