He rested his gloomy eyes upon my lord. The latter, very
white, returned the look; then, with his head held high, crossed the
deck with a measured step and took his place among us. He was
followed a moment later by Paradise. "I never thought to die in my
bed, captain," said the latter nonchalantly. "Sooner or later, what
does it matter? And you must know that before I was a pirate I was
a gentleman." Turning, he doffed his hat with a flourish to those he
had quitted. "Hell litter!" he cried. "I have run with you long
enough. Now I have a mind to die an honest man."
At this defection a dead hush of amazement fell upon that crew.
One and all they stared at the man in black and silver, moistening
their lips, but saying no word. We were five armed and desperate
men; they were fourscore. We might send many to death before us,
but at the last we ourselves must die, - we and those aboard the
helpless ship.
In the moment's respite I bowed my head and whispered to the
King's ward.
"I had rather it were your sword," she answered in a low voice, in
which there was neither dread nor sorrow. "You must not let it
grieve you; it will be added to your good deeds. And it is I that
should ask your forgiveness, not you mine."
Though there was scant time for such dalliance, I bent my knee
and rested my forehead upon her hand.
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