“So they do on this side,” replied Clinch. “We can be a little more sociable than we have been; and that’s all.”
“I don’t give it up yet.”
“Give what up?”
“Getting out of this scrape.”
“I don’t see any way out of it.”
A footstep in the cabin caused them both to insert the drawers, and close the conversation.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE SPRIGS OF NOBILITY.
EVERY thing went well with the vessel and her management. The officers and seamen were faithful and attentive to their duty, so far as those in charge could discover. The weather was all that could be desired; and the Ville d’Angers logged from twelve to fifteen knots an hour. The quarter-watches were amply sufficient for the duty of the ship, and the four engineers made it easy work for Alexander and Richards.
The Prince had superintended the provisioning of the steamer, and he had done it in the most lavish manner. The fare was better than that furnished on the vessels of the squadron, good as that was; and the students could not help speaking of the fact.
“We fare better than I ever did at the best hotels in Europe,” said O’Hara, when they were seated at dinner.