"No, it will be no joke when you are chained to the oar in one of those galleys down in the harbour."
"Stand back, ladies and gentlemen, if you please," exclaimed the officer commanding the escort. "I cannot allow any communication with my prisoners."
So they were obliged to keep at a distance.
At that moment a portly, elderly gentleman, who had been watching the scene, came up, saying—
"Have I the honour of addressing Mr. Harkaway?"
"That is my name, sir."
"I am the English consul."
Our old hero at once seized him by the hand, saying—
"Sir, words are powerless to express how grateful I am for your interference on behalf of my boy."
"Don't mention it, sir, I only did as I am instructed to do in all such cases."