"At your service, Admiral Fairbanks," with an exaggerated curtsy.
Sailors and marines backed away.
"Madam, what has happened?"
"Too little, sir. Much must happen, and at once," her eyes holding his.
"First, hot blankets and the doctor's draughts, good lady."
"I require neither. A change of clothing would be acceptable, but——" lifting her hands deprecatingly.
"Not so impossible as you might think. The cabin that was my wife's will supply your needs, I'm sure. She left her keys with me when she went ashore at the Cape. The dispatch-boat which sent me flying here at an hour's notice left her no time to get her belongings. When you have made ready we'll confer; that is, after you have seen Doctor Bartlett."
******
"Señora Valentino," the Admiral had broken in, "Mr. Blair, our chaplain, the man of many tongues, learned from the men with you your experiences of yesterday and last night."
"So, señor?"