addition we find that the Fates have thrown in a hundred or more
women to act as ballast. Now I, for one, do not fear a woman. We
can set them to work. There is plenty for them to do keeping things
tidy; and if we get into a very hard fight, and come out of the melee
somewhat the worse for wear, it will be a blessing to have 'em along
to mend our togas, sew buttons on our uniforms, and darn our
hosiery."

Morgan laughed sarcastically. "When did you flourish, if ever,
colonel?" he asked.

"Do you refer to me?" queried Abeuchapeta, with a frown.

"You have guessed correctly," replied Morgan, icily. "I have quite
forgotten your date; were you a success in the year one, or when?"

"Admiral Abeuchapeta, Sir Henry," interposed Kidd, fearing a further
outbreak of hostilities--"Admiral Abeuchapeta was the terror of the
seas in the seventh century, and what he undertook to do he did, and
his piratical enterprises were carried on on a scale of magnificence
which is without parallel off the comic-opera stage. He never went
forth without at least seventy galleys and a hundred other vessels."

Abeuchapeta drew himself up proudly. "Six-ninety-eight was my great
year," he said.

"That's what I thought," said Morgan. "That is to say, you got your
ideas of women twelve hundred years ago, and the ladies have changed
somewhat since that time. I have great respect for you, sir, as a
ruffian. I have no doubt that as a ruffian you are a complete