His gaze came back to the tall man, and, observing again the heavy cutlass he carried, a thought leaped up in his mind.
"You wish me to go with you," he said, "and I don't wish to go, which leaves it an open question.

It's best to decide it in clean and decisive fashion, and I suggest that we leave it to your cutlass and my sword." The close-set eyes of the captain gleamed.
"I don't want to kill you, but to take you back alive," he said.

"You were always a strong and handy lad, Peter, and I need your help." "You won't kill me.

That I promise you." "You haven't a chance on earth." "You pledge your word that your men will not interfere while the combat is in progress, nor will they do so afterward, if I win." "They will not stir.

Remain where you are, lads." The two sailors settled themselves back comfortably, clasping their knees with their hands, and Robert knew that he had nothing to fear from them.