The steward and George Lechmere accompanied him into the town to purchase fresh meat, fruit and vegetables.
Frank then made his way to the post office.

He was scarcely disappointed at finding that there was nothing for him as yet.
The next three days he spent in wandering restlessly over the Rock.
As long as the Osprey was under weigh, and doing her best, he was able to curb his anxiety and impatience; but now that she was at anchor he felt absolutely unable to remain quietly on board.
Several officers of his acquaintance came off to the Osprey, and he was invited to dine at their mess dinner every night.

He, however, declined.
"The fact is, my dear fellow," he said to each, "I am at present waiting with extreme anxiety for news of a most important nature, and until I get it I am so restless and so confoundedly irritable that I am not fit to associate with anyone.

When I look in here again I hope that it will be all right, and then I shall be delighted to come to you, and have a chat over our Indian days; but at present I really am not up to it." His appearance was sufficient to testify that his plea was not a fictitious excuse.
On the fourth day he found a letter awaiting him at the post office.

He tore it open, and read: "Funchal, Madeira, August 30.
"Sir: At the request of Mr.Greenwood I beg to inform you that a brigantine, precisely answering to the description given me, anchored in the roads here on the 21st.