“They certainly haven’t been idle,” he muttered to himself.
His flag-lieutenant approached and saluted.
“The barge is ready, sir,” he announced.
The cruiser’s twelve inch guns were pointed full on the Esmeralda and the crew stood at their quarters. The fleet had ceased moving and the semaphore on the flag-ship was busily signaling orders.
The admiral entered the barge, accompanied by his flag-lieutenant, and they started off at once. Captain Armstrong stood at the gangway of the cruiser. He was dressed in a suit of drill and wore the white pith helmet of the civilian, but his hand was brought sharply to the salute.
“I have seen you before, sir,” the admiral said grimly.
“Yes, sir.”
“You were in the service?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Perhaps it would be as well if I do not ask you your name. Who is the lady?” the admiral demanded abruptly.