s simple gesture expressed all his heart.
Captain Barker turned briskly.

"Signal the convoy," he shouted, "to make all sail and run for the
Thames!"

_II--The Galleys._

M. de la Pailletine was in some respects a weak man. He was
impatient. Up to this moment his behaviour in an extremely galling
position had been perfect. He had been content to bide his time and
had furthered every order issued by his rival with the cheerfullest
alacrity.

But when the man at the masthead announced the advance of the
merchant fleet, he allowed himself to be tempted and turned to
Captain Salt who stood beside him.

"You will follow them, of course?"

"Of course I shall do nothing of the sort. On the contrary, I intend
to steer to the south, out of their sight."

"You will fling away this splendid prize?"

"Let me remind you, monsieur, that we are bound for Harwich."

"But this is folly, Captain Salt! Harwich will remain where it is,
and we can ravage it at any time. Never again may we have so fine an
opportunity of capturing thirty-six merchantmen and a British frigate
almost without a blow."

"Excuse me, M. de la Pailletine, but I do not allow my orders to be
criticised."

"Then listen to me, sir," retorted the Commodore, his face red with
fury, as he drew from his coat the orders which the King had
addressed to him. "You see this paper? Very well; I destroy it."
He tore it into shreds, and let the pieces flutter over the galley's
side.

"Are you aware of what that action means?" Captain Salt was white to
the lips.

"I am, sir."

"It is treason."

"You think so, perhaps. But a Frenchman should best know what is due
to the King of France. Nevertheless, I shall summon the captains to
confirm my action. Will you attend them in my cabin?"

"Thank you; no, sir. I am quite sure that they will support you.
It remains to see what his Majesty will say when I report your
contempt of his orders."

"That is for the future to decide. Meanwhile be good enough to
recollect that I command the squadron from this moment. Should you
choose to volunteer, well and good. If not, my cabin is at your
disposal as soon as the captains have left it."

He bowed and turned away to summon the captains.

They came in haste, and were, of course, unanimous; though it is
difficult to say how far they were influenced by sound argument and
how far by pique and a desire to thwart the Englishman. While they
sat, Captain Salt r