«If that's their last word, my man,» said Easterling, «they can up anchor and away to the devil. I've no more to say to them.»
«It'll be the worse for you, Captain, if they go,» said Pike steadily.
«D'ye threaten, by God!» The man's great bulk seemed to swell with rage.
«I warn you, Captain.»
«You warn me? Warn me of what?»
«That the Brethren of the Coast, the whole buccaneering fraternity, will be raised against you for this breach of faith.»
«Breach of faith!» Easterling's voice soared in pitch. «Breach of faith, ye bastard scum! D'ye dare stand before my face and say that to me?» He plucked a pistol from his belt. «Be off this ship at once, and tell your blackguards that if the Valiant is still there by noon I'll blow her out of the water. Away with you.»
Pike, choking with indignation, and made bold by it, played his master card.
«Very well,» said he. «You'll have Captain Blood to deal with for this.»
Pike had reckoned upon intimidating, but neither upon the extent to which his words would achieve it, nor the blind fury that follows panic in such natures as that of the man with whom he dealt.