“IS IT QUITE CLEAR?” THE ADMIRAL ASKED
The humor of the situation suddenly struck Phil, and he blushed to the roots of his hair. “Pardon me, sir, for being so bold,” he replied apologetically. “The same thing must have also struck you, sir, and that is the ‘Sacramento’ must enter Ukula harbor at night and secretly and Commander Tazewell must meanwhile prevent the hoisting of the Herzovinian flag.”
All three of his hearers gave an ungrudging assent. The admiral took out his watch. “It’s now a little after one o’clock,” he said. “We are thirty odd miles from Ukula. You can probably be there by dark. I’ll enter the harbor at ten o’clock to-night and shall have my entire force of three hundred men ashore within ten minutes after we anchor. Tell Commander Tazewell I shall leave all details to him, for he knows the situation better than I. Tell him my decision is to uphold the law of the chief justice under the existing treaty until our government orders me to do otherwise.”
Phil thrilled with joyful excitement as he listened to the admiral’s quiet but decided voice.
“Is it quite clear?” the admiral asked.
“Perfectly, sir,” Phil assured him.
“Then I must speed the parting guest.” The admiral smiled, and put out his hand.
Phil shook the hand warmly.
“Happy is he who brings young men to his council table,” the admiral quoted.