“We’ve beaten the beggars,” he cried triumphantly.
Drake’s face flushed, and then became ashen.
“Tell me,” he whispered hoarsely, and Armstrong repeated the admiral’s words.
“I must go and let Gaunt know,” Drake said excitedly, and Armstrong returned to his cabin.
“Well, sir, what punishment do you think you and that man Gaunt deserve? What am I to do with you?” the admiral asked grimly.
“That depends upon your instructions, sir,” Armstrong answered with a smile.
The admiral smiled, and took a cigarette from a silver box on the table.
“Yes, I have received my instructions, as you suggest. Armstrong, I will drop the official, and will speak to you as man to man.”
“You know my name.”
“Yes—unofficially. Now I am going to give you a hint. The fleet will be off the mouth of the river to-night, but I cannot guarantee that a careful watch will be kept. In fact, I think that a man who has had experience in handling a destroyer might creep out without being seen,” the admiral remarked slowly and significantly.