"Where is the paper?" cried the admiral, interrupting impatiently.
"I have just sent to fetch it, sir."
They waited in silence, until a midshipman placed it in the hand of the admiral. Pascoe held a light while the old man seized it, scrutinized it eagerly, and handed it back to the captain.
"This," he said slowly, "is a forgery. You should have disregarded it, sir."
"'Twas passed upon by your son and aide, Major Coventry, my Lord," replied the captain, shortly.
"How! Edward! Where is he?"
"Here, my Lord," said the young man, stepping forward, pale as death, and saluting.
"Did you examine this paper, sir?"
"I did, sir."
"You knew it was a forgery?"