almost to the breaking point to
ward off his advances and to delay any action he might contemplate, she
faced the buccaneer.

He was dressed with barbaric magnificence in the riches and plunder he
had appropriated, and he had adorned his person with a profusion of
silver and gold, and stolen gems. He had been seated at the table while
served by the maroon, but, as she entered, with unusual complaisance he
arose and bowed to her with something of the grace of a gentleman.

"Madam," he said, endeavoring to make soft and agreeable his harsh
voice, "I trust you have been well treated since in my charge."

He had been drinking heavily she saw, but as he spoke her fair she would
answer him accordingly. To treat him well, to temporize, and not to
inflame his latent passion by unnecessarily crossing him, would be her
best policy, she instantly divined, although she hated and despised him
none the less. On his part, he had determined to try the gentler arts of
persuasion, and though his face still bore the welts made by her riding
whip the night before he strove to forget it and play the gentleman. He
had some qualities, as a buccaneer, that might entitle him to a certain
respect, but when he essayed the gentleman his performance was so futile
that had it not been so terrible it would have been ludicrous. She
answered his question calmly without exhibiting resentment or annoyance.

"We have been comfortably lodged and provided with food and drink in
sufficiency, senor."

"And what more would you have, Donna Mercedes?"

"Liberty, sir!"

"That shall be yours. Saving only my will, when you are married to me,
you shall be as free as air. A free sailor and his free wife, lady. But
will you not sit down?"

In compliance with his request, she seated herself on a chair which
happened to be near where she stood; she noted with relief that the
table was between them.

"Nay, not there," said the Captain instantly. "Here, madam, here, at my
side."

"Not yet, senor capitan; it were not fit that a prisoner should occupy
so high a seat of honor. Wait until----"

"Until what, pray?" he cried, leaning forward.

"Until that--until I--until we----"

In spite of her efforts she could not force her lips to admit the
possibility of the realization of his desire.

"Until you are Lady Morgan?" he cried, his face flaming.

She buried her face in her hands at his suggestion, for she feared her
horror in the thought would show too plai