“Yes, just so. Along the Isle of Dogs.”
“And perhaps you have a preference for one boat more than another. You would like one that sails as rapidly as——”
“Lightning,” interrupted Mordaunt.
“Then mine is the boat you want, sir. I’m your man.”
“I begin to think so, particularly if you have not forgotten a certain signal.”
“Here it is, sir,” and the sailor took from his coat a handkerchief, tied at each corner.
“Good, quite right!” cried Mordaunt, springing off his horse. “There’s not a moment to lose; now take my horse to the nearest inn and conduct me to your vessel.”
“But,” asked the sailor, “where are your companions? I thought there were four of you.”
“Listen to me, sir. I’m not the man you take me for; you are in Captain Rogers’s post, are you not? under orders from General Cromwell. Mine, also, are from him!”
“Indeed, sir, I recognize you; you are Captain Mordaunt.”