"Have I your permission, sir, to ask if that was Ensign Darrin's letter and if it was in good order?" asked Runkle.
"It was, my man, thanks to your intelligent and courageous performance of duty. Runkle, how much money did the bravos take from you?"
"Eighteen dollars in real money, sir, and about two dollars in lira money."
Sailors sometimes call the Italian money "lira money," because the lire, which is worth about the same as the French franc, or twenty cents, is the common unit of Italian currency. "Lira" is the plural of "lire."
"I am afraid you don't like the Italian money very well, Runkle," smiled Captain Allen.
"I don't, sir, and I don't like the people of this country any better. Not after the beating I got to-night."
"That wasn't the fault of the Italian people, Runkle," declared the Captain. "Toughs in New York would use you at least as badly as did the bravos ashore to-night. The Italian people themselves are very friendly to us, and the government does all in its power to show its friendship for our country. If I were to send ashore complaint of your being attacked to-night the police would dragnet the city in an effort to find the men who attacked you, and, if found, it would go hard with them. But for reasons that I cannot explain to you, no complaint will be made. I do not wish the Italian police to know what took place to-night. As to the money that you lost, I will have you make affidavit before the paymaster, to-morrow, and will see that the money is repaid to you. Runkle, you may tell your mates anything you like about the fight, but do not mention the fact to any one, that you bore with you and were searched by bravos for a letter from Ensign Darrin."
"Very good, sir."
"That is all, Runkle. You may go, but remember that I have you in mind as a man of good and quick judgment, and as one who has the courage to carry his duty through in the face of any obstacles."
"Thank you, sir."