"Signal the convoy," he shouted, "to make all sail and run for the Thames!"
II.—The Galleys.
M. de la Pailletine was in some respects a weak man. He was impatient. Up to this moment his behaviour in an extremely galling position had been perfect. He had been content to bide his time and had furthered every order issued by his rival with the cheerfullest alacrity.
But when the man at the masthead announced the advance of the merchant fleet, he allowed himself to be tempted and turned to Captain Salt who stood beside him.
"You will follow them, of course?"
"Of course I shall do nothing of the sort. On the contrary, I intend to steer to the south, out of their sight."
"You will fling away this splendid prize?"
"Let me remind you, monsieur, that we are bound for Harwich."
"But this is folly, Captain Salt! Harwich will remain where it is, and we can ravage it at any time. Never again may we have so fine an opportunity of capturing thirty-six merchantmen and a British frigate almost without a blow."
"Excuse me, M. de la Pailletine, but I do not allow my orders to be criticised."