“What do they say?” asked Admiral Boxer, addressing me.
“Nothing particular,” I replied. “Gentlemen,” said I, turning to the Sardinians, “what could the admiral do for you? It is very probable that I shall have the pleasure of seeing him this evening.”
The one who had as yet scarcely spoken exclaimed—“A truce to the pleasure! I wish I could get hold of him, I would tell him my mind in a few words.”
“Pray be calm, gentlemen.”
All this time Admiral Boxer kept asking—“What do they say? They are speaking about me, I know they are. Tell them they are a fine set of fellows, and I will do anything for them, but they must be out by to-morrow night.”
“Very well; but first let me inquire what the row is all about.”
“Do so.”
“Now, gentlemen, what is it you want? for here is a person who can do as much for you as the admiral himself, and perhaps more.”
“Ah, pray ask him, then.”
“But you have not yet told me what you require.”