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"A ship, sir, going free, and standing to the eastward," was the answer. "Make all sail, Mr Tarwig; we shall be up to her before dark, and ascertain what she is. Haul up a couple of points she can't escape between us and the land." The breeze was fresh, and the stranger continued on her former course, either not having discovered the corvette or not being desirous of avoiding her.
Mr Fluke was engaged in his private room. Mr Tarwig, the head clerk, got off his stool to speak to him, and had Owen put a proper value on this piece of condescension, he would have considered it a good sign. "Sit down, my boy, the master will be out soon, and he has something to say to you," said Mr Tarwig, pointing to a bench, and nodding to Owen, he returned to his seat.
What "Ah me!" meant Owen could not tell, but he judged that Mr Tarwig was satisfied with his performance. Owen had not forgotten John. "A friend is waiting for me outside, sir," he said; "if I am not wanted, I must rejoin him." "Stay and hear what Mr Fluke has got to say to you," answered Mr Tarwig; "or go out and call your friend in, perhaps the master may have a word to say to him."
Mr Tarwig, who had been his chief task-master, shook him warmly by the hand, and said more kind words than he had ever before been known to utter. The rest of the clerks imitated his example; and Owen, with a heart grateful for all the kindness he had received, rejoined Joseph in the coach.
Mr Tarwig came in command of them, with directions from the commander to choose a site for erecting a battery on the island with their guns. "The commander thinks it probable that the Spaniards, when they find out that we are here, will attack us for the sake of making us prisoners, and the sooner we are prepared for them the better," he said to Lieutenant Foley.
Fires were lighted, though the wood did not burn at first very briskly, and the cooks busied themselves in preparing for breakfast. The commander on going out of his tent took one glance seaward. "I feared it would be so," he said, turning away his head. "Now, Mr Tarwig, we'll get our fort under way."
He was heartily joined by Lieutenant Tarwig, who, if he did not care much for honour and glory, was at all events anxious to obtain a good lump of prize-money, with which he might set up housekeeping with Mrs Tarwig, whenever he had persuaded some lovely damsel to share his fortunes. The master and the other officers were very much of his way of thinking.
"We give you the quarter you ask, and your lives will be safe till you are brought to a fair trial," answered Mr Tarwig, "but I will not promise you any other terms." The man consulted with his companions.
"Even the most daring would scarcely venture, I hope, to attack a fleet among which are so many armed vessels, well able either to defend themselves or to retaliate on an intruder," answered Lieutenant Foley, whose thoughts immediately flew to the Ouzel Galley. "They would run the chance of getting off scot free in the confusion their sudden appearance would make," said Mr Tarwig.
He stood at the entrance for some seconds without advancing. No one seemed to know him. Looking round he saw many of the old familiar faces still there. Mr Tarwig was at his desk. Several of the clerks glanced up at him, but supposing that he was a stranger, went on with their work. He advanced to where the head clerk was sitting, and putting out his hand
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