looking old fellow the general is!"

They came straight toward where the first luff and I were standing; and
as they approached, Captain Bentinck said:

"Well, general, since you are quite determined not to stay to lunch with
us, let me at least introduce my first lieutenant to you before you go."
Sir Thomas very courteously expressed the pleasure that it would afford
him to make Mr Seaton's acquaintance, and the introduction was duly
made. Then the captain said:

"Sir Thomas has been giving me a very full and detailed description of
everything that has happened since you joined the _Indian Queen_, Mr
Grenvile, and the recital has afforded me a great deal of pleasure. You
appear to have handled an extremely difficult situation with equal
courage and discretion, and I may as well say at once that, so far as
that part of your adventure is concerned, I am quite satisfied. Sir
Thomas has also had something to say about that part of your adventure
which relates to the loss of the _Dolores_"--and here I thought I
detected a twinkle of amusement in the skipper's eye, brought there
possibly by a repetition of the General's frank criticism of my
commanding officer's conduct in turning us all adrift in an unarmed
vessel--"from which I gather that you were in no way to blame for that
unfortunate occurrence."

"I think you will be confirmed in that opinion, sir, when you have heard
Grenvile's own version of the occurrence, as I have," said Mr Seaton.
"The whole affair appears to have been just one of those that no one
could possibly have anticipated."

"Well, I must bid you all adieu," said the general, "for I have kept
poor Carter waiting a most unconscionable time, and I see him marching
to and fro upon his poop yonder in a state of terrible impatience.
Good-bye, my dear boy, and God bless you, for you are a downright good
lad in every way! Don't forget to write to me, and keep me posted as to
how you are getting on. Good-bye, Captain Bentinck! I am delighted to
have had the very great pleasure of making your acquaintance, and I am
much obliged to you for listening to me so patiently. Good-bye, Mr
Seaton; good-bye, good-bye!" And the old gentleman bustled away,
beaming benignantly upon all and sundry, and made his way down into the
boat, which meanwhile had been hauled-up to the gangway. Five minutes
later the boat returned to the _Shark_, and was hoisted to the davits,
and the two craft filled away upon their respe