«In that case he might be worth it,» was the truculent answer.
«I am worth it as it is,» Blood insisted.
«Ah, bah!» he was answered, with a flick of finger and thumb under his very nose.
He began to suspect that Easterling sought to entice him into an act of rashness, in reply to which he and his followers would probably be butchered where they sat, and Monsieur Joinville would afterwards be constrained to bear witness to the Governor that the provocation had proceeded from the guests. He perceived at last the probable reason for the Frenchman's presence.
But at the moment Joinville was remonstrating. «Come, come, Captain Easterling! Thus you will never reach agreement. Captain Blood's ship is of advantage to you, and we have to pay for what is advantageous. Could you not offer him an eighth or even a seventh share?»
Easterling silenced the growl of disagreement from Chard, and became almost suave. «What would Captain Blood say to that?»
Captain Blood considered for a long moment. Then he shrugged. «I say what you know I must say; that I can say nothing until I have taken the wishes of my followers. We'll resume the discussion when I have done so — another day.»
«Oh, s'death!» roared Easterling. «Do you play with us? Haven't you brought your officers with you; and ain't they empowered to speak for your men same as mine? Whatever we settles here, my men abides by. That's the custom of the Brethren of the Coast. And I expect the same from you. And I've the right to expect it, as you can tell him, Mossoo Joinville.»
The Frenchman nodded gloomily, and Easterling roared on.
«We are not children, by God! And we're not here to play, but to agree terms. And, by God, we'll agree them before you leave.»