"There is a powerful French fleet between us and Gibraltar. I intend to fight that fleet"—his eyes sparkled, and he involuntarily clenched his fists—"and drive it into the Mediterranean.
"Now, I have very important despatches from home for the Governor of Gibraltar, which must be delivered not later than to-morrow. I had intended to deliver them myself, not being aware of the presence of the blockading fleet. Then, when I heard of their position, I had determined to attack at dawn, and thus the despatches would still have been in time. But now, since I cannot attack till the fog lifts"—he made a gesture of impatience—"and that may be days, the only thing left for me to do is to run past the French, and so deliver the despatches to the Governor."
I was all attention, and followed the Admiral intently as he went on, now somewhat more quickly.
"The Quickmatch, Ralph, is in every way suited for such a purpose, and I intend you to take her through. Now, please, listen carefully to the suggestions I am about to make you. Will you take a glass of wine?"
I was so elated at the prospect of distinction thus offered to me that I hardly know how I answered.
The Admiral continued: "If you start shortly, you will be in the mouth of the Straits of Gibraltar about sunset, and you can creep along under the lee of the African coast with a very fair chance of success. You will thus arrive at Gibraltar during the night, and go at once to the Governor and deliver your despatches. You will then await further orders. Of course, in the event of failure——"
Here I leapt up and interrupted him. "Failure, sir! I shall not think of it! I'll get past those Frenchmen, and deliver my despatches, though the whole French navy were after me. Failure, sir! Not if the Quickmatch and every soul aboard of her goes to the bottom! No, not even then!"
The Admiral smiled at my warmth. Of course, he did not know that my life-long happiness—Bertha, to wit—depended on my getting through with those despatches.
He poured out a glass of champagne, and said, "Don't be too sanguine, Ralph. It's no easy matter, you know, to dodge past such a fleet; but I've great confidence in you, and somehow I think you'll do it. Come, let's drink to your success!"
And, standing, we drained our glasses.