How
soon they might revert to their former mood was a question that I
found not worth while to propound to myself.
By this the man in black and silver had recovered his breath and
his equanimity. "Have you no commission with which to honor
me, noble captain?" he asked in gently reproachful tones. "Have
you forgot how often you were wont to employ me in those sweet
days when your eyes were black?"
"By no means, Master Paradise," I said courteously. "I desire your
company and that of the gentleman from Lima. You will go with
me to bring up the rest of my party. The three gentlemen of the
broken head, the bushy ruff, which I protest is vastly becoming,
and the wounded shoulder will escort us."
"The rest of your party?" said Paradise softly.
"Ay," I answered nonchalantly. "They are down the beach and
around the point warming themselves by a fire which this piled-up
sand hides from you. Despite the sunshine it is a biting air. Let us
be going! This island wearies me, and I am anxious to be on board
ship and away."
"So small an escort scarce befits so great a captain," he said. "We
will all attend you." One and all started forward.
I called to mind and gave utterance to all the oaths I had heard in
the wars. "I entertain you for my subordinate whom I command,
and not who commands me!" I cried, when my memory failed me.
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