And then the rasping voice of Willoughby cut in again, upbraiding him for his hesitation, pointing out to him his incredible stupidity in trifling with such a golden opportunity as this.  He stiffened and bowed.

“My lord, you are in the right.  I am a fool.  But don’t be accounting me an ingrate as well.  If I have hesitated, it is because there are considerations with which I will not trouble your lordship.”

“Apple-blossoms, I suppose?” sniffed his lordship.

This time Blood laughed, but there was still a lingering wistfulness in his eyes.

“It shall be as you wish — and very gratefully, let me assure your lordship.  I shall know how to earn His Majesty’s approbation.  You may 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.”