“As soon as you please. It will depend on yourself. They have been waiting for twenty-four hours most anxiously to see you.”
“What a surprise! I cannot get over the surprise. There is the boat, Uncle Abel. Will you and Lord Enderby return with me on board the ship, and spend a few hours with me in the cabin, where we can talk” Le inquired, as the boat touched the wharf and the rowers laid on their oars.
“We came down here for that very purpose,” replied the squire.
“Come, then.”
The three gentlemen walked down to the water’s edge and entered the boat.
The sailors pushed off, turned and headed for the Argente.
It was a pretty view. The sun had just set, and the western sky was aflame with the crimson afterglow which was reflected in the water. The full moon was rising like a vast globe of gold above the gray eastern horizon. In the distance before them was the green and wooded shore of Maryland. Midway of the river lay the Argente at anchor, reflected clearly and duplicated distinctly in the water below.
They soon reached the ship and stood upon the deck.
A young midshipman saluted his superior officer.
Le introduced him as Midshipman Franklin, exchanged a few words with him, and then took his friends down into his own cabin.