This took place in the principal building of the little port, where the Don was entertaining the skipper and the two lads; and he seemed quite disturbed when, after a short communication had passed, Fitz and Poole got up and asked their host to excuse them.
“You wish to go so soon?” he said. “Why, I have friends coming to whom I wish to introduce you as the brave young heroes who helped me to success.”
“Oh, there’s no need for that sir,” said Fitz. “We don’t want to be made a fuss over.”
“But I take it that you would be willing to gratify your host,” replied the Don loftily, “and it would please me much if you would stay.”
“But we must get back on board, sir,” said Fitz anxiously. Then noticing the air of displeasure in the President’s countenance, the middy added hastily, “There, sir, we will come back at once.”
They hurried down to the shore, where the schooner’s gig was lying with her crew on board.
“Well, I don’t understand whatever you want,” said Poole, “unless you have suddenly found out that because ladies are coming you ought to put on a clean shirt.”
“Get out!” cried Fitz; and then, assuming command of the boat, to Poole’s great amusement, though he said nothing, Fitz gave orders to the men to give way and row them out to the gunboat.
“Why, I thought you wanted to go to the Teal! Oh, I see. Well, it’s very nice of you. You want us to go and take charge of the prize crew so as to let old Burgess go and have some tucker with the Don.”
“Nothing of the kind,” said Fitz shortly.