«Dishonest, sir? What the devil do you mean?»
«Are you not accepting a bribe to be false to your duty? Is not that dishonesty?»
«By god! This comes well from you, considering your intentions.»
«You make it necessary. Besides, have I played the hypocrite as to my part? I have been unnecessarily frank, even to appearing a rogue. But, as in your own case, Major, necessity knows no law with me.»
A pause followed upon those conciliatory words. Then: «Nevertheless,» said Macartney, «I do not sign that paper.»
«You'll sign and seal it, or I do not pay the money. What do you fear, Major? I give you my word —»
«Your word! Hell and the devil! In what is your word better than mine?»
«The circumstances make it better. On my side there can be no temptation to break faith, as on yours. It cannot profit me.»
It was clear by now to Blood that since Macartney had not struck the Frenchman for his insults, he would end by signing. Only a desperate need of money could so have curbed the Englishman. He therefore heard with surprise Macartney's angry outburst.
«Give me the pen. Let us have done.»