“I can better understand the latter. Of course, your plan is a dangerous one.”
“Is it feasible? That is more to the point,” Gaunt interrupted.
“I can see no reason why it shouldn’t succeed. As a matter of fact I was up on the Tyne a few weeks ago and saw the San Salvador cruiser. She is capable of doing all the work you would require, for the Congo defenses are not very strong.” The captain paused a moment and then continued gravely: “Yes, I am of opinion that we could safely ‘hold up’ the Congo; that is, until some European power sent war-ships to crush us.”
“You use the word ‘we,’” Gaunt remarked significantly.
“Intentionally, sir, for I should like to join you. The Admiralty has no further need of my services, and thinks that my groggy knee makes me useless. As a matter of fact I believe that I am as capable of good work in the navy as ever I was. The last twelve months have been a terrible nightmare to me. I have found myself wandering from Devonport to Portsmouth, from Portsmouth to Chatham, and I have been utterly miserable. The service was life to me, and I am only too glad to get back to harness, even if it is to engage in what practically amounts to a piratical expedition. We certainly ought to see some fun,” the captain wound up, and there was a merry twinkle in his eye.
“We shall be all right for men below deck, engineers and mechanics, but we are rather short of trained gunners,” Lindsay Drake said, speaking for the first time.
“I dare say I can put my hand on a few men. Please tell me exactly how far you have gone, and then we can make our arrangements,” Armstrong said cheerfully.
“Shall we first settle your position, captain? You will be in command of the cruiser to all intents and purposes, but of course, my say in the policy will be the final one,” Gaunt said quietly.
“That is only reasonable. You will find me a loyal pirate.”
Edward Drake rose to his feet, and his face was deeply flushed.