“Is that all it means?” replied Mrs Ferguson, with an incredulous look.
“Nothing more, madam; nothing more, I assure you.”
“Commodore has made a signal that strange vessel is a man-of-war bearing down,” said the second-mate, again entering the cabin.
“Very well, Mr Jones,” said Captain Drawlock, with assumed indifference, but at the same time fidgeting on his chair.
The first-mate and Newton immediately quitted the cabin.
“Miss Tavistock, will you take a little of this pudding?”
“If you please, sir, a very little.”
“A man-of-war! I’ll go and have a look at her,” said the colonel; who rose up, bowed to the ladies, and left the cuddy.
“Most probably one of our cruisers,” observed Captain Drawlock.
“The commodore has made the signal to prepare for action, sir,” said the second-mate.