“A most gallant deed,” said the old dame.
“Yes, worthy of the Spartans,” chuckled Sir Andrew.
“You said the name of the ship was—”
“The ‘Diamond.’”
“Why, that was the vessel in which young Warbeck sailed with Lieutenant Garnet.”
“I know it was,” said the stranger. “She has had a most successful cruise against the Skeleton Crew and the smugglers, and chief among those who distinguished themselves, both afloat and ashore, was the same gallant young middy I have been speaking to you about.”
“He must be an heroic boy, whoever he is, and he is called Ned, too, eh?”
“We used to call him Wildfire Ned,” said the stranger, laughing; “he is a lieutenant now, and on his way to London.”
“It must be Ned Warbeck, then,” said several.
“It was none other,” said the stranger, laughing; “and I commanded the ship; my name is—