“If I see them, I’ll settle the Alabama claims with them on my own account. But you ought to have seen the big boatswain floundering in the water, sir.”
“No doubt it was very funny.”
“It was, indeed,” added Clyde, as the waiter appeared, and handed a card to Captain Kendall.
“In the court yard, sir,” said the servant; and Paul followed the man to the place where the visitors were waiting.
Peaks, as dry, clean, and good-natured as ever, was talking to Mr. Lowington. Paul could not help laughing as he thought of the confidence which Clyde had reposed in him, and that the fugitive had voluntarily, and without any precautions, told his adventures to one who really belonged to the fleet.
“He has told me all about it,” said Paul.
“Told you?” exclaimed Mr. Lowington.
“Yes, sir; how he pushed Peaks overboard, and then ran away,” laughed Paul. “I don’t often wear my uniform on shore, for my wife thinks it attracts too much attention; so that he did not suspect me of any connection with the fleet.”
“But where is he now?” asked the principal.
“I left him in the hall only a moment since.”