The flag lieutenant came in at that moment; he had slipped out when the last card was played.
“The carriage is at the door, my lord,” he said.
“Thank you. I wish you gentlemen a good evening, then.”
They all walked to the door together; there was the carriage in the street, and the two admirals, the colonel and the flag lieutenant mounted into it. Hornblower and Bush watched it drive away.
“Now what the devil are those orders that come into force at four?” asked Bush. The earliest dawn was showing over the rooftops.
“God knows,” said Hornblower.
They headed for the corner of Highbury Street.
“How much did you win?”
“It was over forty pounds—it must be about fortyfive pounds,” said Hornblower.
“A good night’s work.”