"I suppose, Senhor," said the duc, "there would be no objection on the part of the Government to my calling on my way at a certain British port. I have a friend in the English army—we were at Clifton together——"
"My friend," said Colhemos, pressing the young man's hand warmly, "you must look upon England as a potential ally, and lose no opportunity which offers to impress upon our dear colleagues this fact, that behind England, unmoved, unshaken, faithful, stands the armed might of Portugal. May the saints have you in their keeping!"
He embraced him, kissing him on both cheeks.
Bones was drilling recruits at headquarters when Hamilton hailed him from the edge of the square.
"There's a pal of yours come to see you, Bones," he roared.
Bones marched sedately to his superior and touched his helmet.
"Sir!"
"A friend of yours—just landed from the Portuguese packet."
Bones was mystified, and went up to the Residency to find a young man in spotless white being entertained by Patricia Hamilton and a very thoughtful Sanders.