“Yes, it might have been worse,” replied the admiral, “and there might have been more sent to join them by the Austrian submarine had it not been for the gallant Lord Hastings and his crew.”
Lord Hastings waved aside this praise.
“Come, come,” he said, “we are too old in the service for such words. We do our duty as we see it, and that’s all there is about it. Now if it comes to praise, I can remember the time when you——”
“Enough!” cried the admiral, laughing. “As you say, we are too old in the service, you and I, for such words. Take the young fellows, now, and a word or two of praise, rightly spoken in the proper place, is an impetus to added bravery.”
“And ultimate death for their foolishness,” said Lord Hastings slowly.
“True; but what would you? Young blood, you know.”
“Well,” said Lord Hastings, “I must be going. I shall leave you in the morning.”
“Headed which way?” asked the admiral.
“For the Dardanelles, to join the allied fleet.”
“Mon Dieu! I envy you,” said the old admiral. “Here I sit with nothing to do while you have all the fun.”