He went up to the altar slowly, his face dark and sullen. She waited for him, ignoring the mutterings of the pirates, and as he approached her she gave him her hand.

“My friend, it pleases me to see thee among my faithful ones. Hast made thy decision?”

“Decision! False woman, the decision was made while yet I was with you. The decision was yours, not mine.”

“False? Why, good John, what does that mean?” she asked, frank surprise on her face.

“Have you not taken Venner for your man? Is he not your chosen mate, at the price of my life and Tomlin’s?”

“Fool!” she cried, fiercely. “Thy dreams have mixed thy brains. What nonsense is this? I told thee thou wert my man, at a price. But thy decision! Time is short. Say quickly what thou wilt do.”