They talked, of course, for some time yet; but ever within the circle of what had been said already, until in the end Colonel Courtney broke into a laugh that was almost hysterical.
«Stab me, sir! It only remains to marvel at your moderation. You might have asked seven hundred thousand pieces, or seven millions …»
«True,» Blood interrupted him. «But then I am by nature moderate, and also I have a notion of the resources of your treasury.»
«But the time!» cried the Governor desperately, to show that he had yielded. «How can I collect the sum within an hour?»
«I'll be reasonable. Send me the money to the bluff by sunset, and I'll withdraw. And now I'll take my leave at once, so as to suspend the operations. It's a very good day I'll be wishing you.»
They let him go, perforce. And at sunset Captain Macartney rode out to the gun emplacements of the buccaneers followed by a Negro leading a mule on which the gold was laden.
Captain Blood came forward alone to receive him.
«It isn't what you'ld have got from me,» said the choleric captain through his teeth.
«I'll remember that in case you should ever command a settlement. And now, sir, to business. What do these sacks hold?»
«You'll find five thousand pieces in each.»