“So that is the story of Mr. Cate, eh?” said Clif. “Well, we’ll talk on a more pleasant subject.”
She was interrupted by a commotion at the gangway. A splendidly equipped barge, glittering with brass and polished wood, dashed alongside, and an officer fairly covered with gold lace ascended to the deck.
He was met by the executive officer and conducted to the cabin. A few minutes later he reappeared and was rowed ashore.
Then orderlies ran here and there, officers hurried below, and a general air of excitement prevailed.
“Something is in the wind,” said Clif. “That officer brought an important message. Ah! there goes the boatswain’s mate to pass a call.”
A sturdy old sailor, with the insignia of a petty officer upon his sleeve, rolled to the vicinity of the mainmast and gave a long, shrill whistle, adding in a deep, salty voice that had been trained in many a gale:
“A-a-all hands-s-s, dress ship! And st-stand by to man yards. Look lively!”
Like wildfire the word went along the deck:
“I believe that is right,” Clif said to Juanita. “They are certainly excited enough. Well, I must leave you for a little while. Duty calls me up on one of those yards. Please do not go away until I see you again.”
“I am afraid I must,” the girl replied. “I promised to lunch with father in the city. I’ll stay a moment to see the king, though. By the way, Mr. Faraday, father would be pleased to have you call at the house this evening if you come ashore.”
“What a question!” murmured Juanita, her eyes falling under his ardent gaze. “Why, I--I--that is--my father’s wish is law, you know. I must coincide with what he says.”
“No, that is not enough,” persisted Clif.
“Well, if you insist,” laughed the girl, “I’ll say----”
“Haw! here you are, my dear Miss Windom. Ha! ha! you quite escaped us. Deuced cruel of you, don’t ye know.”
The Englishman sauntered up, twirling his monocle in an affected manner. Turning to Clif, he added:
“What’s the row, dear boy? Are you going to bombard the blooming town?”
“No,” shortly replied Faraday. “The king is coming on board.”
The effect of this commonplace announcement upon the Englishman was remarkable.
He started as if struck; his face became ashen in color, and he appeared to breathe with difficulty.