"Yes, I suppose so--they were a trifle unruly, at first, and resented discipline. They came to it, however," and he smiled faintly. "It is a long story, De Lysle, a long story!--too long to tell at this time. I am done with the business, now. I should have quit a year ago. I had made enough, for the present, and it is poor sport, anyway--there is too much blood-letting in it. If I get out of this fix, Long-Sword vanishes forever. I will go home, and live decently. You would better follow my example, De Lysle." "Not at present, thank you; may be, not at all." The other looked at him and laughed. "You are visiting at the--Hedgely Hall, are you?" he asked. Parkington nodded. "And there is an eligible daughter?" Another nod. "I think I comprehend. And you saw and recognized me, while the master of the house was arranging the terms of a ransom. By the Lord! I wonder what became of the gold?--you might take it, yourself, if it has not been picked up. It must be at the landing, somewhere." "The ransom was found by Captain Jamison, and returned to Marbury," Parkington explained. "Well, it is a pity. It would have come handy, I reckon. But, if you get the girl, you will get the money, too. Tell me, did you have this scheme in mind, when you left England?--No--and has your change of name anything to do with it?" "Damn the change of name!" said Parkington. "It complicates everything, and I do not know how to get rid of it." "Parkington?--Parkington?--Was not he a friend of Baltimore--one of his women chasers?" "The same;" and told him, briefly, the story of the wreck, the letters, and the substitution. Brandon laughed. "And, now, the girl intervenes? I do not see how you can manage it and remain in the Colony. Better give her up and continue your travels.--You are not in love with her?" "Lord! no!" "And she?" "Is not either." "Then you have only your powers as lady-killer, and being an Englishman, to win out with. Man! man! you better abandon the damsel and move on. It may be pleasant sport, but it is too dangerous." A heavy step crossed the deck and the door opened, to admit the skipper. "Sir Edward, I am sent by Mr. Marbury to ask if you would care to look over the ship with him. There is much of interest, I can assure you--these pirates were queer gatherers. Hey, Long-Sword?" Brandon was not inclined to answer, but Parkington gave him a quick look, and, instantly, he understood. Here was the chance to pick Jamison's pocket, and to give him the key without having to return to the cabin. They must take the opportunity. "Yes--that they were!" said he. "We sailed many seas and encountered many ships, and they all paid toll. I am sorry we have not aboard all that we gathered--of gold and silver, jewels and women. It is a rare life, skipper, a rare life! Sometime, the fever may catch you, and, then, hey for the Jolly Roger, and farewell to the merchantman."