Although he could not be absolutely certain of the destruction of the enemy, the fact that his boat had saved itself would spread abroad the fact that the _Mare Nostrum_ was entirely capable of self-defense.
His joy took him to Caragol's domains.
"Well done, old man! We're going to write to the Ministry of Marine to give you the _Croix de Guerre_." The cook, taking his words in all seriousness, declined the honor.

If such recompense were to be given to any one, let it be handed to "that lad from Vannes." Then he added as though reflecting the captain's thoughts: "I like to sail in this fashion....

Our steamer has gotten its teeth, and now it will not have to run like a frightened rabbit....

They'll have to let it go on its way in peace because now it can bite." The rest of the journey toward Salonica was without incident.
Telegraphy kept it in contact with the instructions arriving from the shore.

Gibraltar advised it to sail close to the African coast; Malta and Bizerta pointed out that it could continue forward since the passage between Tunis and Sicily was clear of enemies.