"Aren't you taking command, sir?" asked Cardyke.
"Taking command? Why, no, my boy; you've done excellently up to the present. This is your business, and you rightly deserve the credit. I envy you, Cardyke; 'pon my word I do."
"Better take command, sir," replied the midshipman, wearily. "I've only had three hours' sleep the last forty-eight hours, and there's only enough fuel to last a day and a half. If it weren't for you turning up we'd soon have been in an awkward fix."
"All right, then, Mr. Cardyke," assented Drake. "I'll relieve you at your request. Mr. Domer," he continued, addressing the senior, "will you please take sufficient hands to man the boats, and return to the Cerberus? I am keeping the rest of the men on board the Impregnable. I will hand you a written report for Captain Dexter before we part company."
* * * * *
When Cardyke turned out after a solid sixteen hours' sleep he found that the Impregnable, once more under the White Ensign, was in tow of the Cerberus, en route for Halifax. The trials and tribulations of Juan Cervillo's hostages were over. Already the momentous news of the fate of the notorious pirate and the recapture of the terror of the Atlantic had been flashed abroad, and once again peaceful merchantmen might pursue their way without an ever-present fear of capture by a daring and unscrupulous modern buccaneer.
* * * * *
Two months later the long-postponed dinner given by the Fifth Division to their successful rivals of the Sixth took place at a popular Portsmouth hotel.
Lieutenant Player was amongst the first to arrive.
"Well, you fellows," he exclaimed, as he laid a cocked-hat case on a chair. "Drake's not turned up yet?"