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"Ah, Grenvile," he exclaimed, as I descended into the brig's cabin, which, by the way, was almost as sumptuously arranged as that of the Francesca, and which the medico was then using as a surgery. "I am glad to see you and to learn that you don't need any of my delicate attentions!
That same sea breeze set in while we in the cuddy were sitting down to breakfast; and when, after the meal was over, we all adjourned to the poop, I found Carter regarding the stranger with some little uneasiness through the telescope. As I joined him he handed me the instrument, saying: "Just take a squint at her, Mr Grenvile, and tell me what you think of her.
Five minutes later I found myself in the main saloon, and the centre of an excited and somewhat terrified group of passengers. "Ah!" exclaimed the general, as I made my appearance. "Now, perhaps, we shall get at something practical. Here is young Grenvile, who, being a navy man, may be supposed to know how to deal with an awkward situation.
"Grenvile," I prompted, continuing "I must apologise for not having sooner introduced myself. I am senior midshipman of the Shark, and was prize-master of the slaver Dolores, which I had instructions to take into Sierra Leone." "Just so; thank'e," answered the man.
"Here I am, Mr Grenvile," replied the man himself, edging his way toward me through the crowd. "Now," said I, "please tell us precisely what you know about this very extraordinary affair." "Well, sir," was the answer, "I really don't know so very much about it, when all's told; but I'm not very greatly surprised.
And more than that," he continued, taking up the glass and levelling it at the Dona Inez, "I'm blest if I don't believe as we're weatherin' on her too. Take this glass, Mr Grenvile, and tell me whether you don't think as we've drawed up a bit closer to the commodore since eight bells struck."
Then, turning to me, he said: "Mr Grenvile, take the glass and lay aloft, if you please, and see what you can make of those strangers. Mr Keene" to the other midshipman of the watch "slip down below and call the captain, if you please. Tell him that two strange sail have been sighted from aloft, apparently coming out from the Congo."
Leaving my shipmates itching with curiosity to hear the yarn which I had just begun to spin, I made my way up to the quarter-deck, where I found Mr Seaton in charge, both ships still remaining hove-to. "Ah, here you are, Grenvile!" exclaimed the first luff as I stepped up to him and touched my hat.
Sir Thomas very courteously expressed the pleasure that it would afford him to make Mr Seaton's acquaintance, and the introduction was duly made. Then the captain said: "Sir Thomas has been giving me a very full and detailed description of everything that has happened since you joined the Indian Queen, Mr Grenvile, and the recital has afforded me a great deal of pleasure.
"Mr Pringle," said I, "have the goodness to get the arm-chest on deck, and see that the crew are armed in readiness to repel those attacking boats." "I hope it may not come to that, Mr Grenvile," said the gunner; "if it does, I'm afraid it'll be a pretty bad look-out for some of us, considerin' our numbers. But, of course, it's the only thing to do."
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