“Well, sir, be quick about it.”
“Commodore, I have long known you by reputation as a man of honor. I have often heard Commodore Tatnall—”
“The damned old traitor! Well sir?”
“I beg pardon; I supposed you and Tatnall were intimate.”
“So we were! Loved him once as my own brother. He and I and Percival have had many a jolly time together. But now, damn him! The man who could trample on the old flag that had protected and honored and enriched him all his life is no better than a beast. So damn him! Don’t let me hear his name again.”
“I beg pardon, Commodore. As I was saying, we know you to be a gentleman—”
“Stop! I’m an officer in the United States service. That’s the only capacity I shall allow you to address me in. Your salvy compliments make me sick. What do you want?”
“It’s necessary I should return at once to New Orleans.”
“Indeed! How do you propose to get there?”
“When you hear my story, you’ll give me the facilities.”