“The man lies! It is a lie, to make ye forego thy vengeance. There is no treasure taken away. Make thy work complete!”

A medley of conflicting cries arose as the pirates again separated into three parties. Hanglip’s crew, with those of the fallen Caliban, detached themselves from the rest and from two sides threatened the altar, where Dolores stood like a statue, glaring at her maid with deadly fury. Hanglip himself seemed irresolute in the face of the maid’s denial; he stood with cutlas raised, not yet sure whether to attack or first see to the treasure story. The decision was made for him; for the pirate bringing the news, seized Pascherette in a fierce grip, and with knife at her breast shouted:

“This little snake told me the loot was going, lads! Get the job over, as I do this!”