"I claim the boat as my property," the Pacha insisted.
"You sold her to Chickworth, and I bought her of him."
"It was not a legal sale."
"I beg your pardon, it was; for I have the bill of sale you gave him, signed by you, and with your flourish," argued the commander, taking the paper from his pocket and unfolding it.
He held it up so that the Moor could see his signature. He seemed to be confounded, and had certainly been beaten on every point he had attempted to make. But he was evidently far from satisfied with the result of the conference. He declared that he should cause the arrest of Scott for stealing the suit of clothes he had loaned him; and if he could find the young Spaniard who had stolen his steamer, he would have him arrested also, and have them both sent to Mogadore for trial and punishment.
"You have grossly insulted me, Captain Ringgold; and you have refused to give me the satisfaction which one gentleman has the right to demand of another," stormed the Pacha, apparently as a parting shot.
"I am not a duellist; and if I were, I do not regard you as a gentleman any more than do the people of Funchal, and I should not feel obliged to accept your challenge," replied the commander very quietly.
"Another insult! If I find you in the streets of Gibraltar, I will castigate you as an infidel cur!" foamed the Moor.
"If you assault me, I am able to defend myself, and I shall do so," replied the captain as the barge shoved off.
"Do you suppose he will arrest Scott and Felipe, Captain?" asked Louis, as he jumped down from the promenade deck, not a little disturbed at the apparent peril of his friends.