“With the wings of my good ship,” said the captain, “and hasten to lay the trophies of my victory at my darling’s feet.”
“You will be sure to bring him?” said the lady.
“I hope he will fall in the fight,” said the captain.
“Then you are going to fight?”
“Yes, I am going out in command of a splendid ship with a crew of brave men, to attack and exterminate this horde of wasps, and I hope to do it like a man.”
“But will anybody bleed?”
“I fear so.”
“La! Will you be hurt?”
“I hope not. But I must run the risk; and if I come back wounded, it will be in your service, dearest, and then I shall claim my reward.”
“No,” said the lady, with one of her most winning looks. “I don’t believe you. Sailors are worse than soldiers, and you will fall in love with one of the lovely Spanish ladies out there, and forget all about poor little me.”