Is Mr. Webb at home? Being answered in the affirmative, he said to the officer at his side:
Send a boat for me to-morrow at eight. Remember we weigh anchor at ebb.
The officer raised his hat to his superior and walked away. Then at a given signal the boat returned to the shore and the officer stepped on board.
The Captain stood and looked at his ship as it gently rocked in the swell of the river.
A beauty! A beauty! Handsomer than the Reindeer it is named after. Do you return to Webb’s? asked the Captain, addressing Walter.
Yes sir.
Then we will walk along together.
Walter felt awkward. Here he was walking along side of a large, handsome man, dressed in the rich, glittering uniform of the British Navy. He was recognized by the passers-by—at least he was saluted by their raising their hats.
But little had been said in their walk from the river to Webb’s. Arriving there, Walter entered and seated the Captain in the parlor, while he went to notify Webb.