He won't start for a month or two: why not occupy the time in improving
your navigation, so that if there are difficulties about a cadetship
you'll be competent for a mate's berth? Nothing like having two strings
to your bow. What do you say to that?"
"'Tis very good of you, sir; I accept with pleasure."
"That's right. Now when you've finished that curry we'll go out on the
veranda. Before you came they were talking of nothing but their dogs; but
I wager 'tis nothing but the Pirate now."
They soon rejoined the other gentlemen.
"Come, Mr. Burke," said Admiral Watson, "we've been talking over the
information you've given us. You've nothing to do, I suppose?"
"I've just suggested that he should read up navigation, Mr. Watson," said
Merriman.
"You're a wizard, Mr. Merriman. I was proposing to engage Mr. Burke to
accompany us on our expedition against the Pirate. He can make himself
useful when we get to Gheria. We'll see how James' information tallies
with his.
"You won't object to serve his Majesty, Mr. Burke?"
"'Tis what I should like best in the world, sir."
"Very well. Meanwhile learn all you can; Captain King here will take
charge of you, I've no doubt."
"Certainly, Mr. Watson."
"You will give Mr. Burke quarters for the present, Mr. Johnson?" said
Merriman.
"To be sure. And as 'tis late we'd better be going.
"Good night, your Excellency; good night, gentlemen."
Early next day Admiral Watson himself rode down to the harbor to inspect
the grab.
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