ich would cut you to the quick.
I did not know what I was saying, and I hope you will forgive me."

"With all my heart; for I realize now that you did not mean what I
supposed you did, and you must forgive me for picking you up so
suddenly," added Louis. "Now we will not say another word about the
matter. We can't get up a quarrel if we try, and you cannot do or say
anything now that will make me think less of you. There is my hand, my
dear fellow."

Louis extended his hand across the wheel, and it was warmly pressed by
the captain. It is possible that Scott had some ideas in his mind in
connection with the present mission of the Maud that would more clearly
have explained why he had uttered words which seemed to be a reproach on
him whom he regarded as his best friend. He was a young man of eighteen,
and had some of the weaknesses that belong to immaturity of age. Though
he did not say so, he thought Captain Ringgold was what he considered as
"rather slow" in his treatment of the pirate. It would not have been
unlike many very good boys if he had believed he could manage the matter
better.

"Now, Captain, let us come back to the question that was before us, the
mistake that was made when I was permitted to remain on board the Maud
as she came out on her present mission," said Louis, after harmony had
been entirely restored.

"In order to understand why I entertain this opinion, let us overhaul my
instructions from the commander," replied the captain.

"That will be the best way to get at the subject."

"In the first place, we are to engage in an attempt to shake off the
pirate; for she is not only a nuisance, but a constant menace to certain
members of the party," added Scott.

"All that has been admitted by the commander; though, as I happen to be
one of the individuals, I may say I have not the slightest fear of
anything the pirate can do."

"You have been through quite a number of perilous adventures, Louis, and
you have got used to such."

"I don't throw myself into such adventures, but I can't deny that they
have afforded me not a little of exhilarating excitement," replied the
young millionaire. "It was you who proposed the plan to the commander
which was adopted, and we are now to carry out."

"And I hope no weakness in either the ship or the Maud will cause it to
be a failure. At the signal from the Guardian-Mother the Maud is to run
for the island of Cyprus, distance a trifle less than two hundred