"
"Say rather that I have brought it."
"Explain yourself."
"I ask no reward, your Majesty, but the discharge of this young
recruit." As he spoke Captain Salt drew Tristram forward from the
doorway, where he was standing awkwardly.
"This is very extraordinary. I expected some request for money, I
will confess."
"There are some things which rank above money," said the Captain with
feeling.
"We are told so," replied William drily. "But might I ask for an
instance or two?"
"There is paternal love. Your Majesty, this young man is my son."
The Captain, at this point, brushed away a tear with the back of his
hand.
"Why--but surely I remember his face?"
"That is probable: for you yourself, sire, did him the honour to
enlist him, no longer ago than last Friday."
"I remember the occasion. But it did not then appear--at least, to
my recollection--that he was a son of yours, Captain Salt."
"Will your Majesty be good enough to note the likeness between us?"
"I do not doubt your word. I merely remark that the two gentlemen
who then interceded for him omitted to mention his parentage."
"Their names, I believe--"
"They were two gallant but wrong-headed gentlemen of his late
Majesty's navy--Captain John Barker and Captain Jeremiah Runacles.
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