“I don't think I understand,” said Lord Julian distantly.
“To be sure you don't, or you'd never ha' done it. The fellow's bubbled you. Why, he's first a rebel, then an escaped slave, and lastly a bloody pirate. I've been hunting him this year past.”
“I assure you, sir, that I was fully informed of all. I do not grant the King's commission lightly.”
“Don't you, by God! And what else do you call this? But as His Majesty's Deputy-Governor of Jamaica, I'll take leave to correct your mistake in my own way.”
“Ah! And what way may that be?”
“There's a gallows waiting for this rascal in Port Royal.”
Blood would have intervened at that, but Lord Julian forestalled him.
“I see, sir, that you do not yet quite apprehend the circumstances. If it is a mistake to grant Captain Blood a commission, the mistake is not mine. I am acting upon the instructions of my Lord Sunderland; and with a full knowledge of all the facts, his lordship expressly designated Captain Blood for this commission if Captain Blood could be persuaded to accept it.”
Colonel Bishop's mouth fell open in surprise and dismay.
“Lord Sunderland designated him?” he asked, amazed.