But he reckoned wrongly. The middy ducked quickly and picked up his cap that had been pushed off by the blow. Then he straightened himself.
"You are a cowardly bully," he said calmly. "But I understand you. My card, sir; I am at your service."
As he spoke, he extended a bit of engraved pasteboard. Captain Tyler took it, handed it to one of his friends, and gave his name, adding:—
"I trust that you will meet me on the beach under the west fort to-morrow morning at nine o'clock."
"Can you make it earlier?"
"Certainly; at eight, then."
The Englishman laughed as he moved off with his companions.
"Be on hand, my young monkey jacket; I should hate to be turned out so early for nothing."
"Never fear," was Bainbridge's return.
"Oh, Joseph, what have you done?" wailed little Raymond, suddenly. "They will never let you off the ship, and we've broken orders, and are in a frightful mess."