The last thing that Captain Leeward said as he shook Creggan's hand was this:
"You saved your captain's life, lad. Your courage in presence of the enemy was conspicuous, and although the Admiralty is slow—it won't forget you!
"Good-night. Join your ship in a week's time."
"Good-night, sir. You have made me very happy."
CHAPTER XVI.
LIFE ON THE GOOD SHIP OSPREY.
It was a stormy day in the end of October when the good frigate Osprey got up steam and put out to sea.
Signals had been exchanged for an hour before this between the admiral's office and the ship. The admiral thought it most imprudent to sail on such a day.
Captain Leeward was persistent, however, and at last, like any other wilful man, he had his way.
The wind was from the east-south-east, cold and bitter and high. The air, too, was filled with sleet or snow.