“But it was going right out into the face of this storm, and even you thought she’d be driven ashore.”
“Yes; perhaps I have been thinking the worst; but the brig’s captain is evidently a clever sailor and knows what he’s about. It is rather jumping at conclusions to consider that he will let his vessel be wrecked. Yes, it was nervous work watching a vessel like that; but there, we must hope for the best, and possibly there is no reason to despond. Whoever the brig belonged to had good reason for getting away, and they have succeeded in that. There, come along; let’s have our dinner, and think no more about it. But hallo! What’s the matter here?”
Uncle Paul’s remark was caused by a loud angry voice scolding in French at the waiter who had just led them to the yard door, and it was evident that the man was in difficulties for absenting himself from his duties after giving the order that the visitors’ dinner should be prepared.
“But I have been in attendance upon the gentlemen,” he protested, with not much truth in his utterance. “I had to take them down to the side of the harbour to see the firing at the spy. Is everything ready? Because the gentlemen are anxious for their dinner.”
Uncle Paul nudged his nephew, glad of the opportunity to change the bearing of the boy’s thoughts, and shortly after the good meal prepared in the snug, warm room diverted Rodd’s mind from the roaring of the storm, which was still beating round the great hotel; and they had just finished and were talking about going outside to see what the weather was like, when a very familiar gruff voice saluted their ears, as the waiter showed Captain Chubb into the room.
“Oh, here you are,” he grunted. “Come ashore to look after you. ’Fraid you were lost.”
“We are very glad to see you,” said Uncle Paul. “Sit down. We thought it was not safe to try and get aboard.”
“Well, it aren’t very,” said the skipper; “but we come in the boat to make sure you weren’t both drowned, and if you’ll risk it I think I can get you round by keeping under the lee of two or three vessels.”
“What do you say, Rodd?” asked Uncle Paul. “Shall we risk it?”
“Oh, I don’t think that there’ll be much risk, uncle, if Captain Chubb considers it safe. I don’t mind going with him.”