Perhaps she was with her father; but no, the captain was alone.
"It's too bad, Captain Stevens," the old sea-dog declared. "Here I am
with this infernal rheumatism holding me down like an anchor, when we
are threatened with a squall."
"Don't trouble yourself, captain," said Fernando. "I fancy there are
young men enough to fight our battles."
"But one likes to have a hand in such affairs, you know."
"Certainly, but don't worry yourself. The wind is still off shore, and
the bay is so narrow that, unless they get out a warp, they cannot haul
in the _Xenophon_."
"I have wondered they did not do that before," said the old sailor. "It
could be done."
"Perhaps they have some other plan. They landed a hundred more men this
morning."
"They can't be going to make a land attack."
"No, the land forces are to cut off retreat."
"It's that infernal Matson--Lieutenant Matson--curse him! He is the son
of my friend; but I say curse him, for all that!" cried the old sea-dog,
his face expressing mingled rage and agony.
"Is he in command?" asked Fernando. Before either could speak, a light
tread warned Fernando that a third person had entered the room. He
started to his feet and, turning about, bowed to Morgianna.
"Captain Stevens, I am proud to welcome you back to Mariana; but I am
sorry it could not have been under other circumstances.
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