"It's certainly a case for stretching a point, sir," said Mr. Francis.
"Enter in the log," said the captain, speaking slowly and thoughtfully, "that Passed Midshipman John de Vigne Garrard, failing to report himself at the expiration of his leave, was afterwards discovered to have been kidnapped by the hill tribes of Borabora Island. On my threatening to land a party to recover him, I was dissuaded by King George, who cleared himself of any personal responsibility in the matter, and who promised, if only I would give him time, to recover the man without bloodshed or any cost to her Majesty's Government. The king urged that the use of force would imperil the officer's life, which otherwise he had every confidence would be spared."
"Very good, sir," said Mr. Francis.
"You'll give old George a flaming character," added Hadow.
"Very good, sir," said Mr. Francis.
"Pile it on about his reverence for the Queen, and the way he gave beef to the ship," said Hadow.
"And what then, sir?" inquired Mr. Francis.
"Well, you know," went on Hadow, "my orders down here leave me a pretty wide latitude. You can't tie down a surveying ship in wild waters the way you can a simple patrol. By God, sir, I'll put the ship back here in nine months and retake Master Johnny Garrard."
"If he has any realization of his position he will then go down on his knees and thank you, sir," said Mr. Francis.
"He's more likely to come aboard whistling!" exclaimed the captain.