«I'll read it to you.» And the Colonel read: «I acknowledge, and give Colonel Jerome de Coulevain this quittance for the sum of five thousand pieces of eight, received from him in consideration of my forbearing from any action against Captain Blood, and of my undertaking no action whatever hereafter for as long as he may remain the guest of Colonel de Coulevain on the Island of Mariegalante or elsewhere. Given under my hand and seal this tenth day of July of 1688.»
As the Colonel's voice trailed off there came an explosion from Macartney.
«God's death, Colonel! Are you mad, or do you think that I am?»
«What do you find amiss? Is it not a correct statement?»
Macartney banged the table in his vehemence. «It puts a rope round my neck.»
«Only if you play me false. What other guarantee have I that when you've taken these five thousand pieces you will keep faith with me?»
«You have my word,» said Macartney in a passion. «And my word must content you.»
«Your word! Your word!» The Frenchman's sneer was unmistakable. «Ah, that, no. Your word is not enough.»
«You want to insult me!»
«Pish! Let us be practical, Major. Ask yourself: Would you accept the word of a man in a transaction in which his own part is dishonest?»