ior, the maroon had wrenched the pistol from the
junior soldier's hand, and before he realized what had happened a cold
muzzle was pressed against his forehead.

"Drop that sword!" cried Morgan instantly, and as the weapon fell upon
the floor, he continued, smiling: "That was well done, Black Dog. Quite
like old times, eh?"

"Shall I fire?" asked Carib, curling his lips over his teeth in what
passed with him for a smile.

"Not yet."

"Your Excellency," gasped poor Bradley, "I didn't want to come. I
remonstrated with him a moment since. For God's sake----"

"Silence, sirrah! And how much time have I now, I wonder?" He looked at
his watch as he asked the question. "Three minutes! Three minutes
between you and instant death, Ensign Bradley, for should one of your
men enter the room now you see what you would have to expect, sir."

"Oh, sir, have mercy----"

"Unless you do exactly what I say you will be lying there with that
carrion," cried Morgan, kicking the prostrate body savagely with his
jewelled shoes.

"What do you want me to do? For God's sake be quick, Your Excellency.
Time is almost up. I hear the men move."

"You are afraid, sir. There still want two minutes----"

"Yes, yes, but----"

"Go to the window yonder," cried the old man contemptuously--whatever he
was he was not afraid--"and speak to them. Do you, Carib, stand behind,
by the window, well concealed. If he hesitate, if he falter, kill him
instantly."

"Pistol or knife?"

"The knife, it makes less noise," cried the buccaneer, chuckling with
devilish glee. "Only one minute and a half now, eh, Mr. Bradley?"

"They're coming, they're coming!" whispered Bradley, gasping for breath.
"Oh, sir----"

"We still have a minute," answered Morgan coolly. "Now, stop them."

"But how?"

"Tell them that you have captured me; that my wife is dead; that you and
Lieutenant Hawxherst will spend the night here and fetch me down to Port
Royal in the morning; that I have yielded myself a prisoner. Bid them
stay where they are and drink to your health in bottles of rum, which
shall be sent out to them, and then to go back to Port Royal and tell
the new Governor. And see that your voice does not tremble, sir!"

There was a sudden movement outside.

"If they get in here," added Morgan quickly, "you are a dead man."

Bradley, with the negro clutching his arm, ran to the window. With the
point of his own sword pressed against the back of his neck he repeated