devil may you be?" he exploded at last.

Colder still and more distant than ever grew his lordship's voice.

"You're not very civil, sir, as I have already noticed. My name is
Wade--Lord Julian Wade. I am His Majesty's envoy to these barbarous
parts, and my Lord Sunderland's near kinsman. Colonel Bishop has been
notified of my coming."

The sudden change in Calverley's manner at Lord Julian's mention of his
name showed that the notification had been received, and that he had
knowledge of it.

"I... I believe that he has," said Calverley, between doubt and
suspicion. "That is: that he has been notified of the coming of Lord
Julian Wade. But... but... aboard this ship...?" The officer made a
gesture of helplessness, and, surrendering to his bewilderment, fell
abruptly silent.

"I was coming out on the Royal Mary...."

"That is what we were advised."

"But the Royal Mary fell a victim to a Spanish privateer, and I might
never have arrived at all but for the gallantry of Captain Blood, who
rescued me."

Light broke upon the darkness of Calverley's mind. "I see. I
understand."

"I will take leave to doubt it." His lordship's tone abated nothing of
its asperity. "But that can wait. If Captain Blood will show you
his commission, perhaps that will set all doubts at rest, and we may
proceed. I shall be glad to reach Port Royal."

Captain Blood thrust a parchment under Calverley's bulging eyes. The
officer scanned it, particularly the seals and signature. He stepped
back, a baffled, impotent man. He bowed helplessly.

"I must return to Colonel Bishop for my orders," he informed them.

At that moment a lane was opened in the ranks of the men, and through
this came Miss Bishop followed by her octoroon woman. Over his shoulder
Captain Blood observed her approach.

"Perhaps, since Colonel Bishop is with you, you will convey his niece
to him. Miss Bishop was aboard the Royal Mary also, and I rescued her
together with his lordship. She will be able to acquaint her uncle with
the details of that and of the present state of affairs."

Swept thus from surprise to surprise, Captain Calverley could do no more
than bow again.

"As for me," said Lord Julian, with intent to make Miss Bishop's
departure free from all interference on the part of the buccaneers,
"I shall remain aboard the Arabella until we reach Port Royal. My
compliments to Colonel Bishop. Say that I look forward to making his
acquaintance there."

CHAP