“You must tell me about that action, Monsieur.”
“I shall be pleased to attend upon Your Majesty at any time for that or any other purpose,” he replied. “And if it were necessary to secure entrance to your levee, I would cheerfully engage to capture another British frigate.”
The Queen laughed kindly at the little Captain, and then she stared toward Bucknall, who stood shifting from one foot to another, twisting his hat in his hand. She was a good-hearted woman and would fain neglect no one—not even the humblest.
“And who is this?” she asked.
“Madame, give me leave,” I interposed. “He is a sailor to whom I owe life, liberty and—love!”
“Looks he not like a cupid’s messenger?” queried Her Majesty, smiling, and then the King broke in.
“Have you sent for the prisoner, Madame?”
“Your Majesty, he is here?”
“What, this gentleman?”
The Queen bowed.