MONSIEUR LEARNS SOMETHING
we shall seek none. And as for the lady, she shall be set ashore upon Jamaica, and not upon any passing ship.”
Jacquard, whose jaw had dropped, and whose face had been growing longer and longer during this recital, burst forth at last.
“Mais, monsieur,” he cried, “it is unwise to taunt them so. The Spanish ships are thick about us. In another month the carrying will be less. It is the time of times. Their blood is hot with victory.”
Bras-de-Fer broke in with an oath. “It will be cold with death if they balk me. If Yan Gratz has aught to say, let him come forth like a man,” and then, with a smile, “Perhaps he has the stomach for a little play upon the pike.”
“Monsieur, he will not come. He fears you like the plague. He will do his work the more effectively in quiet.”
Bras-de-Fer paused a moment and then came to Jacquard and put both hands upon his shoulders.
“Mon ami,” he said, “what you ask is impossible. It is impossible. I give you my word. If
229
