nly there; and then because she
dare not lose sight of him, she constrained herself to look at him once
more. Her cheeks were burning with shame, her eyes flashing with
indignation, though she forced her lips into the semblance of a smile.

"That surprises you, does it?" continued the man with boasting
condescension. "You did not think I designed so to honor you after last
night, madam? Scuttle me, these"--pointing to his face--"are fierce love
taps, but I fancy a strong will--when I can break it to mine own," he
muttered, "and I have yet to see that in man or woman that could resist
mine."

She noted with painful fascination the powerful movements of his lean
fingers as he spoke, for his sinewy right hand, wrinkled and hideous,
lay stretched out on the table before him, and he clasped and unclasped
it unconsciously as he made his threat.

"I like you none the less for your spirit, ma'am. 'Fore God, it runs
with your beauty. You are silent," he continued, staring at her with
red-eyed, drunken suspicion. "You do not answer?"

"My lord," cried Mercedes, "I know not what to say."

"Say, 'Harry Morgan, I love you and I am yours.'"

"There is another present, senor."

"Where? Another? Who has dared--" roared the buccaneer glaring about
him.

"Thy servant--the negro."

"Oh," he laughed, "he is nothing. Black Dog, we call him. He is my
slave, my shadow, my protection. He is always by."

An idea had swiftly flashed into the young girl's mind. If she could get
rid of the slave she could deal more easily with the master. She was
tall, strong, and Morgan, it appeared, was not in full possession of his
faculties or his strength from the liquor he had imbibed.

"Still," she urged, "I do not like to be wooed in the presence of
another, even though he be a slave. 'Tis not a Spanish maiden's way,
sir."

"Your will now, lady," said the buccaneer, with a hideous attempt at
gallantry, "is my law. Afterwards--'twill be another matter. Out, Carib,
but be within call. Now, madam, we are alone. Speak you the English
tongue?"

The conversation had been carried on in Spanish heretofore.

"Indifferently, senor."

"Well, I'll teach it you. The lesson may as well begin now. Say after
me, 'Harry'--I permit that though I am a belted knight of England, made
so by His Merry Majesty, King Charles, God rest him. Drink to the repose
of the king!" he cried, shoving a cup across the table toward her.

Resisting a powerful temptation to