,
Captain Salt should find necessary to the success of his design.
If he should require it, the fighting strength of the galleys should
be supplemented by drafts from the regiments stationed in the
citadel, the Rice-bank, and Forts Galliard, Rever and Bon Esperance.
The Commodore read all this and laid the paper down on the table.
The officers around him scanned his face and saw there was no hope of
resistance. Nevertheless, for a moment they looked mutinous.
Their superior officer, however, set the example of graceful
obedience. He stood up and looked the Englishman straight in the
face. Then he spoke with a voice that trembled a little over the
opening words, but after that proceeded smoothly and composedly
enough.
"Monsieur, it is my honour to serve his Majesty without reservation,
even when he chooses to put a slight upon his tried servants.
Unfold your scheme. We will listen and lend you our best
co-operation."
"I thank you, monsieur. Is that all?"
"No, sir; not quite all. You will permit me in addition to remark
that you are a very dirty blackguard, and that if you choose to
resent this criticism, I am your very obedient servant."
"Ah, yes! We will discuss that, if you please, as soon as this
business is over.
Pages:
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249