The sloop-of-war ran in close and the boatswain’s call rang through her. Two boats’ crews, armed with cutlass and pistol, were called away, under the command of Captain Jones and Lieutenants Simpson and Hall. An old, white-haired man met them as the bows of the boats ran up upon the sand; and he bowed low, hat in hand.
“Welcome, sir,” said he, the tremble of age in his voice. “The king’s officers are always welcome. It has been many months since we have been favored by a visit from a ship of his Majesty’s navy.”
The old man had the appearance of a steward or an upper servant of some sort; the Ranger flew no flag and he mistook her for a king’s ship. Captain Jones smiled kindly upon the old fellow.
“Thank you for your kind words,” said he. “I only hope that the earl will be equally glad to see us.”
“The earl, sir, would be pleased, I know. But, ah,” and the ancient shook his white head sorrowfully, “he has been called away.”
“Called away!” The captain exchanged glances with Ethan and his officers, while the boats’ crews muttered their disappointment.
“Yes, sir,” said the old servant. “He has been a-gone for some time now. Do you know, sir,” and he came nearer to John Paul Jones and lowered his voice, “I can’t abide these blackamoors.”
Ethan Carlyle started; and the commander said quickly:
“I mean the man who haunted the grounds, sir, for days. He wanted to see the earl; and when, at last, he did see him, the earl went away to London or some other place. No, sir, I don’t like these blackamoors.”
“Too late,” said Ethan Carlyle, with a great feeling of weight at his heart.
“It would seem that we are to be disappointed in both quests,” said the captain, in a low tone. “The earl is gone and he has taken the paper with him. Perhaps it is even now in the hands of the British ministers.”
Then he turned to Simpson and Hall. “We may as well return to the ship. There seems to be nothing for us here.”
“There is the hall,” said Simpson, pointing toward the great white building whose top appeared above the trees. “I have no doubt but what there is rich plunder there.”
“Hah!” ejaculated Paul Jones, staring into the lieutenant’s sullen face through his puckered eyelids.
“Simpson is right,” said Hall. “We have taken this risk, and should not be asked to go back to the ship empty handed.”