“In some sort.”

“And become their chief?”

“Since there was no other situation open, — yes.”

“Taking with you as captives upon the pirate ship that lady and that nobleman?”

“Yes.”

“You proceeded to ravage the dominions of the King of Spain, with whom his Majesty is at peace” —

“Like Drake and Raleigh, — yes,” I said.

He smiled, then frowned “Tempora mutantur,” he said dryly. “And I have never heard that Drake or Raleigh attacked an English ship.”

“Nor have I attacked one,”