Our American friends were introduced to all present whom they had not previously known. Half an hour later Darrin was inspecting the “Revanche’s” lifeboat equipment under the escort of Lieutenant Brun, of the French Navy, when a superior officer appeared on deck. It was the same officer who had appeared, on shore, to exhibit such marked disapproval of Mr. Pembroke.
“There’s an officer over there to whom I wish you would introduce me,” Dave said to the lieutenant.
“With great pleasure,” replied Brun, “as soon as our turn comes. That is Commander Bertrand, commanding the ‘Revanche.’ All the gentlemen present will be introduced to him now.”
“If you don’t mind,” Dave added, quickly, in French, “I shall be glad to wait until the last, as I should like to have a few words with your commander.”
A group had gathered around Commander Bertrand, who, all smiles and good will, played the host to perfection.
At last Lieutenant Brun led Dave over to be introduced. The introduction accomplished, Brun moved away a short distance.
After the first few polite exchanges had been made on both sides, Dave asked:
“Would you object, sir, to telling me whether you know a Mr. Pembroke, an Englishman?”
“I know that it is a well-known English name,” replied Commander Bertrand, “but personally I know no Englishman of that name.”
“Do you remember seeing Mr. Dalzell and myself with a man in front of the office of the Captain of the Port a few days ago?”