After they had waited about half an hour in the hope of seeing Le come out of the commissioner’s office, Mr. Force went and spoke to the messenger at the door.
“Do you know whether Lieut. Force, who brought the prize ship with the prisoners this morning, is now with the commissioner?”
“No, sir; he is not. He came with the prisoners this morning and made his report, and left them, and then went up to the navy department,” replied the man.
“Thank you! That will do! Come, Enderby! Come, Grandiere! We may as well return to the hotel! We shall not be likely to find Le! We must wait until he comes to us, I suppose! If he only knew what good news waits him he would hurry!”
“If he only knew that we were in the city, or where to find us! But he does not, you see,” said the earl.
“Wait one moment,” exclaimed the captain. “I must speak to that man before we go. Can you tell me where those two prisoners have been sent?”
“To the Old Capitol prison?” replied the messenger.
“Can I get to see them?”
“Only by a permit.”
“Go on, Force! You and the earl! I am going to see my dear boy! Oh, Heaven! who shall tell poor Rosemary?”