"We're off, and we shall be at Capri before we've seen anything," he exclaimed. "I thought Mr. Reeves was going to start at five? We should have been nicely sold if we had turned up sharp at the stated time."
As it happened, at that particular moment Arthur Reeves was standing on the deck of the felucca Victor Strozzi, with his glasses bearing on the shore, in the expectation of seeing his guests, while Hugh and Gerald, in Lieutenant Riefi's cabin on board the transport Victor Stroggia, were being borne rapidly southwards to the seat of war.
CHAPTER II
Under Fire
AN hour later Lieutenant Chigi Riefi, having completed his watch on deck, returned to his cabin. Both lads sprang to their feet in anticipation as the door opened, and the astonishment of the English youths and the young Italian officer was mutual.
The lieutenant began to pour out a series of rapid questions. Hugh, on his part, with his limited knowledge of Italian, was unable to follow his questioner, whose perplexity increased when he found that he had two foreigners in possession of his cabin.
But by degrees he calmed down, and, when in broken words Hugh explained why they were waiting there, the lieutenant told the lads that a serious mistake had occurred—far more awkward than it appeared to be at first sight.
"There is no Signor Reeves on board this ship," said Riefi. "It is against strict orders for any civilians, especially foreigners, to be on board. You must be brought before the captain at once. But do not be alarmed on that score; we can see that a real mistake has been made. Unfortunately, you must come with us to Tripoli. No doubt the Commander-in-Chief will have you sent back by the first available ship."
"But our friends—they will be in a terrible fright!"
The Italian shrugged his shoulders.