«I was about to send for you.» The Colonel's pale eyes sought to meet the Captain's steady gaze, but failed. «I hear of considerable treasure taken from the Spanish wreck. I am told you men have carried this aboard your ship. You are aware, sir — or are you not? — that these spoils are the property of the King.»
«I am not aware of it,» said Captain Blood.
«You are not? Then I inform you of it now.»
Captain Blood shook his head, smiling tolerantly. «It is a prize of war.»
«Exactly. And the war was being waged on behalf of his Majesty and in defence of this his Majesty's colony.»
«Save that I did not hold the King's commission.»
«Tacitly, and temporarily, I granted it you when I consented to enlist you and your men in the defence of the island.»
Blood stared at him in amused astonishment. «What were you, sir, before they made you Captain–General of the Leeward Islands? A lawyer?»
«Captain Blood, I think you mean to be insolent.»
«You may be sure I do, and more. You consented to enlist me, did you? Here's condescension! Where should you be now if I hadn't brought you the assistance you consented to receive?»