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 remained on deck cursing quietly and examining the
approaching enemy with no pleasant stare.
Orders were issued to all the six galleys to attack the fleet.
Four were told off against the merchantmen and commanded to make all
speed to get between them and the Thames; while _L'Heureuse_ herself
and _La Merveille_ (commanded by the Chevalier de Sainte-Croix) were
to attack and take possession of the frigate.
Immediately they began to make all possible haste with sails and
oars. Captain Salt withdrew to the cabin in dudgeon and M.
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