"We took our time, but we came straight from the Channel to find this fleet. At the mouth of the Thames we willed to find it, and to fight with it—and by good luck so we have done."
"Let me take you to the admiral," said Captain Ivy.
He walked beside Dyck to the admiral's cabin. "You've made a terrible mess of things, Calhoun, but you've put a lot right to-day," he said at the entrance to the cabin. "Tell me one thing honestly before we part now—did you kill Erris Boyne?" Dyck looked at him long and hard.
"I don't know—on my honour I don't know! I don't remember—I was drunk and drugged."
"Calhoun, I don't believe you did; but if you did, you've paid the price —and the price of mutiny, too." In the clear blue eyes of Captain Ivy there was a look of friendliness. "I notice you don't wear uniform, Calhoun," he added. "I mean a captain's uniform." Dyck smiled. "I never have."
The next moment the door of the admiral's cabin was opened.
"Mr. Dyck Calhoun of the Ariadne, sir," said Captain Ivy.
CHAPTER XV
THE ADMIRAL HAS HIS SAY
The admiral's face was naturally vigorous and cheerful, but, as he looked at Dyck Calhoun, a steely hardness came into it, and gave a cynical twist to the lips. He was a short man, and spare, but his bearing had dignity and every motion significance.