The sailor’s bronzed face flushed. “It is hardly necessary for me to say that Prince Theophanis will leave the Magniloquent as free as when he came on board,” he said. “If I did not believe it, I should scarcely consent to remain here.”
“And if I did not believe it, I should certainly not go,” said Maurice heartily. “I am glad to have the opportunity of putting the real state of affairs before the Admiral. Even if it does no good at present, it may be of advantage afterwards. But I think it will be advisable to make it a surprise visit, for the going to and fro of messengers would lead to the suspicion that something very different was on foot.”
“May I suggest, sir, that you should leave me here to-morrow as the captive of Princess Theophanis, and take Mr Suter down with you? I will write a note to the Admiral by him, and he can go on board and deliver it, leaving you in Skandalo. If the Admiral does not feel able in the circumstances to invite you on board, he may ask you to give him an interview on shore, but if not, then no harm will have been done.”
“Oh, but I hope the Admiral won’t be so inhospitable,” said Zoe, “for I am going down too. I have always wanted to see over a battleship, and I may never have the chance again.”
“The Magniloquents will be tremendously honoured, Princess. The Admiral couldn’t be inhospitable to a lady to save his life. If I may speak for him, I am sure he would wish Prince Theophanis to bring the whole of his party.”
“To give us a piece of his mind?” asked Wylie.
“Possibly, but only in the hope of inducing some of you to back out of this affair before it gets dangerous, you know.”
“Ah, Lieutenant, danger is the one thing we have sought in it that we have not found,” said Prince Romanos. “But count me as a visitor to the Magniloquent, I beg of you.”
“The more the merrier,” said the officer politely.
“You must make friends with the monks before to-morrow,” said Zoe, “or you will have a very dull time when we are all away. Perhaps Prince Romanos will take you to pay your respects to the Hegoumenos now?”