"I trust you will honour me with your presence in my cabin," replied Captain Brookes affably, and, as the party of officers moved towards the companion, he continued "Might I be inquisitive enough to inquire how you were so ready with your message?"
"Merely the result of a general order, sir," replied the lieutenant of H.M.S. _Galatea_, one of the latest super-Dreadnought cruisers. "Since your marvellous display of speed one never knows where you might turn up next. We happened to be the vessel that stood in your way."
There was a marked difference between the respective manners with which Captain Brookes and Gerald received their communications.
The former calmly and deliberately cut the flap of the envelope with a paper-knife, while his subordinate tore his with almost feverish anxiety.
Gerald's contained a copy of a general order, in which it was stated that Sub-Lieutenant Gerald Tregarthen had been promoted Lieutenant in His Majesty's fleet; and, further, that he was appointed for special duties for an indefinite period, thereby proving that My Lords were both willing and anxious for him to continue his stay on board the _Olive Branch_, although they hesitated to say so in plain words. Nevertheless, the communication lifted a great load off Gerald's mind, although in his excitement he could not fully realise his good fortune. Meanwhile Captain Brookes had completed the reading of the letter addressed to him. Not a sign did he give of its effect, but, inscrutable as the Sphinx, he carefully selected a quill, pointed it, and began to write.
Gerald had before remarked that these pens were the only obsolete articles on the ship. Captain Brookes, past master in the art of modern appliances, had a peculiar liking for quills; and it was with almost pre-Victorian punctiliousness that the captain penned his reply. This done, he carefully sealed the envelope with wax and handed it to the British officer with a courteous bow.
Then, having waited till Gerald had written his acknowledgment, he broke the official ice by requesting the lieutenant of the _Galatea_ to partake of a bottle of choice old Madeira.
For nearly half an hour the midnight reception continued, and though the conversation was mainly small talk, Captain Brookes noticed that his visitor was keenly taking in his surroundings, though, the captain reflected, there was little information to be gleaned in that cabin that would prove of use to a stranger.