“Gentlemen, Captain Raggett desires your presence in his cabin.”
“Well, now,” said Hoppy smilingly, “I’ll be hanged if it’s not a pleasure to meet a gentleman once more, even if he’s an enemy!”
“Thank you, Captain Mayo.”
“That fellow Dunton might take a few lessons in manners from you, lieutenant. He wants ’em badly.”
Before they reached the cabin, Fotheringay stopped them, saying:
“So you have had trouble with Dunton? I expected it, and I am sorry that any unpleasantness should have arisen. However, it is not for me to say anything against a brother officer. Let it pass. I take this opportunity to tell you that Captain Raggett is in a very bad humor. He has had despatches from the Admiralty finding fault with him for not being more active in harassing the shore towns. There is trouble hatching for your people and it will not help matters if you cross him in any way. Captain Mayo, you will excuse me, but I think you are a little hotheaded. You had better let Captain Knowles do the talking.”
“Thank you kindly, Mr. Fotheringay,” said Hoppy heartily, “Win certainly is a smoother talker than I am; never much of what you call a diplomat, myself. But whatever happens, we want you to remember that we are grateful for your kindness, and if all Britishers were like you, there would be no trouble.”
“And I, Mr. Fotheringay,” said Win, “repeat what I said to Hoppy yesterday, ‘Damn this war!’ And now more than ever when it makes us the enemies of a man like you.”
“You are very good to say so,” replied the officer.
In response to a knock at the captain’s door, a gruff voice bade them enter. Captain Richard Raggett arose from his chair when Fotheringay saluted and introduced the unwilling guests. The captain’s keen eyes searched the faces of the prisoners as he motioned them to be seated.