The other ship was painted light grey, and had a large yellow funnel. The Norwegian naval flag waved at the stern, and on the bow could be seen the name, "Viking."
"We are in luck!" exclaimed Monk. "There is the gunboat, Viking. The commander on board is Captain Holst; you know him, of course, Trygive Holst?"
"Yes, I know him; but how can he help? Surely you don't want to get him to sink the Englishman?"
"Not exactly that; but none the less he will be of use to us."
Monk had again taken the lead. I had sunk down into my modest rôle of historian, and allowed him to have his way.
Our first business, after leaving the steamer, was to visit the gunboat and pay our respects to the officers.
Monk went below into the captain's cabin, where they spent a quarter of an hour together.
I knew they were good friends of old, and I could very well understand he wished to be alone with his friend and inform him of the turn events had taken.
Then we went on land, and gave ourselves good time to visit the remarkable cathedral and one or two other places of interest.
"Shall we visit Mr. Howell now?" I asked.