But they stood hang-dog and half-mutinous before him, save Hagthorpe, who shrugged and smiled wearily.
Mr.Blood resumed: "Ye'll please to understand that aboard a ship there is one captain.

So." He swung again to the startled Colonel.

"Though I promise you your life, I must--as you've heard--keep you aboard as a hostage for the good behaviour of Governor Steed and what's left of the fort until we put to sea." "Until you..." Horror prevented Colonel Bishop from echoing the remainder of that incredible speech.
"Just so," said Peter Blood, and he turned to the officers who had accompanied the Colonel.

"The boat is waiting, gentlemen.

You'll have heard what I said.