After the first joyful shock of meeting was over Commander Hughes made the midshipmen and their companions be seated, and each in turn told the thrilling details of his experiences since leaving Lien-Chow with the flag of truce. The story of Commander Ignacio’s duplicity, much to the lads’ surprise, brought forth but little comment.
“I have suspected him,” their captain answered, almost sadly, “since his return without you.”
When the part in their ventures taken by Emmons was told him, Commander Hughes arose from his chair and, much to the embarrassment of the half-breed, took his hand in both of his, thanking him eloquently for his self-sacrificing acts. Then Phil’s heart leaped with delight as his captain cast from him all signs of sentiment; the old fire had returned to his eyes.
The midshipmen were so intent upon their own experiences that the mention of the arrival of the monitors came only at the end of their narrative.
Commander Hughes could hardly believe his ears.
“The monitors are actually here!” he exclaimed, doubting the welcome news. It was too good to be true.
“THE MONITORS ARE ACTUALLY
HERE!”
“The ‘Monterey’ is at anchor at the entrance of the lake,” Phil assured him. “The ‘Monadnock’ should have arrived by now. Commander Barnes has kept up steam awaiting your arrival. I told him you would go up the river to-night,” he added hastily.
Commander Hughes’ joy showed plainly in his strong face.