The better way that was in Captain Blood’s mind was the way that already he had proposed to Wolverstone.  Whether the men in the panic Ogle had aroused among them would take a different view from Wolverstone’s he did not know.  But he saw quite clearly now that if they consented, they would not on that account depart from their intention in the matter of Miss Bishop; they would make of Blood’s own surrender merely an additional card in this game against the Governor of Jamaica.

“It’s through her that we’re in this trap,” Ogle stormed on.  “Through her and through you.  It was to bring her to Jamaica that you risked all our lives, and we’re not going to lose our lives as long as there’s a chance to make ourselves safe through her.”

He was turning again to the helmsman below, when Blood’s grip tightened on his arm.  Ogle wrenched it free, with an oath.  But Blood’s mind was now made up.  He had found the only way, and repellent though it might be to him, he must take it.

“That is a desperate chance,” he cried.  “Mine is the safe and easy way.  Wait!” He leaned over the rail.  “Put the helm down,” he bade Pitt.  “Heave her to, and signal to them to send a boat.”

A silence of astonishment fell upon the ship — of astonishment and suspicion at this sudden yielding.  But Pitt, although he shared it, was prompt to obey.  His voice rang out, giving the necessary orders, and after an instant’s pause, a score of hands sprang to execute them.  Came the creak of blocks and the rattle of slatting sails as they swung aweather, and Captain Blood turned and beckoned Lord Julian forward.  His lordship, after a moment’s hesitation, advanced in surprise and mistrust — a mistrust shared by Miss Bishop, who, like his lordship and all else aboard, though in a different way, had been taken aback by Blood’s sudden submission to the demand to lie to.

Standing now at the rail, with Lord Julian beside him, Captain Blood explained himself.

Briefly and clearly he announced to all the object of Lord Julian’s voyage to the Caribbean, and he informed them of the offer which yesterday Lord Julian had made to him.

“That offer I rejected, as his lordship will tell you, deeming myself affronted by it.  Those of you who have suffered under the rule of King James will understand me.  But now in the desperate case in which we find ourselves — outsailed, and likely to be outfought, as Ogle has said — I am ready to take the way of Morgan:  to accept the King’s commission and shelter us all behind it.”

It was a thunderbolt that for a moment left them all dazed.  Then Babel was reenacted.  The main body of them welcomed the announcement as only men who have been preparing to die can welcome a new lease of life.  But many could not resolve one way or the other until they were satisfied upon several questions, and chiefly upon one which was voiced by Ogle.

“Will Bishop respect the commission when you hold it?”