“But in that case why not dispense with them?”

“Because they will always remain the sharp edge of any weapon that we forge.  In the class of warfare that lies before us they are so skilled that what Captain Blood has just said is not an overstatement.  A buccaneer is equal to three soldiers of the line.  At the same time we shall have a sufficient force to keep them in control.  For the rest, monsieur, they have certain notions of honour.  They will stand by their articles, and so that we deal justly with them, they will deal justly with us, and give no trouble.  I have experience of them, and I pledge you my word for that.”

M. de Rivarol condescended to be mollified.  It was necessary that he should save his face, and in a degree the Governor afforded him the means to do so, as well as a certain guarantee for the future in the further force he was raising.

“Very well,” he said.  “Be so good as to recall this Captain Blood.”

The Captain came in, assured and very dignified.  M. de Rivarol found him detestable; but dissembled it.

“M. le Capitaine, I have taken counsel with M. le Gouverneur.  From what he tells me, it is possible that a mistake has been committed.  Justice, you may be sure, shall be done.  To ensure it, I shall myself preside over a council to be composed of two of my senior officers, yourself and an officer of yours.  This council shall hold at once an impartial investigation into the affair, and the offender, the man guilty of having given provocation, shall be punished.”

Captain Blood bowed.  It was not his wish to be extreme.  “Perfectly, M. le Baron.  And now, sir, you have had the night for reflection in this matter of the articles.  Am I to understand that you confirm or that you repudiate them?”

M. de Rivarol’s eyes narrowed.  His mind was full of what M. de Cussy had said — that these buccaneers must prove the sharp edge of any weapon he might forge.  He could not dispense with them.  He perceived that he had blundered tactically in attempting to reduce the agreed share.  Withdrawal from a position of that kind is ever fraught with loss of dignity.  But there were those volunteers that M. de Cussy was enrolling to strengthen the hand of the King’s General.  Their presence might admit anon of the reopening of this question.  Meanwhile he must retire in the best order possible.

“I have considered that, too,” he announced.  “And whilst my opinion remains unaltered, I must confess that since M. de Cussy has pledged us, it is for us to fulfil the pledges.  The articles are confirmed, sir.”

Captain Blood bowed again.  In vain M. de Rivarol looked searchingly for the least trace of a smile of triumph on those firm lips.  The buccaneer’s face remained of the utmost gravity.

Wolverstone was set at liberty that afternoon, and his assailant sentenced to two months’ detention.  Thus harmony was restored.  But it had been an unpromising beginning, and there was more to follow shortly of a similar discordant kind.