“With the exception of the cook, gentlemen,” urged the captain. “He has to go on shore marketing.”
“Then don’t tell the cook. Now, do we understand each other?”
“Aye, aye, sir!”
“One question, captain,” said Brentin, as he rose. “The French corvette has left the harbor, I understand?”
“Yes, sir, she sailed to Villefranche yesterday.”
“And the Saratoga, what of her?”
“She’s away over at San Remo, sir, and returns some time to-night or to-morrow.”
“Thank you, Captain Evans; that will do. Good-evening.”
“My friends,” he said, as the captain closed the door, “this is going to cost a lot of money; let us hope we shall all come out right side up.”
“And now, what about Bailey Thompson?” Bob Hines asked.