But he rushed on, and, dealing the traitor a
sound blow on the face with his fist, began to kick and cuff and
pummel him without mercy.
"Take him off--take him off!" gasped Captain Salt, but offered not
the least resistance.
The Commodore, amused and secretly pleased, caught the little man in
his arms and dragged him away by main force.
"Messieurs," he said, slipping between them, and still panting with
the effort, "circumstances compel me to leave you together for a
while. But before I go, I must exact a _parole_ from both of you
that you will keep the peace towards each other."
"But, monsieur," Captain Barker exclaimed, "I want to kill him!"
"Doubtless; but if, sir, you have that consideration for me which you
professed by shaking hands with me just now, you will refrain.
Captain Salt will tell you, sir, that we have a small affair to
discuss together as soon as we reach France again. When that
discussion is over, no doubt he will be at your service."
The pair gave their promise reluctantly, and, as the Commodore left
the cabin, sat down, facing each other across the table--Captain Salt
with his back to the shattered stern-windows, which, a week or two
before Tristram had touched up with fresh paint and simple
enthusiasm.
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