"I am the captain of a little trading schooner, the Nell Gwynn, which anchors in the roadstead till I have laid some private business before your excellency and can get on to the Spanish Indies." "Business--private business! Then what in the name of all that's infernal," quoth Nicholls, "brought your sneaking face to yon window to fright my lady-guests ?" The memory of Jessica's alarm came hotly to his mind.

"By Heaven," he said, "I have a will to see you lifted, for means to better manners." The man stood very quiet, now and again, however, raising the hook to stroke his chin.

He showed no fear, but Iberville, with his habit of observation, caught in his eyes, shining superficially with a sailor's open honesty, a strange ulterior look.

"My business," so he answered Nicholls, "is for your excellency's ears." He bowed again.
"Have done with scraping.

Now, I tell you what, my gentle spy, if your business hath not concern, I'll stretch you by your fingers there to our public gallows, and my fellows shall fill you with small shot as full as a pod of peas." The governor rose and went into another room, followed by this strange visitor and the two soldiers.