A murmur of applause greeted this retort, and Le Coq subsided.
“The nature of the signal?” demanded Holmes.
“A black flag, skull and cross-bones down, at half-mast!” cried Shem, “and on a rock-bound coast!”
“They’re marooned, by heavens!” shouted Holmes, springing to his feet and rushing to the deck, where he was joined immediately by Sir Walter, Dr. Johnson, Bonaparte, and the others.
“Isn’t he a daisy?” whispered Demosthenes to Diogenes as they climbed the stairs.
“He is more than that; he’s a blooming orchid,” said Diogenes, with intense enthusiasm. “I think I’ll get my X-ray lantern and see if he’s honest.”
[IX]
Captain Kidd Meets with an Obstacle
“Excuse me, your Majesty,” remarked Helen of Troy as Cleopatra accorded permission to Captain Kidd to speak, “I have not been introduced to this gentleman nor has he been presented to me, and I really cannot consent to any proceeding so irregular as this. I do not speak to gentlemen I have not met, nor do I permit them to address me.”