'Howsomever, there was the guarda–costa, pumping round–shot into us as fast and hard as bad Spanish gunnery could contrive it. Without guns as we was it were easy as shooting woodcock. Or so they thought. But, having the weather–gauge o' them, I took the only chance left us. I put the helm hard over, and ran straight for her. Not a doubt but those muck–scutcheons counted on shooting us to pieces afore ever we could reach her, and, on my soul, they all but did. We was sinking fast, leaking like a colander, wi' our decks awash when at last we bumps alongside o' her. But by the mercy o' God to heretics, what were left o', my poor ship got a hold on that guarda–costa's timbers wi' her grapnels, what time we climbs aboard her. After that it were red hell on they decks, for we was all mad wi' rage at those cold–blooded murderers. From stem to stern we swept her wi' cold steel. I had five men killed and a half–score wounded; but the only Spaniards left alive was them as went overboard to drown.'
The slaver paused again, and his fiery eye flung a glance of challenge at his audience. 'That's about all, I think. We kept the carack, of course, my own ship being sunk, and that'll explain they emblems o' Popery on our mainsail. I knew as they'ld bring us trouble afore long. And yet, when, as I supposed, it was on account o' they that ye put a shot athwart my hawse, it came to me that maybe I had found a friend.'
II
The tale was told, and the audience, thrilled and moved by it, sat in silence a while, still under the spell of it after Walker had ceased to speak.
It was Wolverstone, at last, who stirred and growled. 'As ugly a story as I've heard of Castilian subtlety. That Captain–General would be the better for a keel–hauling.'
'Better still for a roasting over a slow fire,' said Yberville. 'It's the only way to give savour to this New Christian pig.'
Blood looked at him across the table. 'New Christian?' he echoed. 'You know him, then?'
'No more than you.' And the sometime seminarist explained. 'In Spain when a Jew is received into the Church he must take a new name. But his choice is not entirely free. The name he takes must be the name of a tree or plant, or the like, so that the source of his house may still be known. This Captain–General bears the name of Perera: Pear tree. The Valdaro and Peñascon have been subsequently added. They are always the readiest, these renegadoes, with threats of the Fires of the Faith.'
Blood gave his attention once more to Captain Walker.
'You'll have a purpose, sir, in giving yourself the trouble of telling us this nasty tale. What service do you seek of us?'