“I understand, sir.”
“I must see Gaunt. I have a message for him.”
“He is very ill.”
“Still, I must see him,” the admiral said, and the words amounted to an order.
Lady Mildred, who had been seated by her husband, rose when they entered and looked questioningly at the admiral.
“My husband must not be disturbed,” she said quietly.
“I am afraid that I must deliver a message to him, my lady. Armstrong, you can go.”
The captain saluted and disappeared.
“Mr. Gaunt, I won’t trouble you with a long discourse. To-night Captain Armstrong will sail this cruiser for San Salvador. Sir Keith Hamilton thinks that that will be the best solution, for it would be impossible to procure a conviction should you be tried in England. I would suggest that, when it is dark, you, your wife and the parson, go to the yacht. It would be as well if you also have disappeared by daybreak. I myself shall have to stay here while my engineers make good some of the damage you have done.”
“Am I to understand that I am to be allowed to go free?” Gaunt asked quietly.