“I propose this,” said the earl—“that I return to the hotel to take care of the ladies, and prepare them for your reception in the morning, leaving you here, Force, with your nephew.”
The earl’s proposal was accepted by acclamation, and soon after he took his leave, and was rowed ashore, leaving the uncle and nephew to spend the night together on the ship.
CHAPTER XVIII
A TERRIBLE REVELATION
“We must wait until Franklin comes on board,” said Leonidas Force, the next morning, as he stood beside Mr. Force, on the deck of the Argente, looking off toward the navy yard, where a boat had already been sent to bring out the young midshipman.
“Will he be punctual?” inquired Mr. Force, who was almost as impatient as his companion to be off to keep their appointment to breakfast with the ladies of their family at the hotel that morning.
“‘Punctual!’” echoed Le. “His orders are to report on board at seven this morning, and he will be here on time.”
Mr. Force took out his watch and looked at it.
“It wants twelve minutes to seven now!” he exclaimed.
“And here comes Franklin!” replied Le, as the young midshipman was seen running across the yard down to the water’s edge, where the boat waited.
As he jumped on board, the boat was seen to turn and head for the ship.