“It amounts to that,” the admiral answered.
“Thank God!” Lady Mildred cried fervently, and her face was aglow with joy.
“In my last wireless from the Admiralty, there was a message for you from Sir Keith Hamilton. ‘Tell Gaunt that he may consider himself a lucky man, and suggest that he take a twelvemonth voyage round the world, for the benefit of his health.’ In my opinion the advice is good.”
There was a knock at the door and Captain Armstrong entered.
“The Governor-General’s launch is making for the flag-ship, sir, and I think his Excellency is on board.”
“Then I am afraid he will have to wait a while. I don’t know that I am particularly anxious to see him till you are safely out of the way. Perhaps Lady Mildred would give me some tea?” the admiral said with a deferential bow.
Like the majority of sailors, the admiral had an eye for a pretty woman, and Lady Mildred smiled graciously, for she was very grateful for the mercy that was being shown to her husband.
She looked at Gaunt and read consent in his eyes.
“Perhaps Captain Armstrong will join us,” she said demurely.
It was dusk when the admiral left and an hour later a launch left the Esmeralda for the Heron. Gaunt was carefully covered with blankets, and stood the journey well.