"Desire the officer to step down to my cabin," said Captain Brookes, as he turned to leave the quarter-deck.
The pinnace made the foot of the ladder to a nicety, and a lieutenant in full uniform, accompanied by a "sub," came over the side, punctiliously, yet sourly, returning the salute.
"Hello, Tregarthen! What the dickens are you doing aboard this packet?" exclaimed the British officer in undisguised astonishment. "Don't you know me?"
"Yes, of course; it's Blake."
"Right, old man; but again, why masquerading in mufti on this hooker?"
"Because I cannot help it," replied Gerald. "To be exact, I'm a prisoner, though only a nominal one. Also, I'm on leave. In another twenty-three days I am supposed to rejoin the Calder, but I'm afraid I shan't."
"We'll rescue you, old fellow, never fear."
"Don't be so sure about that. It's a long story, but this letter will explain matters. Now you had better be off, for the captain awaits you in his cabin, and the officer of the watch looks as if he's growing impatient." So saying Gerald handed the lieutenant the document he had prepared, and withdrew to where Stockton was observing, with mixed feelings, the pinnace of the Niobe as she lay alongside.
