"As a bloody and cruel scoundrel," Long-Sword completed. "Such is not always true, as you now can evidence. But, we dally, monsieur--are we to have the gold or are we not?" "Yes," said Marbury; "I will have it brought here with the silver, at once." X THE DEFEAT Within the house, while the negotiations were in progress, there had been the trembling fear of the women, and the grave concern of the men. Marbury had told no one what he proposed to do, but, as the one controlling consideration was for the women, none cared so long as they were saved. "This pirate appears to be a well-mannered rogue," Constable remarked, peering through the hole in his shutter, "with all the airs of a gentleman, even to taking snuff in the most approved fashion. I cannot, however, say as much for his two followers--they are the scum of the docks." "You put it mildly," said Parkington; "I should have said the scum of hell, even at long distance." "I accept your modification, and may we never see them any closer." "Amen, with all my heart!" There was silence for a while, then Constable spoke again. "They seem to be having a most amiable conversation," he observed. "Marbury will be bringing him in to breakfast, presently!... Look at the pirate, Parkington, he acts like a gentleman, he dresses like a gentleman, damn it! He must have been a gentleman, once!" No answer from Sir Edward. "Such a bowing, back and forth.--Lord! you would think they were dancing the minuet!" No answer. "And such a sword! It sticks out a foot farther behind his coat than is the fashion." No answer. "I say, Parkington, are you deaf or asleep?" "I beg your pardon--what did you say--am I deaf or asleep? Neither, I trust." "I have made three separate remarks to you, hence my inquiry." "Repeat," said Parkington, over his shoulder, his eyes on the scene outside; "I am all attention." "The last was as to the extraordinary length of the pirate's sword." "Yes--I think this must be he," replied Parkington. "What?" said Constable. "Must be he--what the devil do you mean?" "I heard tales, in London, recently, of a famous buccaneer of these seas named Long-Sword," explained Parkington. "I think----" "Great God! it is he, or I'm a sailor!" exclaimed Constable. "Do not let the women know." Sir Edward smiled. "No! no!--As to that, however, a pirate is a pirate, the world over--there is little to choose between them." "But Long-Sword has nothing in his favor--he is the cruelest, most rapacious pirate afloat." "Or ashore," Parkington amended. "Ah! the council has ended--the pirate waits. Marbury has been successful." When Marbury entered, the women crowded around him, but the men remained at their post, taking no chances.