«We will take one thing at a time, if you please.» The Colonel was coldly prim. «When you entered the service of King James, you became subject to the laws that govern his forces. Your appropriation of treasure from the Spanish flagship is an act of brigandage contrary to all those laws and severely punishable under them.»
Captain Blood found the situation increasingly humorous. He laughed.
«My clear duty,» added Colonel Courtney, «is to place you under arrest.»
«But I hope you're not thinking of performing it?»
«Not if you choose to take advantage of my leniency, and depart at once.»
«I'll depart as soon as I receive the twenty thousand pieces of eight for which I hired you my services.»
«You have chosen, sir, to take payment in another fashion. You have committed a breach of the law. I have nothing more to say to you, Captain Blood.»
Blood considered him with narrowing eyes. Was the man so utterly a fool, or was he merely dishonest?
«Oh, sharper than the serpent's tooth!» he laughed. «Sure now I must spend the remainder of my days in succouring British colonies in distress. Meanwhile, here I am and here I stay until I have my twenty thousand pieces.» He flung his hat on the table, drew up a chair, sat down, and crossed his legs. «It's a warm day, Colonel, so it is.»
The Colonel's eyes flashed. «Captain Macartney, the guard is waiting in the gallery. Be good enough to call it.»