“‘Hobson’s voice was feeble enough now, but he managed to hail her.
“‘“Por Dios!” we heard the white-haired admiral cry. “Do the dead talk to us?”
“‘But we were saved, and taken to the Spanish ship. Yes, sir, treated with every kindness, made prisoners, but released at long, long last, even before sweet Santeehager fell.
“‘Well, that’s my yarn, sir, and it’s all as true as the stars above us.’
“‘And Jack Hardy here,’ I ventured to ask, ‘was he reprimanded?’
“‘Tried by drum-head he was, sir. Condemned to death for desertion, and pardoned all in one sentence.’”
“‘Ah, sir,’ the brave bo’s’n added, ‘I’ll bet my boots that Jack Hardy is a midshipman before this cruel war is over. Thank ye, sir, I don’t mind if I do; and I’ll give ye a toast, too—
“‘“May the Stars and Stripes we love so well,
With Britain’s flag entwine,
And we’re goin’ to give the world—fits,
When the two brave fleets combine.“‘“
* * * * *
The Walrus sailed on and on around the great Antarctic continent, but never saw her consort till once more the two ships met safe and sound at Kerguelen Isle.