"Sire, I am called Captain Barker, and was formerly an officer in the fleet of his late Majesty King Charles the Second."
"Barker… Barker? I seem to remember your name. Captain John Barker, are you not?"
"That is so."
"Sometime in command of the Wasp frigate?"
"Your Majesty has a perfect recollection of his most insignificant enemies."
King William bit his lip.
"My memory is good, Captain Barker, as you say. Why did you quit the service?"
"For private reasons."
"Come, sir; you were, if I remember right, a gallant commander. With such their country's service stands above private reasons. Of late your country's claim has been urgent upon all brave men; and, by the havoc I see around, you are not past warfare."
"Well, but—"