Mr Court came to his feet in exasperation.
'But this … this is monstrous. Od rot me, sir, you'll do me this violence at your peril.'
'I am Captain Blood,' he was answered, 'so you'll not be supposing that a little peril more or less will daunt me.'
The announcement released some fresh emotions in Mr Court. His eyes threatened to drop from his flushed, angry face.
'You are Captain Blood! Captain Blood! That damned pirate! You may be but, may I perish, I care nothing who you are…'
'Why should you now? All I'm asking of you is that you'll step into your cabin. Of course I shall have to place a guard at the door, but there'll be no other restraints, and your comforts shall not suffer.'
'Do you suppose I'll submit to this?'
'I can put you in irons if you prefer it,' said Captain Blood suavely.
Mr Court, having furiously considered him, decided that he would not prefer it.
Captain Blood was rowed ashore, and took his way to the Deputy–Governor's house on the water–front: a fine white house with green slatted sun–blinds set back in a fair garden where azaleas flamed and all was fragrance of orange and pimento.