ay
depend upon my loyal service.

"If I didn't, I shouldn't offer you this governorship."

Thus it was settled. Blood's commission was made out and sealed in
the presence of Mallard, the Commandant, and the other officers of
the garrison, who looked on in round-eyed astonishment, but kept their
thoughts to themselves.

"Now ve can aboud our business go," said van der Kuylen.

"We sail to-morrow morning," his lordship announced.

Blood was startled.

"And Colonel Bishop?" he asked.

"He becomes your affair. You are now the Governor. You will deal with
him as you think proper on his return. Hang him from his own yardarm. He
deserves it."

"Isn't the task a trifle invidious?" wondered Blood.

"Very well. I'll leave a letter for him. I hope he'll like it."

Captain Blood took up his duties at once. There was much to be done to
place Port Royal in a proper state of defence, after what had happened
there. He made an inspection of the ruined fort, and issued instructions
for the work upon it, which was to be started immediately. Next he
ordered the careening of the three French vessels that they might
be rendered seaworthy once more. Finally, with the sanction of Lord
Willoughby, he marshalled his buccaneers and surrendered to them one
fifth of the captured treasure, leaving it to their choice thereafter
either to depart or to enrol themselves in the service of King William.

A score of them elected to remain, and amongst these were Jeremy Pitt,
Ogle, and Dyke, whose outlawry, like Blood's, had come to an end with
the downfall of King James. They were--saving old Wolverstone, who
had been left behind at Cartagena--the only survivors of that band of
rebels-convict who had left Barbados over three years ago in the Cinco
Llagas.

On the following morning, whilst van der Kuylen's fleet was making
finally ready for sea, Blood sat in the spacious whitewashed room that
was the Governor's office, when Major Mallard brought him word that
Bishop's homing squadron was in sight.

"That is very well," said Blood. "I am glad he comes before Lord
Willoughby's departure. The orders, Major, are that you place him under
arrest the moment he steps ashore. Then bring him here to me. A moment."
He wrote a hurried note. "That to Lord Willoughby aboard Admiral van der
Kuylen's flagship."

Major Mallard saluted and departed. Peter Blood sat back in his chair
and stared at the ceiling, frowning. Time moved on. Came a tap at the
door