"What's that?" said another voice. "News of the Pirate?"
"Yes, Mr. Watson. This young gentleman--"
But he was interrupted by the khansaman {butler}, who came out at this moment and with a salaam announced that supper was served.
"You'd better come in, Johnson," said the first speaker. "Any news of the Pirate will be sauce to Mr. Bourchier's goose."
The gentlemen rose from their seats, and went into the house, followed by Desmond and the harbor master. In a moment Desmond found himself in a large room brilliantly lighted with candles. In the center was a round table, and Mr. Bourchier, the governor, was placing his guests. He did not look very pleasant, and when he saw Mr. Johnson he said:
"You come at a somewhat unseasonable hour, sir. Can not your business wait till the morning?"
"I made bold to come, your Excellency, because 'tis a piece of news the like of which no one in Bombay has ever heard before. This young gentleman, Mr. Desmond Burke, son of Captain Burke, whom you'll remember, sir, has escaped from Gheria."
The governor and his guests were by this time seated, and instantly all eyes were focused on Desmond, and exclamations of astonishment broke from their lips.
"Indeed! Bring chairs, Hossain."
One of the native attendants left the room noiselessly, and returning with chairs placed them at the table.