My plan is this: I mean to make this a night attack. We should leave
the harbour here in four days' time--that is to say, on the 23rd, if
the weather holds, and not later than six o'clock in the morning.
It may possibly be earlier, but that will depend to some extent on
the wind."
M. de la Pailletine by this time was white with passion. He began to
comprehend that his guest would not dare to speak thus without some
high authority to back him.
"Are we to understand, sir, that in this proposed expedition we sail
under your orders?"
"Certainly."
"May I ask to see your authority?"
"Of course you may."
Captain Salt put a hand into his breast and drew out a folded paper.
Laying this on the table, he let his eyes travel round with a quiet
smile.
It was signed in the handwriting and sealed with the seal of his
Majesty King Lewis.
M. de la Pailletine picked up the paper with a shaking hand and read
it through. There was no room for demur. The King commanded him, as
chief of the squadron of galleys lying in Dunkirk, to place his
ships, officers, and crews at Captain Salt's disposal and to follow
his instructions implicitly throughout the expedition. Moreover, the
Intendant was ordered to furnish whatever stores, artillery, etc.
Pages:
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248