His tones were cordial, and as pleasantly as I could I responded:
“It looks like it, sir.”
“I must communicate with her captain before she goes,” he then declared. “Will you take over a note for me?”
“Certainly, sir,” I answered with no thought of what the outcome was to be.
“Get ready the yawl, and I’ll bring the missive at once. There is no time to lose,” he said, and hurried away to the cabin.
The boat was lowered, and four sailors were at the oars when he reappeared. Taking the letter from his hand, I swung down into the craft, and gave the order:
“Heave away, lads!”
As we left the side of the brig, he called out:
“Deliver the letter to Captain Rawlins himself, Master Dunn.”
“Aye! aye! sir,” I responded.