“Oh, no.  It is a matter between myself and you.”

“Your pardon, my General.  The articles are signed.  So far as we are concerned, the matter is closed.  Also out of regard for M. de Cussy, we should not desire to be witnesses of the rebukes you may consider that he deserves.”

“What I may have to say to M. de Cussy is no concern of yours.”

“That is what I am telling you, my General.”

“But — nom de Dieu! — it is your concern, I suppose, that we cannot award you more than one tenth share.”  M. de Rivarol smote the table in exasperation.  This pirate was too infernally skillful a fencer.

“You are quite certain of that, M. le Baron — that you cannot?”

“I am quite certain that I will not.”

Captain Blood shrugged, and looked down his nose.  “In that case,” said he, “it but remains for me to present my little account for our disbursement, and to fix the sum at which we should be compensated for our loss of time and derangement in coming hither.  That settled, we can part friends, M. le Baron.  No harm has been done.”

“What the devil do you mean?” The Baron was on his feet, leaning forward across the table.

“Is it possible that I am obscure?  My French, perhaps, is not of the purest, but....”

“Oh, your French is fluent enough; too fluent at moments, if I may permit myself the observation.  Now, look you here, M. le filibustier, I am not a man with whom it is safe to play the fool, as you may very soon discover.  You have accepted service of the King of France — you and your men; you hold the rank and draw the pay of a Capitaine de Vaisseau, and these your officers hold the rank of lieutenants.  These ranks carry obligations which you would do well to study, and penalties for failing to discharge them which you might study at the same time.  They are something severe.  The first obligation of an officer is obedience.  I commend it to your attention.  You are not to conceive yourselves, as you appear to be doing, my allies in the enterprises I have in view, but my subordinates.  In me you behold a commander to lead you, not a companion or an equal.  You understand me, I hope.”

“Oh, be sure that I understand,” Captain Blood laughed.  He was recovering his normal self amazingly under the inspiring stimulus of conflict.  The only thing that marred his enjoyment was the reflection that he had not shaved.  “I forget nothing, I assure you, my General.  I do not forget, for instance, as you appear to be doing, that the articles we signed are the condition of our service; and the articles provide that we receive one-fifth share.  Refuse us that, and you cancel the articles; cancel the articles, and you cancel our services with them.  From that moment we cease to have the honour to hold rank in the navies of the King of France.”

There was more than a murmur of approval from his three captains.