"It is more than unusual--it is extraordinary. We have not known of a pirate north of the West Indies for forty years--and, as for one venturing inside the Capes, I fancy, it is not in the memory of man. Of course, we had heard of Long-Sword, as the most notorious buccaneer on the old Spanish Main; but that is far from the Chesapeake. We never thought to see him here, sir." "I think I should like to talk with him," said Parkington. "It will be quite an interesting experience." Marbury laughed. "You will be all the rage in London--the man who spoke with Long-Sword--and survived!" "I am not so sure as to London--and I care nothing for being the rage. It is the novelty of the thing that takes me." "Well, you may quiz him to your heart's content, and I think you will find him, outwardly at least, a gentleman. He impressed me as being of superior birth--however much he may have backslid in his calling--and his manners are the equal of your own." Jamison had seen them coming down the avenue, and had sent a boat ashore for them. He had not allowed any at the landing, he explained, lest the pirates return, and make trouble. "Sir Edward Parkington wants to see Long-Sword," said Marbury. "Is he in the cabin, or have you had him taken below." "He is in the cabin, sir," Jamison answered. "I concluded to put the irons only on his legs--I think that will hold him. If you will step here, sir, I will admit you." He unlocked the cabin door, and pushed it open, and motioned the guard away. "Long-Sword, here is Sir Edward Parkington, who would speak with you," he said.--"You will excuse me, sir, I must join Mr. Marbury." Parkington nodded, and stepped within. The pirate turned, slowly, on the bunk. "You will pardon me for not rising," he said; "I am a trifle indisposed," and he indicated the irons. "How can I serve you?" "Say rather how I can serve _you_?" Parkington replied. Long-Sword laughed shortly. "By finishing what that merchantman bungled--make an end of me, or permit me to make an end of myself." "You are depressed--a most unusual thing for you." "Eh--what's that!" the other ejaculated--"a most unusual thing for me!--who are you?" "A friend," said Sir Edward. "I caught your name as Parkington, did I not?" "You did." "Then I do not even know you, sir--how can you be a friend?" "Is foreknowledge a prerequisite to friendship?" Sir Edward asked. "Marry, yes; and even then it is a rare article," said the pirate with a sneer. "I am a victim of that same friendship, so you will permit me to doubt." "Yes, I know; the faithless friend and the disloyal wife. I----" "Who are you, sir! Come out of the shadow, if you are not afraid to show yourself, I cannot hurt you, now!" "Brandon," said Parkington, stepping into the light, "you have, I fear, reached the end of your string." "De Lysle!" exclaimed the wounded man. "May the Devil take me! What do you here--and under a false name? Did England get too warm for you?"