They came straight toward where the first luff and I were standing; and as they approached, Captain Bentinck said:
“Well, general, since you are quite determined not to stay to lunch with us, let me at least introduce my first lieutenant to you before you go.” Sir Thomas very courteously expressed the pleasure that it would afford him to make Mr Seaton’s acquaintance, and the introduction was duly made. Then the captain said:
“Sir Thomas has been giving me a very full and detailed description of everything that has happened since you joined the Indian Queen, Mr Grenvile, and the recital has afforded me a great deal of pleasure. You appear to have handled an extremely difficult situation with equal courage and discretion, and I may as well say at once that, so far as that part of your adventure is concerned, I am quite satisfied. Sir Thomas has also had something to say about that part of your adventure which relates to the loss of the Dolores”—and here I thought I detected a twinkle of amusement in the skipper’s eye, brought there possibly by a repetition of the General’s frank criticism of my commanding officer’s conduct in turning us all adrift in an unarmed vessel—“from which I gather that you were in no way to blame for that unfortunate occurrence.”
“I think you will be confirmed in that opinion, sir, when you have heard Grenvile’s own version of the occurrence, as I have,” said Mr Seaton. “The whole affair appears to have been just one of those that no one could possibly have anticipated.”
“Well, I must bid you all adieu,” said the general, “for I have kept poor Carter waiting a most unconscionable time, and I see him marching to and fro upon his poop yonder in a state of terrible impatience. Good-bye, my dear boy, and God bless you, for you are a downright good lad in every way! Don’t forget to write to me, and keep me posted as to how you are getting on. Good-bye, Captain Bentinck! I am delighted to have had the very great pleasure of making your acquaintance, and I am much obliged to you for listening to me so patiently. Good-bye, Mr Seaton; good-bye, good-bye!” And the old gentleman bustled away, beaming benignantly upon all and sundry, and made his way down into the boat, which meanwhile had been hauled-up to the gangway. Five minutes later the boat returned to the Shark, and was hoisted to the davits, and the two craft filled away upon their respective courses, with mutual dips of their ensigns, and much waving of white pocket handkerchiefs from the poop of the Indian Queen.
That I should be called upon to relate my story yet once again—this time to the captain—was, of course, inevitable; but he was considerate enough to defer the recital until dinner-time that evening, when the second lieutenant, the master, and myself were guests at his table. He was very kind and sympathetic in the matter of the loss of the Dolores, which he admitted was inevitable under the circumstances, and warmly reiterated his expressions of satisfaction at everything that I had done aboard the Indian Queen.