"How many European prisoners have been released, Mr. Ward?" the admiral was saying.
"Thirteen, sir; ten English and three Dutch."
"Is that correct, Mr. Burke? Was that the number when you were here?"
"Yes, sir, that is correct."
"Then you may go, Mr. Ward, and see that the poor fellows are taken on board the Tyger and well looked after."
As the officer saluted and withdrew the admiral turned to Clive.
"Now for this white pirate," he said: "a most unpleasant matter, truly."
Signing to the marines to bring forward their prisoner, he threw himself back upon the divan, leaving the matter in Clive's hands. Clive was gazing hard at Diggle, who had lost the look of terror he had worn two nights before, and stood before them in his usual attitude of careless ease.
"You captured this man," said Clive, turning to Desmond, "within the precincts of the fort?"
His hard level tone contrasted strongly with the urbaner manner of the admiral.