“It is of the greatest importance that we sail at five o’clock; the fact is, I must and will; but it’s hard that I must starve for a whole cruise.”
“Indeed, Sir William,” said Mr Small, “if it were possible; but two cows, so many sheep, hay, and everything to be got from the country; we never could manage it. To-morrow morning, perhaps.”
“Well, Mr Small, I have appointed no prize-agent yet; had you obliged me—”
Our hero now stepped forward and ran over the list.
“Can you inform me, sir,” said he to the flag-captain, “whether the Zenobia or Orestes sail with the squadron?”
“No, they do not,” was the reply.
“I beg your pardon, Mr Small,” said Joey, “but I do think we can accomplish this with a little arrangement.”
“Indeed!” cried Sir William.
“Yes, Sir William; if you would immediately make the signals for two boats to come on shore, with steady crews to assist me, I promise it shall be done.”
“Well said, O’Donahue!” cried the captain; “we are all right now, admiral; if he says it shall be done, it will be done.”