"It may be so."
"I am certain of it. We have been out-generalled in this matter, although I grant we did all that men could do to give us success."
"In what way would you get rid of this troublesome admiral?"
"I scarcely know. A letter from his nephew might, if well put together, get him to London."
"I doubt it. I hate him mortally. He has offended me more than once most grievously."
"I know it. He saw through you."
"I do not give him so much credit. He is a suspicious man, and a vain and a jealous one."
"And yet he saw through you. Now, listen to me. You are completely at fault, and have no plan of operations whatever in your mind. What I want you to do is, to disappear from the neighbourhood for a time, and so will I. As for our prisoner here below, I cannot see what else can be done with him than—than—"
"Than what? Do you hesitate?"
"I do."