"We'll have to pay our respects to the commandant," said Jack. "It would be a breach of etiquette if we didn't. Also, I want to ascertain the best place to anchor for the next week or so."
"Surely you're not figuring on staying here," protested Frank.
"Not at all, but you know these papers I have been entrusted with must be delivered, and I can't deliver them here. I'll have to go to Washington."
"Right," Frank agreed. "I had forgotten. And are you going to take me along?"
Jack smiled.
"Well, I might, if you are real good," he said.
"I'll be good," Frank promised.
"Hello," said Jack at this point, "if I'm not mistaken, here comes a guard of honor to escort us to the commandant."
Toward the point where the launch now moved, half a dozen American officers approached. They extended helping hands as Jack and Frank scrambled ashore. Jack addressed the senior officer, a major.
"I am Captain Templeton of H.M.S. Essex," he said. "Will you please escort me into the presence of the commandant?"