"What can they want with me?" said the major, who had just come on deck.
"You'll soon know, major," observed Bradley, "for they're sending a boat off. Here she comes! Look at the Portuguese bumboats scuttling out of her way!" And the next minute the corvette's gig ran alongside, and a smart little midshipman sprang up the accommodation ladder.
"Major Warrington?" he said, looking inquiringly round.
"Major Warrington?" he said.
"My name is Warrington, young gentleman," the major answered, stepping forward.
"Captain Calvert's compliments, sir, and will you kindly come on board the Alacrity. He has brought out a packet of letters for you."
"Do you belong to the Alacrity?" said the major in a tone of surprise. "Why, when did she sail from Portsmouth?"