Ann laughed derisively. “You know us not,” said she, disdainfully, “if you think we can be cowed into submission either by red-coats on the land, or blue-jackets on the water. ’Tis in our blood to like the fight as well as the booty. There be spirits among us—and I own myself one of them—would care little for the cargo but for the chance of a pistol-shot about our ears in the landing of it!” “But one of these nights you may find the bullets whizz by a little too near, and see your lover shot down by your side.” Ann, who, conscious that Tregenna was watching her narrowly, had disdainfully withdrawn to some little distance, and was pacing up and down, throwing from time to time a sidelong glance at him, turned, planted her feet firmly, and put her hands on her hips in a defiant manner. “My lover!” said she. “And pray who may he be?” “Well, I know not which is the favored one,” said Tregenna. “But I gather from what I have heard—overheard, that there are two who crave your favor: one Gardener Tom, a handsome lad, too good for his vile trade, and he they call Ben the Blast, for whom, truly, I feel no great liking.” “Well, then, sir, know this: little as your liking for him may be, ’tis greater than mine. And as for young Tom, why, in truth I should be sorry to see him fall, but, ’twould be for his mother’s sake, and not for my own. As you said but some minutes since, I am ill-fitted to deal in such small wares as kisses and caresses!” “Nay, I said not so, Mistress Ann.” “You said you looked not upon me as upon a woman.” “But there be other men that do so look upon you.” Ann came a little nearer, and smiled grimly. “Ay, there’s your friend the general. He looked upon me with a most kindly eye. And there’s young Master Bertram at Hurst Court, that craves a kiss whene’er he sees me. You cannot understand their taste, sir, doubtless? For you a woman must have soft hands and black eyes, like Mistress Joan Langney?” There was something surprising in the sort of curious scorn with which she put these questions, as if interested, though somewhat disdainfully, in his answer. Tregenna, who was leaning back on the settle, as easily as if enjoying his rest in an inn, smiled a little. “Ay, truly I do not know where you would find a fairer specimen of womanhood than the vicar’s daughter.” His face softened as he spoke. Ann came a few steps nearer to him, watching him with a slight frown. “Yet she hath small liking for you. She is on our side, you know. ’Twas she that warned us of your coming with the soldiers.” “She will no longer be on your side when she hears that you have murdered me, Mistress Ann.” “Murdered you?” “I understood that to be your intention.” “You take it coolly.” “’Tis as well to save my heat till ’tis wanted.” “Maybe you don’t think I shall be as good as my word?” “I have no reason to doubt that you can be as good as your word when you have promised to do something vile and mischievous!” Ann snorted with anger.