This objection was important, as they amounted to twenty-five, and, after that number was deducted, in all probability Francisco's adherents would have been in the minority. The pirates with Francisco objected, and again assumed the attitude of defence. 'One moment,' said Francisco, stepping in advance; 'before this point is settled, I wish to take the sense of all of you as to another of your laws. I ask you, Hawkhurst, and all who are now opposed to me, whether you have not one law, which is _Blood for blood?_' 'Yes--yes,' shouted all the pirates. 'Then let your captain stand forward, and answer to my charge, if he dares.' Cain curled his lip in derision, and walked within two yards of Francisco. 'Well, boy, I'm here; and what is your charge?' 'First--I ask you, Captain Cain, who are so anxious that the laws should be enforced, whether you acknowledge that "Blood for blood" is a just law?' 'Most just: and, when shed, the party who revenges is not amenable.' ''Tis well: then, villain that thou art, answer--Didst thou not murder my mother?' Cain, at this accusation, started. 'Answer the truth, or lie like a recreant!' repeated Francisco. 'Did you not murder my mother?' The captain's lips and the muscles of his face quivered, but he did not reply. '_Blood for blood!_' cried Francisco, as he fired his pistol at Cain, who staggered, and fell on the deck. Hawkhurst and several of the pirates hastened to the captain, and raised him. 'She must have told him last night,' said Cain, speaking with difficulty, as the blood flowed from the wound. 'He told me so himself,' said Francisco, turning round to those who stood by him. Cain was taken down into the cabin. On examination, his wound was not mortal, although the loss of blood had been rapid and very great. In a few minutes Hawkhurst joined the party on the quarter-deck. He found that the tide had turned more in Francisco's favour than he had expected; the law of 'Blood for blood' was held most sacred: indeed, it was but the knowledge that it was solemnly recognised, and that, if one pirate wounded another, the other was at liberty to take his life, without punishment, which prevented constant affrays between parties, whose knives would otherwise have been the answer to every affront. It was a more debased law of duelling, which kept such profligate associates on good terms. Finding, therefore, that this feeling predominated, even among those who were opposed to Francisco on the other question, Hawkhurst thought it advisable to parley. [Illustration: 'Blood for blood!' _cried Francisco, as he fired his pistol at Cain, who staggered, and fell on the deck._] 'Hawkhurst,' said Francisco, 'I have but one request to make, which, if complied with, will put an end to this contention; it is, that you will put me on shore at the first land that we make. If you and your party engage to do this, I will desire those who support me to return to their obedience.'