"God's light,
knave, d'ye think I consider you in this matter, or d'ye think I've room
in my mind for such petty resentments together with that other?"
It was the truth. So absolute was the bitter sway of his anger against
Lionel that he could give no thought to this rascally seaman's share in
the adventure.
"Will ye give me your word for that?"
"My word? Pshaw, man! I have given it already. I swear that you shall
be paid the sum I've named the moment you set me ashore again in
England. Is that enough for you? Then cut me these bonds, and let us
make an end of my present condition."
"Faith, I am glad to deal with so sensible a man! Ye take it in the
proper spirit. Ye see that what I ha' done I ha' but done in the way of
my calling, that I am but a tool, and that what blame there be belongs
to them which hired me to this deed."
"Aye, ye're but a tool--a dirty tool, whetted with gold; no more. 'Tis
admitted. Cut me these bonds, a God's name! I'm weary o' being trussed
like a capon."
The captain drew his knife, crossed to Sir Oliver's side and slashed his
bonds away without further word. Sir Oliver stood up so suddenly that
he smote his head against the low ceiling of the cabin, and so sat down
again at once. And in that moment from without and above there came a
cry which sent the skipper to the cabin door. He flung it open, and so
let out the smoke and let in the sunshine.
Pages:
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126